What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, reducing pain, and preventing disability. Occupational therapy helps individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and independence.

Learn more about occupational therapy 

 

 

What are the OTA program requirements?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete the required application process.

Full program requirements are outlined on the OTA Application Process page. 
 

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How long is the OTA program?
Two years, beginning in the summer semester.
 

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How many students are accepted into the OTA program?
The OTA program admits 26 students each summer.

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Is there a waitlist for the OTA program?
No. There is currently no waitlist.

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When will I find out my waitlist status?

You will receive an email confirmation once your application packet is received by the OTA office. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information current and to check your email regularly, including spam or junk folders.

Note: Yahoo and Hotmail accounts may not reliably receive program communications. Please use an alternate email address when applying.

 

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When will I know if I’ve been placed in the next OTA cohort?

Applicants are typically notified by email around February or March. Selected students will receive a notice of intent and required forms, which must be completed and returned by the stated deadline.

Important: Failure to respond may result in removal from consideration. It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of submitted forms.

 

 

 

What can I do to prepare for the OTA program while completing prerequisites or waiting to be admitted?

Complete your general education courses before starting the OTA program so you can focus on the program’s rigorous coursework.

You may also consider taking related courses (e.g., psychology, kinesiology), volunteering in healthcare or community settings, and strengthening your study and writing skills.

 

 

 

When can I apply to the OTA program?
Applications are accepted year-round for the program start date each summer.

 

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Can I apply to the OTA program while completing prerequisites?
No. Prerequisites must be completed before applying to the program.

View the OTA Application Process page for details.

 

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What are the required volunteer and observation hours before applying?

Volunteer or observation hours are not required for application. If you choose to pursue these experiences, you must arrange them independently, as the OTA program does not coordinate placements.

 

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Is the TEAS exam required for admission to the OTA program?
No. The TEAS exam is not currently required for admission to the OTA program.

 

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What are the application submission options?
Applications may be submitted by hand delivery, mail, or email. Hand delivery to the OTA office is preferred.

 

Location:  Building 34, Room 256

 

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I applied but haven’t received a response—what next?

Check your email, including spam or junk folders, and confirm the email address listed on your application is correct.

If you still have not received a response, contact the OTA office to verify your status and update your contact information as needed.

Important: It is your responsibility to keep your information current and monitor your email regularly.

 

 

 

Can I complete prerequisites at another college?

Prerequisites may be completed at any regionally accredited institution. If anatomy and physiology are taken as a two-part sequence, it is recommended that both courses be completed at the same institution.

 

Students should consult a counselor at the institution offering the course to confirm equivalency before enrolling. Final determination of prerequisite equivalency is made by the OTA program at the time of application.

Resources:

ASSIST
Grossmont College Articulation

 

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Can I transfer OT, OTA, pre-OT, or kinesiology courses from another college?
No. Transfer credit is not accepted toward the core OTA curriculum.

 

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Are OTA courses transferable to another college or university?

Yes. Transferability depends on the receiving college or university, so you should confirm acceptance with that institution. Some schools offer bridge programs from OTA to OT.

For more information, visit the AOTA website.

 

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I’m not a Grossmont student—who can I contact about general education courses?

Contact a counselor at your current college for guidance on transferring courses to Grossmont.

You can also review the Grossmont College Catalog or speak with a Grossmont counselor at (619) 644-7208.

For more information, visit the Grossmont College Counseling website.

 

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Do you accept degrees from non-regionally accredited schools as proof of education?

No. Degrees must be from regionally accredited institutions to be accepted as proof of education. If you do not have a qualifying degree, you must provide proof of high school completion.

International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service (e.g., IERF) or another Grossmont College–accepted provider.

 

 

 

Is a high school diploma required to be on file in the OTA program office?

Yes. Applicants without a college degree must provide proof of high school completion (diploma, transcripts, or GED). Those with an associate degree or higher are not required to submit high school documentation.

International transcripts must be evaluated by a Grossmont College–approved credential evaluation service (e.g., a current NACES member).

 

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Can immunizations, TB testing, or the flu shot be waived?
Immunizations, TB testing, and the flu shot are generally required. Declinations may be considered only with appropriate medical documentation or a religious statement. Final approval is determined by clinical sites.

 

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What is the program’s marijuana policy?

Marijuana use, including medical marijuana, is not permitted during enrollment in the OTA program due to clinical placement requirements.

This policy aligns with district district regulations on tobacco use and drug-free environments.

 

 

 

I accepted my seat—what happens next?

You will receive an orientation packet and instructions by email in March. A mandatory orientation is typically held in early June. Failure to attend may result in forfeiture of your seat unless you notify the OTA program in advance.

View the OTA Program Preview schedule.

 

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Will accepting an OTA seat affect my status on other program waitlists?

Yes. Once you accept a seat and enroll, you will be removed from waitlists for other Grossmont health programs. You must complete the program before beginning another health professions program at Grossmont College.

 

 

 

Can I work while enrolled in the OTA program?

The OTA program is rigorous and requires significant time and flexibility. Working during the program is an individual decision based on your ability to manage coursework and other responsibilities.

During the final semester (Level II fieldwork), students are in full-time placements (40 hours per week), and working is not recommended.

 

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Do I need to complete general education requirements before Level II fieldwork

Yes. All general education and OTA program requirements must be completed before Level II fieldwork (OTA 241 and OTA 251), in accordance with ACOTE standards.

Note: Level II fieldwork must be completed within 18 months of finishing the core OTA coursework.

 

 

 

What degree will I earn after completing the OTA program?
An Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate in Science.

For general education requirements, contact the Grossmont College Counseling Department.

 

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Is a certification exam required?
Yes. After completing the OTA program, you must apply to take the NBCOT certification exam.

 

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Is a license required to practice as an OTA?

Yes. In California, you must pass the NBCOT certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as an OTA. Licensure is required in all states—view state requirements on the AOTA website.