Program Highlight: Occupational Therapy Assistant

At Bryant & Stratton College, our priority is to create programs where earning a degree is an achievable dream for students of all backgrounds – including those juggling responsibilities like work, school, and home lives,” said Dr. Amanda Maas, B&SC Hybrid OTA Program Director. “By expanding our Hybrid Occupational Therapy Assistant program format, we hope to provide greater access to those with healthcare career aspirations to accomplish their goals during a time when medical workers are so critically needed.”

What is Occupational Therapy?

According to Dr. Maas, Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health profession focused on enabling people of all ages to live life to the fullest by helping them overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. It is a holistic, client-centered approach designed to empower individuals to achieve independence and engage in activities that are meaningful to them, whether these are everyday tasks like dressing or cooking, or larger life goals such as returning to work or school.

“Occupational Therapy is often misunderstood as being solely about helping people find jobs. However, “occupation” in Occupational Therapy refers to any activity that brings purpose or meaning to an individual’s life. These occupations can be as diverse as self-care, education, work, social interactions, hobbies, and family life. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to support people in leading fulfilling lives despite challenges that may arise from injury, illness, disability, or developmental disorders,” said Dr. Maas.

The Role of Fieldwork in Developing OTA Skills

Fieldwork plays a vital role in our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. “It provides students with hands-on experience and an essential bridge between academic learning and real-world practice,” she said. Through supervised fieldwork, students gain practical skills, apply theoretical knowledge, and learn to adapt their approaches to meet diverse client needs.

This immersive experience helps students build confidence and competency in core Occupational Therapy Assistant skills, including client assessment, intervention, and communication with other healthcare professionals. Fieldwork sites offer students exposure to various settings and populations, fostering a well-rounded education that classroom instruction alone cannot provide.

Here is an article by Ashley Ovaska-Weber, MS, OTR/L, the Bryant & Stratton Hybrid Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, discussing the importance of support for fieldwork educators in the community Finding Support in Fieldwork Supervision.

By working closely with experienced practitioners, Occupational Therapy Assistant students develop a professional mindset, learn to handle complex cases, and build interpersonal skills crucial for their careers. Overall, fieldwork is instrumental in preparing Occupational Therapy Assistant students for successful, meaningful careers in occupational therapy,” said Dr. Maas.

Bryant & Stratton College’s Hybrid OTA Program

Bryant & Stratton College’s Hybrid AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) associate degree program has recently expanded to include lab locations not only in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, but Solon, Ohio and Greece, New York as well. The Hybrid Occupational Therapy Assistant program aligns with the College’s unique Blended Learning format, which combines online learning and face-to-face instruction.

Very few colleges in the U.S. currently offering this format for Occupational Therapy Assistant students, which allows them to complete the entirety of their lectures and 25% of lab work online, with remaining lab hours to be completed with just one weekend per month on-site at one of the three lab locations. Through the program, students will be able to earn their degrees and begin their healthcare careers in as little as 20 months.

Earn your Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree at Bryant & Stratton College

Are you ready to build a career that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives? At Bryant & Stratton College, we understand that pursuing a degree can feel challenging, especially for those balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities. That’s why we designed our Hybrid AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) associate degree program to make your dream of entering the healthcare field achievable, even if you have a busy schedule.

Imagine becoming part of a profession that empowers people to live their best lives. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you’ll help individuals overcome obstacles to engage in daily activities and reach personal goals—transforming lives along the way. Bryant & Stratton College is here to guide you through every step, from your first inquiry to graduation and beyond.

Take the first step toward a rewarding career by contacting our admissions team today. Let’s work together to make your dream of helping others a reality.