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OTA associate ranking

Best OTA Associate Degree Programs

A source-backed ranking of active associate-level OTA programs, built for students comparing the most common OTA degree pathway.

OTA associateNBCOT outcomesACOTE matched2021-2025
PublishedUpdated June 25, 2026NBCOT 2021-2025 public school-performance rows matched to active ACOTE associate-level OTA program profiles.

Ranking report card

What this ranking covers

Coverage171 rankedPublished ranking table with sortable rows and shortlist comparison.
Profile depth171 profilesEvery ranked row opens a deeper profile or decision page.
FreshnessJune 25, 2026NBCOT 2021-2025 public school-performance rows matched to active ACOTE associate-level OTA program profiles.
Methodology5 factorsWeights sum to 100%, so readers can audit how the rank is built.
Score readComposite scorePrimary-source ranking. Scores compare options inside this ranking, not across every OT decision.

Ranking table

Top associate-level OTA programs

Official data is kept separate from The OT Index scoring and interpretation so readers can see what is measured and what is judgment.

171 ranked options
RankOptionScoreOutcome signalProgram contextBest forWatch out forCompare
1Rhodes State College99.5100% NBCOT in 2025; 100.0% five-year averageLima, OH; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
2Central Piedmont Community College98.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 100.0% five-year averageCharlotte, NC; ACOTE next review 2031/2032Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
3Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley98.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 100.0% five-year averageKansas City, MO; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
4Grand Rapids Community College98.3100% NBCOT in 2025; 99.0% five-year averageGrand Rapids, MI; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
5Austin Community College98.0100% NBCOT in 2025; 100.0% five-year averageAustin, TX; ACOTE next review 2029/2030Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
6Spokane Falls Community College98.0100% NBCOT in 2025; 100.0% five-year averageSpokane, WA; ACOTE next review 2029/2030Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
7South Texas College97.6100% NBCOT in 2025; 98.4% five-year averageMcAllen, TX; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
8Salt Lake Community College97.3100% NBCOT in 2025; 98.2% five-year averageWest Jordan, UT; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
9Cincinnati State Technical and Community College96.9100% NBCOT in 2025; 98.4% five-year averageCincinnati, OH; ACOTE next review 2031/2032Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
10Anoka Technical College96.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.6% five-year averageAnoka, MN; ACOTE next review 2031/2032Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
11Community College of Allegheny County/Boyce Campus96.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 96.2% five-year averageMonroeville, PA; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
12Rowan-Cabarrus Community College96.6100% NBCOT in 2025; 96.2% five-year averageSalisbury, NC; ACOTE next review 2035/2036Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
13Cape Fear Community College96.5100% NBCOT in 2025; 96.8% five-year averageWilmington, NC; ACOTE next review 2034/2035Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
14Tyler Junior College96.4100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.0% five-year averageTyler, TX; ACOTE next review 2031/2032Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
15Linn-Benton Community College-Healthcare Occupations Center96.2100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.0% five-year averageLebanon, OR; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
16Ozarks Technical Community College96.2100% NBCOT in 2025; 96.4% five-year averageSpringfield, MO; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
17Cabarrus College of Health Sciences95.9100% NBCOT in 2025; 99.0% five-year averageConcord, NC; ACOTE next review 2028/2029Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
18Southwestern Community College-Jackson/Sylva Campus95.9100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.6% five-year averageSylva, NC; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
19Navarro College-Midlothian Campus95.9100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.0% five-year averageMidlothian, TX; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
20Wor-Wic Community College95.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 96.2% five-year averageSalisbury, MD; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
21Durham Technical Community College95.3100% NBCOT in 2025; 99.2% five-year averageDurham, NC; ACOTE next review 2026/2027Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
22Sinclair Community College95.394% NBCOT in 2025; 98.8% five-year averageDayton, OH; ACOTE next review 2031/2032Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
23Mott Community College95.1100% NBCOT in 2025; 99.0% five-year averageFenton, MI; ACOTE next review 2026/2027Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
24Bossier Parish Community College95.1100% NBCOT in 2025; 97.0% five-year averageBossier City, LA; ACOTE next review 2032/2033Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.
25Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas94.8100% NBCOT in 2025; 94.4% five-year averageLas Vegas, NV; ACOTE next review 2033/2034Students comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete matched five-year NBCOT outcome history.OTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

Decision guide

How to use this ranking

Use this ranking when you are specifically comparing associate-level OTA programs.

Use it this way

  • Use the table to identify associate programs with complete five-year matched NBCOT histories.
  • Compare nearby programs by commute, total tuition, lab schedule, prerequisites, and fieldwork placement support.
  • If you are considering a bachelor's OTA pathway, compare it separately because the cost, length, and opportunity case can differ.

Ask before choosing

  • What is the full program cost after fees, supplies, background checks, and fieldwork travel?
  • Can I complete labs and fieldwork with my work or caregiving schedule?
  • Does the program have a clear board-prep and remediation plan?

Methodology

How this ranking is weighted

Each ranking has its own weighting model. The table below shows the factors readers should consider before treating any rank as a final answer.

Latest NBCOT pass rate35%

NBCOT 2025 passing percentage for the matched associate-level OTA program.

Five-year NBCOT average30%

Average NBCOT passing percentage across 2021-2025 rows, requiring five years for this published ranking.

Consistency floor15%

The lowest NBCOT passing percentage across the five-year window.

ACOTE review runway10%

Next listed ACOTE on-site review window.

Format and profile clarity10%

Delivery-format listing and source-profile completeness from the ACOTE-backed program record.

FAQ

Common questions about this ranking

These answers explain how to read the ranking, what the data can show, and where readers should verify fit before deciding.

How should I use Best OTA Associate Degree Programs?

Use this ranking when you are specifically comparing associate-level OTA programs.

What sources does this ranking use?

NBCOT 2021-2025 public school-performance rows matched to active ACOTE associate-level OTA program profiles. The page links to the primary source material used for the ranking.

What can this ranking miss?

NBCOT percentages can be sensitive to cohort size, and the public endpoint used here does not include candidate counts. This ranking excludes OTA baccalaureate programs and associate programs without complete matched five-year NBCOT history.

What should I read next?

Use this ranking with Best OTA programs overall, Best public OTA programs, OT vs. OTA guide.

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