OTA associate ranking

Best OTA Associate Degree Programs

Compare active associate-level OTA programs for students considering the most common OTA degree pathway.

OTA associateNBCOT outcomesACOTE matched2021-2025
Community college campus representing OTA associate degree comparison.
Use the ranked list as a shortlist screen, then open the profile rows to check accreditation, outcome history, format, and cost.

Ranked results

Top associate-level OTA programs

Start with the rank, key stats, decision context, and the reason each option lands where it does.

163 ranked options
#1A+of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationLima, OH
CredentialOTA Associate
Format25-49% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #1 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Rhodes State College ranks #1 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#2Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationCharlotte, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #2 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Central Piedmont Community College ranks #2 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#3Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationKansas City, MO
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #3 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley ranks #3 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#4Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationAustin, TX
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #4 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Austin Community College ranks #4 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2029/2030
Institution
Public
#5Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSpokane, WA
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #5 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Spokane Falls Community College ranks #5 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2029/2030
Institution
Public
#6Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationGrand Rapids, MI
CredentialOTA Associate
Format25-49% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #6 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Grand Rapids Community College ranks #6 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#7Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 99.2% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationDurham, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #7 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Durham Technical Community College ranks #7 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#8Aof 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationConcord, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #8 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Cabarrus College of Health Sciences ranks #8 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2028/2029
Institution
Private Nonprofit
#9A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 98.2% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationWest Jordan, UT
CredentialOTA Associate
FormatCampus-based
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #9 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Salt Lake Community College ranks #9 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#10A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationFenton, MI
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #10 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Mott Community College ranks #10 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#11A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationMcAllen, TX
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #11 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here South Texas College ranks #11 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#12A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationCincinnati, OH
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #12 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ranks #12 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#13A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationAnoka, MN
CredentialOTA Associate
Format50-74% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #13 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Anoka Technical College ranks #13 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#14A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationTyler, TX
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #14 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Tyler Junior College ranks #14 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#15A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationHouston, TX
CredentialOTA Associate
FormatCampus-based
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #15 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here San Jacinto College-South Campus ranks #15 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#16A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSt. Louis, MO
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #16 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here St. Louis Community College-Forest Park ranks #16 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2024/2025
Institution
Public
#17A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationMonroeville, PA
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #17 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Community College of Allegheny County/Boyce Campus ranks #17 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#18A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationLebanon, OR
CredentialOTA Associate
Format75-100% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #18 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Linn-Benton Community College-Healthcare Occupations Center ranks #18 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#19A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSalisbury, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #19 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranks #19 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2035/2036
Institution
Public
#20A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSylva, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format25-49% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #20 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Southwestern Community College-Jackson/Sylva Campus ranks #20 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#21A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.8% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationWilmington, NC
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #21 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Cape Fear Community College ranks #21 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.8% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2034/2035
Institution
Public
#22A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSalisbury, MD
CredentialOTA Associate
FormatCampus-based
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #22 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Wor-Wic Community College ranks #22 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#23A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.4% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationSpringfield, MO
CredentialOTA Associate
Format50-74% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #23 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Ozarks Technical Community College ranks #23 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#24A-of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 95.6% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationKirkland, WA
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #24 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Lake Washington Institute of Technology ranks #24 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 95.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2025/2026
Institution
Public
#25B+of 163 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationBossier City, LA
CredentialOTA Associate
Format1-24% distance
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #25 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Bossier Parish Community College ranks #25 among associate-degree pathways because it reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. Recent and five-year NBCOT results carry most of the score; ACOTE review timing separates programs with similar exam outcomes.

Who it may suitStudents comparing associate-level OTA programs with complete five-year NBCOT outcome history.

Keep in mindOTA Associate. This associate-degree ranking does not include program-specific tuition, fees, commute, fieldwork quality, cohort size, or admissions selectivity.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public

Decision guide

How to use this ranking

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

Use it this way

  • Use this ranking 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.

Decision factors

  • 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?

Scoring

What the score weighs

Each ranking weighs different factors. Review them 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 the 2021-2025 history, requiring five years for this published ranking.

Consistency floor15%

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

ACOTE review context5%

Next listed ACOTE on-site review window, used only as light scheduling context.

Format and profile clarity15%

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 what to double-check 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 results 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.