Class Selection Process

The OTA program accepts one cohort per year. New applicants as well as returning applicants must complete the entire application process as outlined in this application guide. It is the responsibility of each applicant to be informed on and adhere to all application procedures and deadlines as they may change from year to year. If you satisfy the minimum application requirements and do not have any other admission limitations, you will be considered a qualified applicant. Admission consideration is based on being qualified, cohort area selection, and then points. Admission limitations may apply. 

Only qualified applicants will receive a points evaluation. Ties between area cohort applicants with the same point totals will be broken based at least upon (a) cohort area resident points, (b) points courses, then (c) the most recent term’s GPA as a full-time college student. The number of points needed to receive an admission offer can vary between area cohorts.

Application Checklist

Course numbers listed below refer to LBCC courses as described in the LBCC catalog. Proof of spring term 2025 and/or summer term 2025 enrollment may be provisionally accepted toward the minimum application requirement courses pending successful completion prior to the start of the program. Minimum application requirement courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher through a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts must come from the original institutions where the applicable transfer courses were completed. Transfer course equivalency is considered on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed. Meet with your advisor to discuss transfer course equivalencies. Applicants will be required to supply the following for each course to be considered: course number, institution where completed, completion year, and the grade(s) received. Important: some of the courses listed below may require completion of one or more prerequisites. Refer to LBCC’s catalog for course prerequisite information.

Minimum Application Requirements

• Mandatory information session (see "Mandatory Pre-Application Information Session")
• Check for admissions limitations (see "Admissions Limitations")
• Submit official transcripts for all transfer courses
• Submit the following during completion of the online application process
  • Residency (see "Residency Information")
  • Cohort area selection (see "Class Selection Process")
  • Distance education advisor meeting form, if applicable
  • Understanding and compliance (see "Understanding and Compliance")
  • Minimum application requirement courses
    • BI 102, BI 112, BI 212, or BI 221
      • Human cellular biology course with lab
    • CRS 130
      • Medical Terminology I
      • Or pass LBCC's medical terminology course challenge
    • MTH 75 or MTH 98 (or higher math credits)
      • Completed within last five years
        • If applicable math credits are older than five years, an LBCC math placement test into or above MTH 95 within the last five years and achieved prior to applying to this program may be used in addition to the older math credits; neither a placement test alone nor self-placement will be accepted
      • PSY 201 or PSY 202
        • General Psychology
      • WR 121Z
        • Composition I
          
          

Point System

All points related experiences must be fully completed prior to applying. Neither spring term 2025 nor later course completion will receive points.

• Point Courses (0 - 4 points possible)
  • COMM 218Z
  • HE 225, PE 231, SOC 204, SOC 205, SOC 206, ANTH 110, or ANTH 210
  • Two points possible per category. Courses must have been completed with a grade of "B" or higher within the last five years. Courses must be transfer equivalent at LBCC to be considered for points.
• Cohort area resident points (0 - 5 points possible)
  • Applicants will be able to select only one participating college cohort toward which to apply. Qualified applicants who are also permanent residents in the associated community college area for at least the 90 days prior to when this program application opens may receive five cohort area resident points. To determine whether or not you live at such an address, you may inquire through your county tax assessor’s office or website. Student residences do not qualify. 
• Previous college degree points (0 -2 points possible)
  • Only one degree will be considered for these points. Eligible degree types: Associate, Bachelor, Master, Ph.D/Ed.D. Consult your advisor about possible financial aid consequences of earning a degree prior to OTA program admission.
    
    

Cancellation

This program is subject to cancellation if there are an insufficient number of clinical sites or eligible students. In the event of cancellation, applicants must re-apply for a later session.

Program Accreditation

This Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Residency Information for Limited Enrollment Programs

For limited enrollment programs such as this one, a resident is defined as someone who established permanent residency 90 days before the first day applications are accepted for that program. Permanent residency is defined as the home a person intends to return to after any absence and in which one’s dependents reside for an unlimited period of time. Student housing does not qualify as a permanent residence. As part of the online application process, you will be required to submit information regarding your residency for the entire 90-day period leading up to the application. Information you will be required to provide includes legal name, phone number, LBCC student ID or social security number, program of choice, street address, city, state, ZIP, and time period at the applicable address(es). You may be required to submit additional documentation upon request to show proof of your permanent residence. Misrepresentation of your permanent residence may result in forfeiture of your application status with this program.

Note to International Applicants

It is important to consult with LBCC’s International Office to determine whether your student visa type allows you to claim US permanent residential status and/or to be admitted to this type of program.

Admission Limitations

Applicants should be aware of the following admission limitations. Failure to comply may result in application denial and/or admission eligibility forfeiture.

Application Completion

Applicants must submit proof of completing all minimum application requirements by the deadlines given to be considered for admission to this program. Applicants are responsible for ensuring LBCC’s Admission Department has up-to-date transcripts and course information for transfer credits they want considered.

Previously Admitted Students

Applicants who have previously been admitted to this program are no longer eligible to apply if they exited the program based on safety concerns or if they exited the program two previous times based on unsuccessful attempts to pass academic and/or clinical requirements not directly related to safety (includes withdrawal in lieu of failing grades).

Clinical Placement Eligibility

Applicants must be in good standing with this program’s clinical site partners. Applicants who have been denied access privileges to one or more of the program’s clinical partner sites may not be eligible to participate in this program. Meet with the OTA Program Director prior to applying to this program if you have concerns regarding your placement potential.

Holds

Applicants must have no registration holds at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program. Financial holds must be addressed through the LBCC Business Office prior to program admission. Note: New student holds (no previous LBCC credits or registration) are the only exception.

To view your status at LBCC: 1) Log in to WebRunner, 2) select "Student," 3) select "Registration," 4) select "Check Your Registration Status," then 5) select the next available term. Contact your LBCC advisor if you have questions about your status.

Academic Standing

Applicants' Academic Standing must be in Good Standing at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program.

Student Status

Applicants must be in good student status with Student Services at LBCC during the entire application and admissions process to be considered for admission to this program.

Note Regarding Financial Aid

The federal financial aid standards and policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are not identical to the college’s standards on admission/registration eligibility. Your financial aid SAP status will not limit your potential admission into this program but may severely affect your funding options.

To view your current SAP status: 1) Log in to WebRunner, 2) select "Financial Aid," 3) select "Your Financial Aid Status," 4) select the aid year, and 5) select the "Satisfactory Academic Progress" tab. Visit LBCC’s Financial Aid for additional information. 

Participating Area Contacts

Applicants may only select one of the participating college cohort areas listed below when applying to this program. That is the application cohort toward which the application will be considered and compared. Qualified applicants who are also permanent residents in their selected cohort area’s community college tax district will receive five cohort area resident points. All applicants are required to adhere to the current application steps and criteria. For application questions, contact the application advisor listed under the area you plan to apply toward.

Statements of Understanding and Compliance

When applying to this program, you will be required to affirm that you understand all of the following:

• Students admitted to this program must be the age of 18 or older prior to the post-admission requirements completion deadline.
• The State of Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board (OTLB) is authorized to require applicants to provide their social security number (SSN). Questions should be directed to the OLTB at: 800 NE Oregon St. Suite 407, Portland OR, 97232, 971-673-0198. Other states might have different criteria in regard to whether they require applicants to have a SSN.
• The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) will accept either a SSN or a student ID to apply for the national exam.
• Eligibility for registration by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) following graduation may be restricted if you have been charged with or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. If you have questions about your eligibility, it is recommended to contact the NBCOT prior to applying to this program.
• LBCC's Student Right to Know information.
• Applicants who were previously admitted to this program are no longer eligible to apply ig they exited the program based on safety concerns or if they exited the program two previous times.
• Admission limitations, Financial Aid’s Satisfactory Academic Progress, and the nondiscrimination statement.
• Applicants must comply with all application criteria and deadlines.
• Applicants may only apply toward one participating college cohort.
• Applicants must provide a valid email when applying to this program. Communication from LBCC regarding your program application will be sent to the email address you provide. Providing an invalid email address will prevent your application from proceeding.
• While COVID vaccinations are not required by the state, some of our partner clinical sites still require them. Having a current COVID vaccination will improve your ability to be placed at a clinical site and allow you to advance with your cohort if you are selected for admission to this program.
• Some occupational health hazards in this program include heavy lifting, exposure to bodily fluids and the use of latex gloves and masks. Meet with the OTA Program Program Director if you feel you have any risk factors to consider.
• If you are suspected of or known to have a communicable disease which may be transmitted under normal program activities, you will be required to have documentation of completing medical treatment prior to participating in fieldwork/lab assignments.
• Some fieldwork sites may require documentation from your healthcare provider stating you are free from communicable diseases and thus are able to work without accommodations for such communicable diseases.
• If admitted, you will be responsible for gaining and maintaining the technical requirements.
• If admitted, you will be required to meet all the essential skills for OTA students.
• If admitted, you may be required to travel out of your immediate geographic area to the nearest lab, you will be required to travel out of your geographic area for fieldwork rotations, and you will be responsible for all costs related to travel and/or temporary relocation. Be prepared to commute to and/or between various locations. Reliable transportation is required to participate in this program.
• Lab locations and fieldwork assignments are determined by the program. Admitted students will not be allowed to change their lab location and/or fieldwork assignments outside the established program processes.
• If admitted, you will be required to complete all LBCC admissions and graduation requirements.
• If admitted, you will be required to complete and pass all post-admission requirements by the deadlines that will be specified in the admission materials.
• If admitted, you will be required to pay for and clear the LBCC-approved criminal background checks; one the first year and another the second year. The results will determine, in part, your eligibility to remain in the program but will not guarantee your eligibility to be licensed or employed in this career field. Neither previously completed nor alternative background checks will suffice.
• If admitted, your social security number (SSN) will be matched against the US Department of Health & Human Services list of individuals who are barred from any participation in federally funded health programs. If on the list, you will not be eligible to participate in this program.
• If admitted, you will be required to cooperate with the drug test policies of this program, the college, and any work experience, clinical, or cooperative teaching site as a condition for continued enrollment in this program and its related academic courses. Students may be required to comply with the non-LBCC site's policy. Testing may be random and unannounced or conducted when there is reasonable suspicion that performance and/or behavior may be the result of the presence of a drug and/or alcohol. The presence, as determined by the program's test procedures, of prescription or non-prescription drugs, controlled substances, etc. may result in immediate dismissal from the work site and disenrollment from the program and related academic courses. The presence of marijuana will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Students may also be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for violating LBCC’s Student Standards of Conduct. Neither previously completed nor alternative drug tests will suffice.
• If admitted, you will be required to maintain a minimum of 75% which is considered a "C”" grade in all OTA theory courses, a "C" grade in all other degree required courses, and courses must be taken in the specified sequence.
• If admitted, you will be required to complete all fall 2025 requirements for an Associates of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant to be eligible for graduation upon completion.
  
  

Nondiscrimination Statement

Read LBCC's Equal Opportunity & Statement of Nondiscrimination.

Online Application Information

All applicants, new and returning, are required to follow the process and criteria outlined in this guide at the time of application. This program’s online application will open on April 14, 2025 at 9:00am. The application will close on June 10, 2025 at 12:00pm. This program’s application type will only be visible during the above mentioned application date/time span. Neither early nor late applications will be considered.

Application Instructions

1. Go to Apply
2. Select the "Apply Now" button
3. Select "Dental Assistant Application" from the list of application types
   • Selecting any other application type will prevent you from progressing through this program’s application processes and thus may forfeit your potential for admission consideration during this cycle.
4. Enter the following information to create your online LBCC application profile:
   • First and last name
   • Email address
     • Important: during this step of the application process you may use either your LBCC or personal email address. The email address you utilize for your online application will become your online application profile login ID. Entering an invalid email address will prevent your application from proceeding.
   • Cell phone (optional)
   • Application profile password
   • Application term: "Fall 2025"
5. Select the "Create Account" button to proceed
6. Carefully enter the information you want considered within each application category:
   • Personal information
     • Date of birth (DOB) and social security numbers (SSNs) are used, in part, to help ensure applications are not mismatched between LBCC applicants with the same names. LBCC is also required to request specific demographic information.
   • Contact and demographic information
   • Additional residency (if applicable)
   • High school and college Information
   • Prerequisites
   • Points (if applicable)
   • Optional file upload
   • Statements of understanding and compliance
7. Carefully review all your information and then select the "Submit Application" button
   
   

Following Application Submission

You are required to continue to check email regularly. If we require additional information for processing your program application, you will be contacted by a staff member via email (not text). Failure to provide accurate information will result in your application being delayed, which may result in forfeiting your placement on this program’s application list and may result in your application being denied.

Returning/Existing LBCC Students

If you receive a notice stating "you already have a profile," select either "Go to login page" to use your previously established login credentials or select "Reset your password" if you do not recall your application profile login information. After you log into your profile, you will then be able to select the correct application type and proceed.

Program Format and Technical Requirements

LBCC offers both a "traditional" instructional format and a "distance education" format for Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). This hybrid design uses a combination of clinical instruction, online courses in LBCC’s eLearning system, and live lectures within the virtual classroom environment. Homework, assignments, and online resources will be available via the course management system. Additional resources for distance education students might be available through their partner community college. For active learning to occur, all learners must participate in class discussions, online forums, and be responsible for completing the activities/ assignments within the prescribed timelines. All OTA students must meet all the technical requirements outlined below.

The number of students admitted to each area cohort may vary from year to year. The variation is due in part to where the program is able to confirm fieldwork rotations and the number of qualified applicants within each area. Program processes determine student placements for labs and fieldwork rotations, and students may not negotiate outside the established processes.

Instructional Methods

Course lectures: traditional students attend classes in-person at the Healthcare Occupations Center in Lebanon and distance education students attend online in real time. This education is provided through a variety of learning technologies, which include streamed video and audio, email, web-conferencing, video conferencing, and virtual classroom. Both traditional and distance students will be required to travel to Lebanon a minimum of two to three times per term for midterm and final exams.

Skills lab: lab instruction is provided by skilled clinicians who serve as lab instructors and includes hands-on demonstration of skills and techniques related to content of courses. Skills lab is scheduled to take place during spring term of the first year and fall term of the second year. Traditional students attend skills labs onsite at the Lebanon campus. Distance education lab locations will be determined in part on applicant numbers and availability of lab instructors/space. Currently the program has skills labs located in Lebanon, Pendleton, Bend, McMinnville, Milwaukie, Astoria, White City, and Tillamook. Lab locations are subject to change. Skills lab locations are assigned to students. Travel and/or relocation may be required for completion of mandatory skills lab experiences.

Fieldwork education: level I and level II fieldwork provides students with hands-on application of theory and demonstration of skills from all instructional methods. Students will complete program specific competencies in the clinical setting. The program tries to avoid having students relocate for fieldwork experience but that is not always possible. Students should be prepared to commute to and/or between various fieldwork locations. Reliable transportation is required to participate in this program.

Note: it is possible that meetings that are typically held in-person may be held online and/or relocated; the program will share meeting and class format updates with admitted students.

Learners Must Complete a Variety of Activities

• Read and view information resources online
• Participate in the class discussion questions using the online forum
• Interact with fellow learners and the instructor in a respectful manner
• Complete exercises and homework as assigned by the designated due date
• Participate equally in the completion of team projects
• Take quizzes and tests online
• Attend and participate in live lecture in real time via the virtual classroom
  
  

Learners Must Meet These Technical Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with computers and the web environment
• Access to reliable DSL or broadband/high-speed internet via your own internet service provider (ISP); you need an ISP that seldom times-out or drops your connection.
• Have multiple web browsers (e.g. Chrome, Firefox); specifics will be provided upon admittance.
• Ability to read and print online documents
• Ability to type responses and to post to the online learning environment
• Allocation for the time required to complete the online activities of this program
• Have access to and be skilled in the use of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Ability to attach and email Word documents
• Ability to scan and upload documents
• Access to a reliable web camera and separate headset with microphone
• Ability to record, edit, and upload video assignments
• Ability to use other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite is desirable
  
  

Learners Must Have Access to the Following Equipment

• Internet Access/Software:
  • High Speed Internet: LBCC does not provide home internet access.
  • Email: admitted students are required to utilize their LBCC email accounts.
  • Web Browser: examples: Chrome, Firefox, Edge. Browsers must be kept updated.  Pop-up windows, ActiveX, and cookies must be enabled. If applicable, firewall settings must allow access to LBCC’s eLearning systems.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (pdf files): must be kept updated.
  • Google Apps: to edit and view documents from any computer.
  • Microsoft Word: for OTA course assignment submissions.
• Computer Hardware:
  • Computer: Windows 8 or higher or a Macintosh running System OS X 10.6 or higher
  • Processor: Pentium dual-core (Windows) or Mac (G5 or Intel); 1 GHz or better
  • Screen Resolution: minimum of 800 x 600 @ thousands of colors
  • Memory: minimum of 128 MB of RAM; 256 is better, 512 or greater would be best
  • Hard Drive Space: enough to store files on your computer as needed
  • Modem: access to high speed internet is required. Drops in connections may require reconnecting to an online course. Time outs after four hours of inactivity is standard. If you experience frequent drops in service, check with your ISP for solutions.
  • Webcam/Headset/Microphone: you will need a webcam and separate headset with microphone to participate in the virtual classroom.
    • Both traditional and distance education students are required to submit select assignments via audio-video recording. Students may use their own video camera or check one out from the OTA department (if checked out from the OTA department, device instructions will be provided and responsibility for the device will be assumed by the student during the time they have the device reserved).
  • 16 GB Flash Drive
    
    

Common Internet Browser Plug-Ins

Some classes may contain files which require one of the following:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (pdf files)
• Microsoft Word Viewer (doc, docx files)
• Microsoft Excel Viewer (xls, xlsx files)
• Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (ppt files)
• Quicktime (mov files)
• Windows Media Player 10 or higher (wma, mp3, mp4 files)
• RealAudio RealPlayer (rp, mp3 files)

Note: despite meeting all technical recommendations, you may still encounter difficulty accessing course content from your computer. It is required to locate an alternate computer to use and have a plan for backup technical support in case you encounter difficulties that cannot be resolved with your instructor and LBCC support services. Personal computer problems will not excuse completing coursework on time.

Post-Admission Requirements

Applicants who receive an admission offer will be required to complete the post-admission requirements by the deadlines provided. Additional instructions will be provided to the admitted students.

These are subject to change and are not included in the cost of program tuition and fees:

• Commitment: all admitted students will be required to submit an admission commitment form
• Spring/Summer Term Completion: if applicable, submit proof of applicable spring term course completion by June 13, 2025 and/or proof of applicable summer term course completion by September 5, 2025. Official transcripts are required for all applicable transfer courses.
• Registration: admitted students must complete COMM 218 during fall term 2025 or sooner.
• Deposit: a non-refundable program fees deposit of $2,500 will be due by August.
• Information Release: admitted students will receive the program required form to complete
• Criminal Background Check: pass the LBCC-approved check (estimated cost: $72)
  • Following successful completion of the first year in the program, students will be required to complete and clear a second criminal background check.
• Drug Test: pass the LBCC-approved test (estimated cost: $65)
• September Mandatory Orientation: admitted students must attend the all day in-person session. No exceptions. Tentatively scheduled for September 17, 2025 (subject to change).
• Technical Requirements: meet the technical requirements prior to the start of the program.
• Health and Training Documentation
• First-Year Required Immunizations: by July 2025, admitted students will be required to submit electronic copies of the following through an online tracker (estimated tracker cost: $50): 
  • • Positive Hepatitis B surface antibody titer
      • Antibody blood test; vaccines alone will not be accepted. Early action required: applicants should have proof of the entire HepB vaccination series and the follow-up Hepatitis B Surface antibody titer prior to applying to this program. Older vaccines do not always result in the required positive (a.k.a. reactive) HepB surface antibody titer, thus additional HepB vaccination(s) and testing may also be required.
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
      • Positive antibody titers for all three or two vaccines
    • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
      • One vaccine updated every ten years
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
      • Positive antibody titer or two vaccines
  • Second-Year Required Immunizations: second-year students will be required to submit proof of the following: 
    • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test
      • Either a negative TB blood test (Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot) or negative two-step TB test (two separate TB skin tests completed one to three weeks apart); completed within the last 12 months and updated annually while in the program
    • CPR
      • Only the American Heart Association BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross BLS Provider CPR certifications will be accepted. All other CPR certifications will be denied. Must be kept current.
  • Recommended Immunizations: the following are recommended but not required. Some clinical sites may require one or more of these for student placements, thus not completing these might limit your ability to be placed at a clinical site and advance with the cohort (costs vary):
    • Current COVID-19
      • Vaccinated as per the current CDC guidelines; due and updated by October 1 annually; must include the vaccine manufacturer and lot number.
    • Flu shot
      • Current influenza vaccine, updated annually
    • Polio
      • Positive antibody titers or three vaccines
  • Health records must be in the form of a copy of either an official immunization card or original immunization/ medical screening document. Official documentation must include: 1) Your name, 2) Date of birth, 3) Name of administering agency or provider, 4) Name of injection, test, etc. and results, if applicable, 5) Date of injection, test, etc., 6) Healthcare provider’s signature, official stamp, or letterhead.

Essential Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistant Students

Below are essential skills that students should possess to progress satisfactorily through this program. If you are concerned that a disability may impact your ability to perform one or more of these skills, provide patient care, or participate in other job activities, you are encouraged to contact LBCC’s Accessibility Resources.

Critical Thinking Skills

Students must possess critical thinking skills sufficient for clinical judgment. Students must be able to think independently and use the OT process as a basis to solve client problems, such as identifying cause and effect relationships in clinical situations, developing appropriate interventions, exercising good judgment, and safely and effectively providing treatment.

Interpersonal Skills

Students must possess interpersonal and self-management skills sufficient to develop positive and effective relationships with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Students must be able to establish therapeutic relationships with patients, families and significant others. Students must perform effectively under stress and demonstrate flexibility.

Communication Skills

Students must possess communication skills sufficient for interaction with clients, caregivers and other professionals in verbal and written form. Students must be able to effectively report and document clinical observations, provide client and caregiver instruction, gather data through interviewing, participate in team meetings, and provide in-service presentations.

Technology Skills

Students must possess the technology skills needed for effective communication with staff, supervisors, and other professionals. Students must be able to compose and respond appropriately to email, be able to create and save documents using Microsoft Word, and create slide presentations using PowerPoint. Students must be able to open and read PDF documents as well as be able to scan documents and save as a PDF document. Students must be able to create short videos as needed for class assignments.

Mobility Skills and Stamina

Students must possess physical skills sufficient to maneuver throughout the facility and within small spaces to provide effective intervention. Students must be able to move around in patient rooms, bathrooms and other workspaces to provide effective treatment implementation. Students must be able to judge distance/ surface change/ depth in order to assist clients ambulating on various surfaces. Students must also be able to position, transfer, and transport clients, provide contact guard assistance, and demonstrate physical endurance adequate for the workplace.

Motor Skills and Balance

Students must possess gross and fine motor skills sufficient to function as an OTA. Students must be able to use equipment, fabricate and use adapted devices, fabricate splints and utilize fine motor activities in client treatment as required by the work site. Students will be expected to regularly lift and/or move objects ranging from 10 to 50 pounds and routinely lift/move objects greater than 50 pounds using proper body mechanics (i.e. during patient transfers). Students must be able to maintain balance during guarding of unstable clients and maintain balance during lifting/ pivoting of unstable clients.

Auditory Skills

Students must possess auditory skills sufficient to monitor and assess client needs. Students must be able to hear and recognize monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds (breath and heart sounds) and cries for help.

Observation and Visual Skills

Students must possess visual skills sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in OTA practice. Students must be able to observe patient/client responses to treatment and assess the client's condition including inspecting skin, color, odor, motor function and taking accurate vital signs, see a change in skin color and be able to detect calibrations on equipment.

Tactile and Sensory Skills

Students must possess tactile skills sufficient for physical assessment. Students must be able to perform palpation, functions of physical examination, such as manual muscle testing, and/or functions related to therapeutic intervention. Students must be able to detect safe heat levels on various appliances and tools (e.g. stove, heat gun, etc.).

Tuition, Fees, and Program Fees

The estimated cost of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program: $27,009.00 (subject to increase). This cost consists of both the estimated LBCC tuition and fees and the OTA program fees. Both will be paid to LBCC. This program is eligible for financial aid; however, financial aid may not be used toward paying the $2,500 non-refundable deposit. To apply for aid, you must file a FAFSA each year and include LBCC as a receiving school. Financial aid is disbursed in payments each term; students might not receive a financial aid credit until a year’s entire program fees shows a zero balance on their LBCC student account. Books and materials required for degree-required courses which do not begin with the "OTA" prefix as well as certification exam fees are not included in the estimated cost of the program.

Estimated LBCC tuition and fees: $13,983.60 (subject to increase). This refers to the cost of the OTA Program specific course credits: all courses with an "OTA" prefix and the other degree required courses and the in-state per credit costs; out-of-state and international per credit tuition and fees are higher. LBCC tuition and fees are charged by a per term credit count and must be paid in addition to the annual OTA program fees.

Estimated OTA program fees: $13,818.40 (subject to increase). This refers to the OTA program’s remaining required non-refundable instructional costs, books, and laboratory fees. Program fees are divided equally between the first and second academic year. Payment plans will be available for those who qualify. Students who will be utilizing the program fees payment plan will be required to submit a deferred note contract (DNC). Additional program fees payment plan information will be made available to admitted students.

All students will be required to submit a $2,500 non-refundable program fees deposit (subject to increase). This non-refundable deposit will be due before any financial aid is received so planning ahead is necessary. Additional documentation may be required from students receiving financial aid and/or other third party tuition assistance awards.

The second program fees payment of $1,469.74 will be due on October 6, 2025 (subject to increase).

Estimated Cost by Year

Year	Tuition & Fees	Program Fees	Total Cost
1	$7,011.80	$6,909.20	$13,921.00
2	$6,178.80	$6,909.20	$13,088.00

 

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs that admitted students will be responsible to pay while in this program. Admitted students will receive additional details. Student costs may include travel and/or temporary relocation for labs and/or fieldwork experiences, the completion of a N-95 mask fit screen/test through an occupational medicine facility (estimated cost: $70 - $275), certification fees, etc.