Occupational therapy assistants make a difference in people’s lives by helping them be as independent as possible when physical, psychological, or social challenges prevent them from doing everyday things that give their lives meaning. They work with clients from newborn to older adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and nursing homes.
Fast Facts
- 21 months
- Classes begin in August
- Application Deadline: March 1
- File Completion: March 15
- 18 students per class
- Associate of Applied Science degree is obtained through academic affiliate, UA-Pulaski Technical College
- A portion of this curriculum may be available through web-based instruction
Admission Requirements
- Completed Application Process
- ACT Score of 21 or above is preferred; score of 20 required
- Pre-requisite courses completed with a “C” or better
- GPA of 2.7 or above on required prerequisite courses preferred*
- A BHCLR applicant must be a high school graduate or have a GED prior to program start date. Please note that these are minimum requirements and applicants are ranked according to academic criteria to determine eligibility for an interview with selection committee.**
- Recommendation Forms (2 required) (link for form)
- View application information
*GPA calculated utilizing 16 pre-requisite hours. For applicants who do not have a grade for 16 pre-requisite hours (advanced placement, CLEP, course in progress), the 16 GPA hours will be calculated using one or more of the following co-requisite course grades in the following order: English Composition II and Computer Concepts.
**Average GPA and ACT of accepted class:
| Year | Avg. GPA | Avg. ACT |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3.69 | 24 |
| 2023 | 3.39 | 23 |
| 2024 | 3.75 | 23 |
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) provides information on transferability of courses taken within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Where available, the ACTS transfer course number is provided. In order for a course to transfer, a grade of “C” or better must be achieved. For more information see: https://editor.engagelively.com/widgets/adhe-crosswalks-by-subject/index.html
| Pre-Requisite College Courses Beginning Fall 2025 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1103 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PSYS 1103 | Psychology and the Human Experience | 3 |
| BIOL 11353 and 10351 | Structure and Function of the Human Body | 4 |
| HIMT 10183 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 16 |
| Co-Requisite College Courses* | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1023 | English Composition II | 3 |
| CPSI 1003 | Computer Concepts | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 |
*May be taken prior to admission or in sequence with OTA curriculum.
**This course is a one semester overview / survey of all systems of anatomy and physiology and completion of Anatomy & Physiology I will not meet this requirement. Students who complete Anatomy & Physiology I must also complete Anatomy & Physiology II to satisfy this requirement. Per ADHE requirements, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be taken at the same institution to be transferable.
For students who intend to pursue an advanced degree that will require two semesters / 8 credit hours of A&P, completion of both BIOL 24043 and 24131 and BIOL 24143 and 24031 with a grade of “C” or better will satisfy this course requirement.
Program Outcomes
Student Responsibilities
- All Level II fieldwork experiences must be completed within 18 months of the didactic coursework of the OTA program and prior to taking the NBCOT exam
- A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure
Affiliates
Accreditation
The School of Occupational Therapy Assistant is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611
www.acoteonline.org
FAQs
The cost of the Baptist Health School of Occupational Therapy Assistant varies depending on the individual student. Please download the Allied Health cost plan for estimated costs.
The Baptist Health School of Occupational Therapy Assistant prefers an ACT Score of 21 or above for admission. If you do not score a 21 or above, we recommend that you re-test. Generally, students are able to increase their score with each time they take the ACT. We also recommend that you use a study guide or preparatory course that is specifically designed for the ACT.
As a student in the Baptist Health School of Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will be in class up to 5 days per week.
At this time, the Baptist Health School of Occupational Therapy Assistant does not offer classes at night or online. However, general education courses offered through UA-Pulaski Technical College may be offered at night or online.
Earnings for Occupational Therapy Assistants vary greatly and depend on many factors including work setting, years of experience and geographical location. Please visit the US Department of Labor website to find out earning information.
(The cost sheet requires that Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed on your PC. If you don’t have this free software, click here to download.)