Occupational Therapy Assistant

The occupational therapy assistant program has limited enrollment due to accreditation purposes based upon classroom space and available clinical sites. The OTA program accepts students based on the scores given for the following admissions selection criteria:

• Students are required to have earned a minimum 2.5 GPA for either high school or college.
• Successful completion of written self essay.
• Successful completion of prerequisites, verified with official transcripts. (If a student enrolls in the same developmental or science course more than three times, they may not be considered for acceptance. A grade of "W" or "I" counts as an enrollment attempt.)
• OTA core courses must be taken at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). There will be no transfer credits accepted for OTA courses.

To apply to the OTA program, please complete the following steps:

1. Apply to CCAC: Apply Here
2. Placement Test: Take the CCAC Placement Test(s), if required.
3. Submit Transcripts: Send official transcripts from any previous institutions to transcripts@ccac.edu.
4. Complete Prerequisites: Ensure all program prerequisites (including developmental courses, if applicable) are completed with a “C” or better per course catalog:
   • General Biology (BIO-151) OR Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO-110) OR Anatomy and Physiology 1 (within the last 10 years)
   • Developmental courses:
     • Eligible for MAT-090 or higher OR completed 3-4 credits from subject MAT, must be college-level greater than 100.
     • Eligible for or completed ENG-101
5. Apply to OTA Program: Submit a complete and signed  Allied Health Application Form – OTA Program that includes all portions:
   • Attach your Self Essay (see below for requirements).

Important Notes: 

A student may apply to the OTA Program prior to completing prerequisites if they have registered for all prerequisites and are projected to complete the courses prior to the start of the program. Acceptance into the program will be contingent upon successful completion of the prerequisites and depend upon open seats in the program.

The intent of the Self Essay is to provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences and goals as well as to research the profession. Your life experiences and career exploration activities should assist you in writing your essay.

1. Formatting
   • Use college-level English writing.
   • Use clear and concise language.
   • Typed, one to two pages in length.
   • Use standard 12-point font.
2. Header
   • Your full name
   • Address, phone and email address
   • CCAC Student ID number
3. Topics
   • A brief summary of recent and pertinent life experiences:
     • Education (high school to present)
     • Recent work experience
     • Related personal or family medical experiences (optional)
     • Volunteer work or community service
     • Hobbies and interests
     • Awards and honors
     • Memberships
   • A brief definition of your major field of interest, in your own words
   • A brief explanation of your choice of career goal
   • A brief summary of your self-perceived strengths and weakness
   • A brief summary of your educational and career goals

Program Health, Clearance & Training Requirements:

The CCAC Allied Health (ALH) Department uses DISA Healthcare Technology, a screening and document management agency that assists students in obtaining necessary admission materials. DISA Healthcare Technology will also maintain student records. Instructions and fees associated with DISA Healthcare Technology registration and details for each requirement will be included in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program acceptance packet for accepted students. All fees associated with these requirements and DISA Healthcare Technology are the responsibility of the student.

Listed below are the requirements for health records, clearances and trainings for the CCAC Occupational Therapy Assistant program:

• Completed and signed Essential Functions Form
• Student Contact Information Form
• Acceptance Contract
• Pennsylvania Background Check (automatically completed by DISA Healthcare Technology upon student registration)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
• FBI Fingerprints (must be completed after date of acceptance into the program)
• Act 31 Clearance Certificate (not completed until the spring semester)
• Physical Examination
• Proof of Immunity for Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Measles, Mumps & Rubella
• Tetanus Immunization
• Two-step PPD (Mantoux Skin Test) or QuantiFERON TB-Gold Test
• COVID–19 Vaccination or Medical/Religious Exemption
• Drug Test (when requested by the fieldwork site)
• Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS) Certification
• Completed E-Learning Courses on DISA Healthcare Technology for HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens