Research transparency
How this page was developed
Online, self-administered cross-sectional survey of current U.S. occupational therapy assistant students and recent graduates, fielded June 15 through July 31, 2026.
Sample size: 326
Key findings
81% were confident about employment, compared with 69% of current students.
87% of recent graduate respondents reported working in an OTA-related field.
64% of students and 70% of graduates rated ROI good or excellent.
Why does this survey compare current students with recent graduates?
This survey compares 236 current occupational therapy assistant students with 90 recent graduates to describe perceptions before and after the transition into work. It is an opt-in, self-reported survey, not a job-placement report, program ranking, or causal study.
Can an occupational therapy assistant program be completed fully online?
No. OTA programs can combine online coursework with campus learning, labs, and fieldwork, but the entry-level pathway includes required in-person education. Confirm ACOTE status, fieldwork placement expectations, and state requirements directly with each program.
Who was included in the survey?
The final sample was 326 respondents: 236 current OTA students (72.4%) and 90 recent graduates (27.6%). The online survey was fielded June 15 to July 31, 2026. Recent graduates completed their program within the preceding five years. Results are not representative of all OTA students or graduates.
How did current students and graduates rate career prospects?
| Reported result | Students | Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Good or excellent career prospects | 69% (163/236) | 78% (70/90) |
| Career prospects, average | 3.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Confident about employment | 69% (163/236) | 81% (73/90) |
| Career confidence, average | 3.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Feel prepared for career | 65% (153/236) | 76% (68/90) |
| Career readiness, average | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Unsure about career path | 18% (42/236) | 10% (9/90) |
How satisfied were respondents and how did they rate value?
| Reported result | Students | Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied or very satisfied | 72% (170/236) | 78% (70/90) |
| Overall satisfaction, average | 3.7 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Would choose OTA again | 67% (158/236) | 73% (66/90) |
| Would not choose OTA again | 17% (40/236) | 13% (12/90) |
| Would recommend OTA | 72% (170/236) | 79% (71/90) |
| Likelihood to recommend, average | 7.4 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 |
| Good or excellent ROI | 64% (151/236) | 70% (63/90) |
| Degree ROI, average | 3.4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
What did graduates report about employment and what should applicants verify?
87% of recent graduate respondents (78/90) reported working in an OTA-related field. This is a reported sample result, not a program-level placement rate. Prospective students should verify the program’s accreditation, clinical education plan, total cost, credential eligibility, and current local employment context.
Compare the occupational therapist career guide for pathway context and use the online-program vetting checklist before enrolling.
How should this survey be cited?
Li, Mark. 2026 Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Survey: Career Outlook, Satisfaction, and Student-to-Graduate Differences. Study Kinesiology. Fielded June 15 to July 31, 2026. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://studykinesiology.com/insights/2026-occupational-therapy-assistant-student-survey/
What are the limits of this survey?
This self-reported, opt-in, cross-sectional survey cannot establish causation, predict an individual outcome, or replace school-level outcome reporting, accreditation review, licensing review, or independently verified employment data. Percentages use valid responses to each question; respondent-level data are not published because responses may contain identifying information.
Primary sources
Check the evidence
We link directly to the underlying source so you can verify time-sensitive requirements and data.