Make a difference in people’s lives with a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). OTAs collaborate with occupational therapists to support individuals across the lifespan—from birth to end of life—helping them regain independence and improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Through our program, you’ll learn key skills in rehabilitation, therapeutic techniques and holistic care. Hands-on clinical training prepares you to assist individuals, groups and communities in achieving their goals.
With growing demand and diverse job opportunities, becoming an OTA offers a rewarding, in-demand career.
Growth rate for occupational therapy assistants (2023-2033)
Bureau of Labor statistics, Occupational Outlook, 2023 data.
New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) AAS until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.
Health Sciences
Meet with a BHC advisor to complete placement testing and course review.
Applications for the OTA program are received through the Occupational Therapy Assistants Centralized Application Service (OTACAS). Create an account and complete an application following the steps provided on that site.
As part of the application, you will be asked to submit the following:
Schedule an HSRT test in the Testing Center. There is a time limit of 50 minutes. Bring the following items:
Scores are sent directly to the program director. Following the test, students will complete a writing prompt in the testing center.
Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2026 for program start in August 2026.
Students must successfully complete all required general education and OTA-specific courses, including successful completion of all fieldwork experiences, as outlined in the OTA Handbook to be eligible to graduate from the program.
Students who graduate will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam. A passing score is required to apply for state licensure in order to practice in all fifty states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.
At Black Hawk College, the journey to academic success and personal growth is just a step away. Contact Admissions to schedule a tour, receive more information or ask a question about your program of interest.
Contact BHC Apply Register/Search for Classes
Abigail Swidergal, associate professor in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, received the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association’s first-ever Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapist (OTA/OT) Partnership Award at the group’s annual conference.
Apply now for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program for Fall 2026.
BHC Physical Therapist Assistant students and St. Ambrose University Doctorate of Physical Therapy students participated in a two-day intraprofessional collaboration at Black Hawk College.
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