Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program in Tucson

Earn your associate degree in as few as 96 weeks

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program in Tucson
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About the OTA Program in Tucson
Healthcare needs professionals who are ready to restore dignity, function, and possibility, and that’s exactly what Occupational Therapy Assistants do every day. Our accelerated OTA program in Tucson, Arizona is designed for individuals who feel called to help others overcome physical, developmental, or psychosocial challenges and participate more fully in everyday life. Through a flexible blended curriculum that combines online instruction with hands-on lab experiences, you’ll gain comprehensive training in areas such as neurological rehabilitation, psychosocial practice, geriatrics, and evidence-based care. Early in the program, on-campus attendance is limited to just one Friday per month, offering added flexibility as you begin your training. The program features one core start each year, along with select entry points for students with eligible transfer credits. In under two years, you can earn your associate degree and graduate with the confidence, clinical foundation, and real-world skills needed to pursue certification and begin a meaningful, in-demand career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
CAREER-FOCUSED TRAINING
Hands-on labs, supervised fieldwork, and patient-centered instruction prepare you for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
TUITION TRANSPARENCY
Total Program Cost $43,866.00 Note: All-inclusive tuition with no hidden fees. Program cost is subject to change.
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What you'll learn.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Brookline College’s Tucson campus prepares you to support individuals across the lifespan in regaining independence and finding purpose in daily life. Through a blended learning model that combines online coursework, campus-based labs, and three Level I fieldwork experiences, you’ll build a strong foundation in both occupational therapy principles and hands-on applications. These skills go beyond technique, they prepare you to show up for people when it matters most.

Support children, adults, and elders as they build skills for daily life through physical, cognitive, and psychosocial care
Help individuals and families regain independence, dignity, and confidence through personalized treatment support
Apply hands-on clinical techniques in real care settings through supervised fieldwork experiences
Work closely with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams with professionalism and compassion
Deliver safe, ethical, and client-centered occupational therapy support that respects the values, traditions, and needs of diverse communities
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Admission Requirements for the Tucson OTA Program

Our admissions process is designed to be clear, supportive, and straightforward. While each student’s journey may vary, the following steps reflect the typical path many take as they move forward with confidence.

Meet with admissions (virtual or in person)

Begin enrollment processes

Take and pass TEAS entrance exam

Submit OTA program application & interview with OTA program leadership

Complete FAFSA and financial aid appointment

Clear background check, drug screening and provide medical clearance

Start classes

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program with a Career-Driven Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to help you understand not just what occupational therapy is, but why it matters in real people’s lives. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program curriculum in Tucson is intentionally structured to guide you from foundational principles to advanced, practice-ready applications. You’ll begin by building a strong grounding in the core pillars of occupational therapy, including professionalism, occupation, and whole-person, client-centered care, emphasizing human complexity and the essential role of purposeful activity in health and wellbeing. As you progress, the curriculum deepens to explore the contextual factors that influence occupational health, such as psychosocial dynamics, health disparities, and the evolving role of occupational therapy in delivering evidence-based care while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. You’ll then move into focused study of therapeutic models, interventions, and approaches supporting individuals with physical, neurological, sensory, and developmental challenges. Level I fieldwork is integrated at this stage, allowing you to connect classroom learning with real-world practice. The program culminates in advanced clinical reasoning and Level II fieldwork, where you’ll apply the full scope of your knowledge and skills in authentic care settings, preparing you to transition confidently into professional practice. Every course is designed to help you understand how purposeful activity can restore confidence, independence, and hope in everyday life.

Core OTA Subjects:

Kinesiology
Psychosocial Practice
Advocacy Skills for OTAs
Physical Rehabilitation
Neurological Rehabilitation
Geriatric Practice
Pediatric Fieldwork

My instructor was always lively and engaging; she went above and beyond for her students. Her enthusiasm made the class an enjoyable experience, and I'll miss her presence.

Cassandra L. Brookline College Graduate

I was eager yet apprehensive about starting my nursing career. However, I felt prepared for my first ER position because Brookline equipped me with the knowledge for competent nursing care.

Michelle C. Brookline College Graduate

The Tucson Campus

Brookline College’s Tucson campus provides a supportive, student-centered environment designed for hands-on occupational therapy education. With modern classrooms and integrated skills lab spaces, students can immediately apply what they learn, building confidence through real-world practice. Tucson’s strong sense of community, cultural richness, and growing healthcare needs make it an ideal place to pursue occupational therapy. From helping individuals maintain independence to supporting daily living skills across all age groups, Occupational Therapy Assistants play a vital role throughout the region. Students often choose the Tucson campus for its welcoming, collaborative atmosphere and the opportunity to develop practical skills they can use close to home. Surrounded by natural beauty and a tight-knit community, the campus offers an environment where students feel supported as they grow into compassionate, career-ready OTAs.

Simulation Learning

At the Tucson campus, students engage with immersive simulation tools and modern lab equipment that replicate authentic care environments, allowing them to practice clinical decision-making, intervention planning, and patient interaction in a safe, supportive setting. These hands-on experiences reinforce classroom learning and help students build confidence before stepping into Level I and Level II fieldwork.

Skills Labs and Fieldwork

At the Tucson campus, integrated skills labs are equipped with industry-standard tools and adaptive equipment used in real occupational therapy practice. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students practice essential OTA techniques such as functional assessment, therapeutic activity design, and intervention delivery—gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for supervised fieldwork and entry-level practice.

Campus Location

Brookline College’s Tucson campus is located in a central, easily accessible area of Tucson, and well positioned for students commuting from across the city. The surrounding area offers convenient access to everyday amenities, dining, and services, making it easy to balance school with daily life. Beyond campus, Tucson is a vibrant Southwestern city known for its strong sense of community, rich cultural traditions, and connection to the Sonoran Desert. With abundant sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a growing healthcare landscape, Tucson offers an energizing environment for students preparing to build purposeful careers in healthcare.

Tucson, AZ Campus

300 S. Craycroft Rd.
Suite 100
Tucson, AZ 85711

(888) 928-4765

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    *These placement rates are based on program-specific and campus-specific data reported to our institutional accreditor(s) in 2024. While the figures shown here are not separately reported to our accreditor, they are derived from those outcomes. For full details by program and campus, please visit our Disclosures page.