• Are you interested in working in a healthcare environment where you can be creative?

• Does the idea of teaching clients how to adjust to life with a health condition appeal to you?

• Do you want a career that is challenging, rewarding and in high demand?

If any of these match your goals, a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) may be a great fit for you!

Casper College offers an Associate of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Our low faculty/student ratio of 1:12 means you receive more individual attention from instructors. In addition, we are very proud that 99% of our graduates have successfully completed the national certification exam on their first attempt.

The OTA program began offering classes in 1996 and graduated its first class in 1997.  Initial accreditation was obtained in 1997.  Students have successfully completed the certification exam with high scores and obtained employment with little difficulty after graduation.  The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination as first-time new graduate test takers in 2007-2009 was 31 out of 32, which is a pass rate of 97%. During that 3-year time period, the program had 43 graduates. Also, of the students who have contacted us, 100% have taken jobs in the OTA field within a few months of graduation. Feedback from fieldwork sites and employers indicate the graduates are well prepared for the positions they have been hired to work. 

NOTE:  To ensure that occupational therapy practitioners meet ethical and professional standards prior to entering the profession, all applicants for initial certification are requred to provide information and documentation related to any illegal, unethical or incompetent behavior.  Persons with a felony history may not be eligible to sit for the certification examination.  When you apply to write the certification examination with the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy, you will be asked to answer questions related to the topic of felonies.  For further information on these limitations, you can contact NBCOT at:

National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy
800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200 
Gaithersburg, Maryland   20877-4150

For more information on admission to the program, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Contact Information:
Marla Wonser Program Director (307) 268-2867 HS 128

• Marla Wonser
  • phone: (307) 268-2867
  • Office: HS 128
  • Weblink

• Cassady Hoff
  • phone: (307) 268-2054
  • Office: AD 9
  • Weblink

• Associate of Science degree
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant

COTA 2020 Human Occupations and Life Roles (4LB,2CR):
The foundation of occupational therapy is purposeful activity related to development and life roles. This course provides an in-depth exploration of occupations and life roles throughout the life cycle while exploring occupational therapy theory, analysis and synthesis of occupations as performed in the various life stages. Provides discussion of influences of disability and culture to occupational performance. Prerequisite: permission of OTA program director.

COTA 2050 Kinesiology (2L,2LB,3CR):
Building from anatomy knowledge, this course provides a study of normal mechanics of human movement and functional limitations related to disabling conditions. Upper and lower extremity function is studied. Range of motion and manual muscle testing of kinesthetic movement are practiced with an emphasis of upper extremity. Neuroanatomy concepts related to occupational therapy are presented. Prerequisite: COTA 2420, ZOO 2040, ZOO 2041.

COTA 2100 Psychosocial Aspects (1L,4LB,3CR):
This course addresses acute and chronic psychosocial dysfunction conditions and occupational therapy’s role in providing service. Various developmental concerns and mental health settings are discussed. The OTA’s role in interventions is presented including theory, evaluation, treatment planning and intervention. Psychosocial issues in physical dysfunction are also explored. Taken concurrently with COTA 2210 and 2320. Prerequisite: COTA 2200, 2300, 2310, 2420, and PSYC 1000.

COTA 2150 Group Dynamics (2LB,1CR):
This course is designed to develop effective interpersonal communication to prepare students for professional/patient interactions in clinical practice and the engagement of therapeutic use of self. An emphasis is placed on the development of basic listening skills, providing meaningful feedback, and group membership skills. This course provides an environment, which promotes sharing of ideas, attitudes and feelings, peer feedback and support of group members. Prerequisite: admission into the OTA program, or permission of the OTA program director.

COTA 2160 Leadership Skills (4LB,2CR):
This course promotes effective interpersonal communication for group and professional leadership, evaluation of self and others, and therapeutic-use-of-self techniques necessary for effective occupational therapy service provision. Group leadership and interactive skills are practiced along with activity analysis, adapting and grading of group activities. Taken concurrently with COTA 2100 and 2210. Prerequisite: COTA 2150, 2200, 2300, 2310, 2420.

COTA 2200 Therapeutic Approaches and Media I (4LB,2CR):
Exploration of a variety of media and therapeutic approaches for special needs populations. Activity analysis and adaptation of activities are practiced extensively. Types of activities explored include play, education, daily living skills, social participation, work and leisure. Use of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework is introduced and applied to practice.

COTA 2210 Therapeutic Approaches and Media II (4LB,2CR):
Continuation of implementation of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. A variety of media will be explored for implementation with psychosocial and pediatric populations. Activity analysis, adapting, and grading of interventions for therapeutic application for these populations is the focus of this class. Taken concurrently with COTA 2100 and 2350. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2200, 2300, 2310, and 2420.

COTA 2220 Therapeutic Approaches and Media III (6LB,3CR):
This course continues the exploration of service implementation for the occupational therapy assistant in the physical disabilities settings. Areas studied include daily living skills, work, leisure, education, and social participation. Techniques applied in physical disabilities settings are practiced. Taken concurrently with COTA 2330 and 2400. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2200, 2210, 2300, 2310, 2320, 2350, and 2420.

COTA 2300 Fieldwork Integration I (4LB,2CR):
An introduction to the role of working with special needs populations in the community. The role and professional expectations of occupational therapy assistants are introduced. This course provides fieldwork preparation integrated with classroom discussions. Students will complete 20 hours of clinical experience. Beginning knowledge of medical terminology is studied.

COTA 2310 Fieldwork Integration II (2LB,1CR):
A continuation of pre-fieldwork course work and beginning preparation for Level I fieldwork. Primary focus on professional skills in community experiences and with special needs populations. Begin clinical documentation for OTA practitioner. Prerequisite: COTA 2300.

COTA 2320 Fieldwork Integration III (2LB,1CR):
Designed to prepare students for Level I and II fieldwork experiences. Students will complete Level I fieldwork in psychosocial and pediatric settings. Continuation of documentation concepts. Taken concurrently with COTA 2100 and COTA 2350. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2300, 2310, and 2420.

COTA 2330 Fieldwork Integration IV (2LB,1CR):
A continuation of clinical readiness skills. Includes Level I experiences in developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and geriatric settings as well as preparation for Level II experiences. Clinical reasoning skills for transition from student to practitioner are an integral part of the course. Taken concurrently with COTA 2220 and 2400. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2310, 2320, 2350, and 2420.

COTA 2350 Clinical Theory and Practice I (1L,4LB,3CR):
Course examines occupational therapy theory and practice for individuals aged birth through 21 with a focus on physical disabilities and developmental dysfunction. Explores implementation of occupational therapy in a variety of settings including theory, assessment, planning treatment plan and intervention. Taken concurrently with COTA 2210 and 2320. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2200, 2300, 2310, and 2420.

COTA 2400 Clinical Theory and Practice II (2L,4LB,4CR):
Course examines occupational theory and practice for individuals over the age of 21 with a focus on physical disabilities, neurological impairment and aging dysfunction. Explores implementation of occupational therapy including theory, assessment, treatment planning and implementation, in a variety of settings. Taken concurrently with COTA 2220 and 2330. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2200, 2210, 2300, 2310, 2320, 2350, and 2420.

COTA 2420 Clinical Conditions (2L,2LB,3CR):
Specific diagnoses commonly seen by the occupational therapists are examined and application of occupational therapy techniques and theory are discussed. Prerequisite: admission into OTA program, or permission of the OTA program director.

COTA 2450 Health Care Systems (2L,2LB,3CR):
Course provides exploration of the health care system and the delivery of occupational therapy services. Topics include: reimbursement, team concepts in health care, the role of the OTA within the OT department and health care environments, levels of authority and responsibility, and familiarity with alternative health care choices. Prerequisite: COTA 2020, 2050, 2100, 2150, 2160, 2200, 2210, 2300, 2310, 2320, 2350, and 2420.

COTA 2500 Fieldwork A (3CR):
First of two Level II fieldwork placements. Eight weeks of fieldwork in contracted facility. Includes a minimum of 40 hours a week of on-site skill practice. On-line integration of learning experiences with instructor and class members is expected. Prerequisite: must have successfully completed all academic course work and Level I fieldwork.

COTA 2550 Fieldwork B (3CR):
Second of two Level II fieldwork placements. Eight weeks of fieldwork in contracted facility. Includes a minimum of 40 hours a week of on-site skill practice. On-line integration of learning experiences with instructor and class members is expected. Prerequisite: must have successfully completed all academic coursework and COTA 2500.

COTA 2600 Fieldwork Options (2-3CR):
Six to eight weeks fieldwork optional for students wishing further specialized training in a particular facility. Length of training to be prearranged with school and clinical setting. On-line integration of learning experiences with instructor and class members is expected. Prerequisite: must have successfully completed all academic coursework, Level I fieldwork and COTA 2500 or 2550.

COTA 2975 Independent Study in OT (1-3CR):
This course provides occupational therapy assistant students the opportunities to complete independent research/study in areas of interest within the field of occupational therapy.

OCTH 2000 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (2L,2CR):
This course is designed to introduce students to the occupational therapy profession. As the history, scope of practice, objectives and functions of occupational therapy are addressed, students will affirm their academic decision.

• What do occupational therapy assistants do?
  

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help people learn the necessary skills to live independent, productive lives.They provide services to individuals whose abilities to cope with the tasks of daily living are threatened or impaired by developmental deficits, the aging process, physical injury or illness or psychological or social disability.

• Where do OTAs work?

Occupational Therapy Assistants work in a wide variety of settings, however, they are primarily employed in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, community programs and public schools.Our graduates enjoy a high percentage of employability within months after graduation.

• How much do OTAs make?

The salary for entry level OTAs in this area (Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska) is usually $15-$18.00 per hour. OTAs on the East and West Coasts make around $22-23 per hour as entry level therapists.

• How do I become admitted to the program and how long is it?

Students are provisionally accepted during their first fall semester.  Then, at the beginning of the second semester, interviews are conducted and the available slots are filled. If the number of applicants exceeds the 24 available spaces students may be placed on a waiting list. The program requires completion of 76 semester hours. The last semester is spent working under the supervision of a practicing therapist for 2-eight week sessions. 

• Why chose Casper College's OTA program?

Besides Casper College's very affordable tuition rates, you will receive current and up-to-date instruction from a fully qualified faculty who cares about you. Over 85% of our graduates are currently employed as COTAs.

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Casper College's School of Health Science houses our nine health care and sports related programs. Careers in the these fields are in great demand and with a two-year degree, students have unlimited opportunities anywhere in the country. Salaries are competitive and the work is satisfying.

Casper College will be the foundation of your education and your career. START NOW!

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