Occupational therapist assistant programs in Indiana prepare students to support licensed occupational therapists in clinical and community settings. These programs emphasize practical skills, evidence based practice, and fieldwork so graduates can help clients across the lifespan.
Graduates of Indiana OTA programs pursue roles in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and home health, making this a direct path into a client focused health profession. The following sections outline program structure, admission criteria, career paths, and key policies.
| Program Name | Location | Duration | Fieldwork Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College OTA Certificate | Multiple campuses | 5 terms | 800 |
| University of Southern Indiana AAS in OTA | Evansville | 6 terms | 840 |
| Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis OTA | Indianapolis | 5 terms | 800 |
| Purdue University Northwest OTA | Westville and Hammond | 6 terms | 840 |
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Academic and Test Prerequisites
Applicants to Indiana OTA programs typically need a completed associate or general studies degree, prerequisite coursework in anatomy, psychology, and statistics, and a satisfactory TEAS or HESI exam score.
Experience and Background Checks
Many programs require observation hours in occupational therapy, current CPR certification, and a criminal background check before students begin clinical rotations.
Curriculum and Clinical Education
Classroom and Laboratory Instruction
Coursework covers kinesiology, neuroanatomy, pediatric and adult intervention, assistive technology, and professional ethics, supported by simulation labs.
Fieldwork Placements Across Indiana
Students complete multiple level II fieldwork assignments in settings such as acute care hospitals, school systems, and outpatient clinics under licensed therapist supervision.
Licensure, Certification, and Professional Pathways
National and State Credentials
Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, after which they apply for Indiana state licensure through the Indiana Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board.
Career Settings and Advancement Options
Licensed OTAs in Indiana work in rehabilitation, home health, mental health, early intervention, and long term care, with opportunities to specialize and pursue leadership roles.
Costs, Financial Aid, and ROI
Tuition for Indiana OTA programs varies by institution, with additional costs for supplies, background checks, and immunizations. Federal aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships can offset these expenses.
Entry level salaries for OTAs in Indiana typically align with regional living costs, and employed graduates often report strong job satisfaction and steady demand in both urban and rural communities.
Next Steps for Becoming an OTA in Indiana
- Review prerequisite requirements at each college
- Complete TEAS or HESI and submit official transcripts
- Gain observation hours in occupational therapy settings
- Apply for financial aid and secure clinical transportation
- Enroll in an accredited program and commit to fieldwork
- Prepare for the NBCOT exam and state licensure
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Indiana colleges offer an accredited occupational therapist assistant program?
Ivy Tech Community College, University of Southern Indiana, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and Purdue University Northwest offer programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
How many hours of fieldwork are required in Indiana OTA programs?
Most Indiana programs require approximately 800 to 840 hours of supervised fieldwork across diverse practice settings before graduation.
Can I work while completing an OTA program in Indiana?
Many students work part time or choose employer tuition assistance, though heavy course loads and mandatory fieldwork often limit full time employment during the program.
What is the renewal process for an Indiana OTA license?
Indiana requires continuing education units and periodic license renewal through the state board, along with adherence to NBCOT certification renewal standards.