Best Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Everett Washington

Choosing the Right Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in Everett, Washington

Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in Everett, Washington, starts with choosing the right accredited program. With healthcare demand rising across Snohomish County, selecting a school that offers strong clinical training, high NBCOT pass rates, and local employer connections is critical.

Key Takeaways

• OTA programs in Washington must be accredited by ACOTE to qualify graduates for licensure and the NBCOT exam.
• Everett students typically attend programs in nearby cities such as Lynnwood, Shoreline, Lakewood, or Lake Washington.
• Most programs award an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and take about 2 years to complete.
• Washington OTAs earn an average salary between $65,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on setting and experience.
• Strong programs offer hands-on fieldwork placements in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers throughout Snohomish County.

Why Accreditation Matters for Everett OTA Students

In Washington State, you must graduate from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) approved program to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing this exam allows you to apply for Washington State licensure.

Without ACOTE accreditation, you cannot legally practice as an OTA. Always confirm accreditation status directly through AOTA or the school’s official website before applying.

Best Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs Near Everett WA

Everett does not currently host a stand-alone OTA program within city limits. However, several high-quality accredited programs are located within commuting distance and serve many Everett and Snohomish County students.

SchoolLocationDegreeProgram LengthACOTE AccreditedLake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland, WAAAS2 YearsYesGreen River CollegeAuburn, WAAAS2 YearsYesPima Medical InstituteSeattle, WAAssociate DegreeApprox. 21 MonthsYes

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Located about one hour from Everett, LWTech offers one of the most recognized OTA programs in Western Washington. Students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and complete extensive lab and fieldwork hours.

Highlights:

• Strong clinical partnerships throughout King and Snohomish Counties
• Hands-on simulation labs
• Competitive admission with prerequisite coursework
• High NBCOT exam pass rates

This program is ideal for students seeking a public college option with lower in-state tuition.

Green River College

Green River College’s OTA program in Auburn prepares graduates to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and pediatric settings. Though farther from Everett, some students choose this program for its structured curriculum and experienced faculty.

Program Features:

• Two-year associate degree pathway
• Integrated Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences
• Focus on client-centered care and evidence-based practice

Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute offers a private-school option in Seattle. The program can be completed in approximately 21 months and emphasizes small class sizes and accelerated coursework.

Best for:

• Students seeking a faster timeline
• Those preferring a career-focused private institution
• Individuals who want intensive academic and practical training

Tuition is typically higher than community college programs, so compare financial aid options carefully.

Admission Requirements for Washington OTA Programs

Admission into OTA programs is competitive. While requirements vary slightly, Everett applicants should expect:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, and English composition
• Minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 to 3.0
• Background check and immunization records
• Observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist or OTA

Many programs use a point-based admission system that considers GPA, completed credits, and healthcare experience.

Program Structure and Clinical Training

All accredited OTA programs include classroom instruction, lab practice, and supervised fieldwork.

Level I Fieldwork

Introductory clinical experiences in settings such as:

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Pediatric clinics
• School systems

Level II Fieldwork

Two full-time rotations lasting several weeks each. Everett students often complete placements at:

• Providence Regional Medical Center Everett
• Swedish Edmonds
• Local rehabilitation and long-term care facilities

Strong clinical partnerships are one of the most important differentiators between programs.

OTA Salary and Job Outlook in Everett and Snohomish County

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow significantly nationwide. In Washington State, demand remains strong due to:

• An aging population
• Growth in outpatient rehabilitation services
• Expanded pediatric therapy services

In the Everett area, OTAs typically earn between $31 and $36 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $65,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and setting. Skilled nursing facilities and home health often pay at the higher end.

How to Become an OTA in Washington State

If you live in Everett, follow these steps:

1. Complete prerequisite college coursework.
2. Apply and gain acceptance into an ACOTE-accredited OTA program.
3. Graduate with your associate degree.
4. Pass the NBCOT certification exam.
5. Apply for Washington State licensure.
6. Maintain continuing education credits for license renewal.

Most students can complete the entire process within 2 to 3 years.

Comparing Programs: What Everett Students Should Look For

When evaluating OTA programs, go beyond accreditation. Consider these factors:

NBCOT Exam Pass Rate

High first-time pass rates indicate strong academic preparation.

Fieldwork Placement Quality

Programs with local clinical rotations in Everett reduce commuting time and build valuable job connections.

Total Cost of Attendance

Factor in tuition, fees, textbooks, commuting costs, and lost work income.

Class Size and Faculty Support

Smaller cohorts often allow for stronger mentorship and academic success.

Financial Aid and Tuition Considerations

Public community colleges generally offer the lowest tuition for Washington residents. Private institutions may offer flexible schedules but typically cost more.

Everett students should:

• Complete the FAFSA early
• Explore Washington State Need Grant programs
• Ask schools about OTA-specific scholarships
• Investigate employer tuition reimbursement if working in healthcare

Career Settings for OTAs in Everett

Graduates from Washington OTA programs work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and acute care facilities
• Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• School districts
• Home health agencies

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and regional rehabilitation centers are major employers in Snohomish County.

Is an OTA Program Near Everett Worth It?

For many students, occupational therapy assisting offers a balanced healthcare career with solid pay, meaningful patient interaction, and strong job stability without requiring a four-year degree.

With accredited programs within commuting distance and increasing local demand, Everett residents have access to high-quality training and strong employment opportunities in one of Washington’s fastest-growing healthcare fields.

Frequently Asked Questions about OTA Programs Near Everett, Washington

How do you become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Washington State?

You first complete prerequisite college courses, then get accepted into an ACOTE-accredited OTA program. After you earn your associate degree, you must pass the NBCOT exam and apply for Washington State OTA licensure. With full-time study, this usually takes about 2 to 3 years.

Does Everett, Washington have its own OTA program?

No. Everett does not currently have a stand-alone OTA program. Most Everett students commute to nearby accredited programs, such as Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, Green River College in Auburn, or Pima Medical Institute in Seattle.

Why is ACOTE accreditation important for OTA programs near Everett?

ACOTE accreditation is required for you to sit for the NBCOT exam and apply for Washington OTA licensure. If you graduate from a non-accredited program, you cannot become a licensed OTA in Washington, so always confirm a school’s ACOTE status before you apply.

How long do OTA programs near Everett usually take to finish?

Most OTA programs near Everett award an Associate in Applied Science or similar degree and take about 2 years of full-time study. Some private programs, such as Pima Medical Institute, follow an accelerated schedule of roughly 21 months.

What is the typical OTA salary in Everett and Snohomish County?

In the Everett area, Occupational Therapy Assistants usually earn about $31 to $36 per hour, or roughly $65,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on your experience and work setting. Skilled nursing and home health often pay toward the higher end of this range, based on trends from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and regional employer data.

Where do Everett OTA students usually complete clinical fieldwork?

You may complete fieldwork at hospitals, schools, and rehab centers across Snohomish and nearby counties. Common sites for Everett-area students include Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Swedish Edmonds, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehab clinics, and local school districts.