Public OTA ranking

Best Public OTA Programs

Compare public occupational therapy assistant programs by outcomes, accreditation timing, and format context.

Public OTANBCOT outcomesACOTE matched2021-2025
Public college campus representing public OTA program 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 public OTA programs

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

127 ranked options
#1A+of 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#2Aof 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#3Aof 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#4Aof 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2029/2030
Institution
Public
#5Aof 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2029/2030
Institution
Public
#6Aof 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#7A-of 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 99.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#8A-of 127 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 #8 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Salt Lake Community College ranks #8 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 98.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#9A-of 127 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 #9 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Mott Community College ranks #9 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 99.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#10A-of 127 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 #10 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here South Texas College ranks #10 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#11A-of 127 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 #11 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ranks #11 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#12A-of 127 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 #12 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Anoka Technical College ranks #12 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#13A-of 127 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 #13 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Tyler Junior College ranks #13 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2031/2032
Institution
Public
#14A-of 127 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 #14 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here San Jacinto College-South Campus ranks #14 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2026/2027
Institution
Public
#15A-of 127 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 #15 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here St. Louis Community College-Forest Park ranks #15 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 98.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2024/2025
Institution
Public
#16A-of 127 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 #16 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Community College of Allegheny County/Boyce Campus ranks #16 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#17A-of 127 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 #17 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Linn-Benton Community College-Healthcare Occupations Center ranks #17 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#18A-of 127 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 #18 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranks #18 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2035/2036
Institution
Public
#19A-of 127 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 #19 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Southwestern Community College-Jackson/Sylva Campus ranks #19 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#20B+of 127 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 #20 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Cape Fear Community College ranks #20 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.8% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2034/2035
Institution
Public
#21B+of 127 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 #21 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Wor-Wic Community College ranks #21 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.2% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#22B+of 127 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 #22 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here Ozarks Technical Community College ranks #22 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.4% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2033/2034
Institution
Public
#23B+of 127 ranked
NBCOT pass-rate record100% passed in 2025; 96.6% average, 2021-2025Pass-rate percentages
LocationMonroe, LA
CredentialOTA Baccalaureate
FormatFormat not listed
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #23 ranks here + 3 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks #23 among public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 96.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public
#24B+of 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 95.6% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2025/2026
Institution
Public
#25B+of 127 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 public OTA programs after reporting 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average pass rate, 2021-2025. The ranking starts with recent and five-year NBCOT results, then uses consistency and ACOTE review timing to separate otherwise similar public options.

Who it may suitStudents prioritizing public OTA pathways while still screening for board-exam outcomes and accreditation context.

Keep in mindInstitution type is listed as public in the ACOTE-backed profile. Tuition, fees, residency rules, and program-specific costs can differ from the public-program signal.

ACOTE status
Accreditation
ACOTE review
2032/2033
Institution
Public

Decision guide

How to use this ranking

Use this ranking when public OTA programs are your likely affordability anchor.

Use it this way

  • Use the ranking to find public programs with stronger matched NBCOT results and clear accreditation records.
  • Actual tuition can vary by residency, district, fees, supplies, and fieldwork travel.
  • Compare public options with nearby private programs if commute, schedule, or fieldwork placement quality changes the real cost.

Decision factors

  • Do I qualify for the lower public tuition rate?
  • How much would fees, supplies, lost work time, and fieldwork travel add?
  • Is the public program strong enough on outcomes, support, and schedule fit?

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 public 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 Public OTA Programs?

Use this ranking when public OTA programs are your likely affordability anchor.

What sources does this ranking use?

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

What can this ranking miss?

Institution type comes from the ACOTE-backed program profile. Public status does not guarantee low tuition; fees and residency rules can change the price. NBCOT public reports show percentages but do not include cohort counts.

What should I read next?

Use this ranking with Best OTA associate programs, OTA salary by setting, OT vs. OTA guide.