Cabarrus College of Health Sciences has begun accepting applications for its new Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BOTA) degree program, which is scheduled to start this fall (2025).
In addition to preparing students to become credentialed occupational therapy assistants, or OTAs, the new four-year program is designed to equip them for a lifetime of learning and professional advancement.
Not just a stable job, but a sustainable career
“We added the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program because we know today’s students are not just looking for a stable job, but a sustainable career,” said Nancy Green, chair and associate professor at the college’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. “This degree provides the critical thinking, writing, research, and other leadership skills that can lead to more opportunities, including our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree or specialized certifications that can significantly increase earnings.”
The number of OT assistant jobs is projected to increase 22% from 2023 to 2033, or five times faster than overall job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at the U.S. Department of Labor. The number of occupational therapist jobs, which generally require a master’s degree, is projected to grow 11% over that period, according to the BLS.
Occupational therapy focuses on the treatment of conditions affecting people’s ability to perform daily activities, such as autism, sensory disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, mental and behavioral health problems, and birth injuries and deficits. Occupational therapists, along with the OTAs they supervise, help patients develop the fine motor skills necessary to grasp objects, enhance hand-eye coordination, learn basic tasks such as dressing and eating, and regulate and manage their emotions.
Building on 25 years of training OTAs
The Cabarrus College of Health Sciences BOTA program builds on the college’s highly respected 25-year history of training OTAs. The college’s two-year OTA program provides hands-on clinical experience and opportunities to network with practicing OT professionals during clinical fieldwork. From 2021 through 2023, its graduates boasted a 100% pass rate on the OTA certification exam, while their annual pass rate in prior years consistently exceeded 94%.
The OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In 2021, the college began offering a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOTA) program.
The Cabarrus College of Health Sciences BOTA program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. The college will continue to accept applications for the BOTA program on a rolling basis until the program is full. Classes are scheduled to begin in the fall 2025 semester.
Atrium Health-affiliated Cabarrus College of Health Sciences has seen record enrollment each semester since 2019. It continues to grow enrollment to meet the community’s growing needs for nurses and allied health professionals in areas such as medical imaging, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology. It is the least expensive private college in North Carolina and offers a generous mix of scholarships, loans, and other aid, including various incentives for Atrium Health teammates.
For more information on Cabarrus College’s online and other programs, please visit Cabarrus College of Health Sciences or contact the college at 704-403-1556.
