An OT faculty member demonstrates the process for an arm splint.

New Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) major

Gain hands-on experience, specialized knowledge, and the clinical skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals through evidence-based therapy techniques and personalized care. Apply for Fall 2025.

Explore the OTA program
An graduate OT student practices assistance for use of a walker.

Earn your Master of Occupational Therapy

In just 24 months, you can acquire the skills to become an entry-level OT practitioner. Our program is designed with a student-centered approach and an occupation-based curriculum.

Explore MOT

All students qualify for the low in-state tuition rate. View MOT program tuition, fees, & costs

Our MOT program has a 92% graduation rate over the past 3 years.

Our MOT program has achieved a remarkable NBCOT pass rate of 95.33% over the past 3 years.

School Performance (nbcot.org)

Graduate OT students practice in a modified kitchen.

Earn your Entry-Level OTD

Begin your career in the growing field of occupational therapy. Build a strong base of foundational knowledge and advanced skills in practice, research, & program development.

Explore Entry-Level OTD

All students qualify for the low in-state tuition rate. View Entry-Level OTD program tuition, fees, & costs.

The University of Southern Maine Entry-Level OTD program is currently accredited by ACOTE. Our three-year graduation rates will be updated annually.

Due to our new program status, we will be posting three-year pass rates in 2026.

School Performance (nbcot.org) website for school performance data.

A graduate OT student offers a pediatric occupational therapy session.

Post-Professional OTD for current practitioners

Earn your doctoral degree in just 36 credits. Our flexible schedule allows part-time or full-time study. Engage in a Capstone Project that aligns with your area of interest or work environment.

Explore Post-Professional OTD

Technology Requirements  Verify Equipment/Internet Access – University of Maine System

National program accreditation

The baccalaureate-degree-level Occupational Therapy Assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD, 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
The Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Southern Maine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD, 20814. The telephone number for ACOTE c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. The ACOTE website address is: www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
The Entry-Level Occupational Therapy doctoral degree program at the University of Southern Maine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD, 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
The time limit for completion of the ELOTD program is dated from the date of first matriculation and ends at seven years.

These programs will prepare students to be eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapist within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization and Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, and for contact information to inquire further about the licensure requirements associated with this program.