Program Overview

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Accelerated Option is a fast-track program designed for students who have already completed required general education courses. Over 13-14 months, students will complete intensive OTA coursework and fieldwork to gain the skills necessary for certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam and pursue licensure in Massachusetts. The program offers an accelerated path for students committed to full-time study, allowing them to quickly enter the workforce.

Join the OTA Accelerated Option at ϳԹ and quickly begin your career as a certified occupational therapy assistant.

Program Highlights

  • Designed for students who have completed general education requirements.
  • Full-time, accelerated 13-14 month program.
  • Accredited by ACOTE and eligible for NBCOT certification.
  • Transfer opportunities to professional occupational therapy schools.
  • Clinical fieldwork placements in various healthcare settings.
  • Personalized support from faculty and staff throughout the program.

Program Details

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Review the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Policies.

Download the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Handbook >

View and print the required courses for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Guided Pathway >

Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program can pursue careers in:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Pediatric clinics
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Schools and special education programs
  • Home health care agencies

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

For complete details on program learning outcomes, semester course breakdowns, and practicum requirements, please refer to the .

ϳԹ maintains transfer agreements with various four-year institutions, expanding opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.

Explore Transfer Options >

Student Achievement Data

Most recent performance results of ϳԹ Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates on the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy examination can be accessed by .

2022 - 2024 Graduate Information

Graduation Year

Students Entering/Graduating

Graduation Rate

2024 12/11 92%
2023 13/12 92%
2022 22/18 82%
TOTAL 47/41 87%

Additional Information

Further information about certification exam performance, employment rates and clinical performance of graduates as evaluated by employers is available upon request by contacting:

Shauna Manthorn
Department Chair, OTA Program
Phone: 978-762-4168
Email: smanthor@northshore.edu

Contact Admissions

SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
Admissions Events

General Assistance

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Accreditation

ϳԹ is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. ϳԹ is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

ϳԹ's associate-degree-level Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
c/o American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD  20814 

Phone: 301-652-2682
Website:

ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the webpage.

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