Occupational Therapy Assistant

 APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!

The application period for the fall 2026 semester has been extended. Applications will be accepted until March 29 at 11:59pm.


The OTA Program does not place students into fieldwork based on their vaccination status. Students have multiple fieldwork site rotations through the curriculum and those sites may require additional documents/requirements/vaccinations with which the student must comply. If a student chooses not to comply with the site requirements, it will be deemed a failure by refusal. The student is responsible for submitting all required immunization records and/or lab results into their Castle Branch account by the required due date.

 

Note:

The OTA program primarily utilizes a Face-to-Face delivery model. There is, however, a summer Hybrid class that will require students to have appropriate technology, bandwidth and equipment to facilitate audio and visual participation. Instructors recognize that there can be occasional circumstances but rely on the student to have open and professional communication which will allow the instructor to work with you on possible solutions.

Why PCC?

PCC is the only public institution in Colorado that offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Our instructors have extensive professional experience and our classroom and lab combination will allow you to experience real-world opportunities that you will encounter as an OTA.

What will I learn?

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program will teach you to work in collaboration with and under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist in order to work with clients of all ages; design individual rehabilitative programs; create goals; and help clients meet their goals while monitoring their progress. You will use rehabilitative activities to help clients of all ages overcome physical, emotional, mental and/or social limitations and become independent in their daily living. 

The program consists of 18 months of academic preparation and 16 weeks of fieldwork prior to graduation. When you graduate from the program, you are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). In addition, Colorado requires licensure through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Career Opportunities

The OTA program prepares you for a career helping others improve their quality of life. You can work in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, skilled nursing facilities and in the community. PCC graduates hold positions throughout Colorado and in many states. The US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this will be one of the fastest-growing careers in the foreseeable future.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, (301-652-6611). www.acoteonline.org

 

Note:

You must undergo a background check and drug screen before we can officially admit you into the program. A felony, loss of license, administrative disciplinary proceeding for negligence, malpractice, recklessness or willful or intentional misconduct may prohibit entrance into the program and/or eligibility to sit for the NBCOT certification exam. Contact NBCOT at 301.990.7979 or www.nbcot.org for an Early Determination Review.

 

Marijuana Policy

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program at PCC. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety program.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The licensure requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.  

Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy to identify the program requirements for each state in which you plan to live and practice.  

PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
Colorado Occupational Therapy Licensure.

PCC has not determined if the Occupational Therapy Assistant meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Degree & Certificate Offerings in Occupational Therapy:

Program Application

Program Information

Location
Pueblo Campus
Pathway
Health Professions
Awards
AAS
Course Availability
Day
Program Start
Fall
Program Length
5 Semesters

Contact

Academic Excellence Administrator
Jenny Dunnington
719-549-3198
Janelle.Dunnington@pueblocc.edu