Tuition & fees
Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. See cost details
Financial aid
On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid
Program duration
Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options
Admissions
SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines
Program highlights
Expected career outcomes
A broad career path
Prepare for an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) position in a variety of settings such as mental health, physical disability, pediatrics, and management. You’ll also gain a strong foundation to pursue graduate study in the healthcare field.
Get the best of each campus
During your first and second years, you will take courses on our Portland and Gorham campuses. In your third and fourth years, you’ll transition to our Lewiston campus, where you can take advantage of a comprehensive suite of clinical learning facilities.
Learning spaces
Our Lewiston campus features a dedicated pediatric clinic space with sensory integration equipment. A separate space for adults includes modalities and exercise equipment, and a lab space with a kitchen and bathroom to practice activities for daily living.
OTA licensure
As a graduate of our program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion, you will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and eligible to practice.
Hands-on training
You’ll build clinical skills through several fieldwork experiences. Three initial experiences accompany a seminar where you’ll share and process your learning with peers. You’ll practice entry-level practitioner skills through two full-time experiences during your final semester. Our fieldwork education is closely governed by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards.
Program requirements
Develop entry-level practitioner skills in clinical reasoning, intervention, documentation, and the use of evidence-based practice through our comprehensive and holistic OTA program. Our coursework and fieldwork training prepares you for work in diverse settings including mental health, physical disability, pediatrics, management, and more.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.
Engaged, dedicated faculty
Our faculty are committed to the success of our students. Faculty research areas include hoarding disorder, pediatric mental health, and the effects of sensory room use on stress in students.
Considering transferring to USM?
Our new OTA major is open to students on track to graduate in Spring 2028, or later. If you are transferring from another four-year university or community college, our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will help you explore your options.
Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.