OTA: How to Apply

If you are a new student to LLCC, visit our Earning a Credit Degree or Certificate page first to learn more about these general steps to enrollment.

If you are a current or returning student, proceed to the information listed below.

Admission requirements

LLCC’s occupational therapy assistant program has a rolling admission process.

Pending ACOTE approval anticipated September 2025, the OTA program’s proposed new cohort start is anticipated to begin in fall 2026, which will have an application deadline of the last Monday in July 2026.

If the fall 2026 cohort start is not approved, the next cohort start will remain in January 2026 with an application deadline of Nov. 1, 2025.

Students are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible to ensure a position in the cohort.

This checklist does not guarantee admission into the program. It is to be used for guiding purposes only and to assist students in determining if they are ready to apply to the program.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify LLCC Admission/Records/Registration when requirements have been met.

Admission and program requirements are subject to change.

  1. Attend a mandatory information session.
  2. Submit high school transcripts with proof of graduation or GED certificate to LLCC Admission/Records/Registration.
  3. Have official transcripts from all colleges ever attended evaluated by LLCC Admission/Records/Registration. Students who do not or delay doing this may jeopardize their ability to apply to, be accepted to or remain enrolled in a health professions program at LLCC.
  4. Demonstrate placement into a college-level mathematics class (MAT 104, its equivalent or above) within the last five years.
  5. Demonstrate placement into EGL 101.
  6. Complete two years of high school lab sciences within five years or two semesters of college lab sciences (BIO 101, BIO 175, BIO 176) with grades of “C” or above within five years.
  7. Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher for all previous college classes.
  8. Complete the ATI-TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). A Basic score is required; Proficient score (55% or higher) is preferred. The TEAS score must be within 36 months of the end date of candidacy. Review the ATI-TEAS Fact Sheet for Allied Health programs.
  9. Complete seven hours of observation with an OT or OTA and submit the OTA Observation Experience Form.
  10. Submit the Health Profession special admission application. Students should submit the OTA program application after all requirements are met.

View recommended course sequence.

In order to foster a diverse and inclusive student population, the OTA admissions process actively implements various initiatives and strategies. These efforts are aimed at attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. Through outreach programs, partnerships with community organizations and targeted recruitment campaigns, the OTA admissions team actively seeks out and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. 

To eliminate barriers and promote inclusivity, the OTA admissions process also emphasizes holistic evaluations of applicants. This means considering not only academic achievements but also recognizing and valuing diverse talents, perspectives and personal qualities. The admissions committee takes into account an applicant's unique experiences, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and other factors that contribute to their potential success as a student and future occupational therapy assistant. 

Furthermore, the OTA admissions team collaborates with various support services on campus to ensure a welcoming environment for all students. These support services may include mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, cultural organizations, English as a Second Language program and resource centers that provide assistance tailored to the needs of individually diverse or underrepresented student populations. 

By continuously reviewing and improving its practices, the OTA admissions process remains committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the broader society. The goal is to provide equal access to educational opportunities and prepare students to serve diverse populations effectively in their future careers as occupational therapy assistants. 

Residency criteria

Chapter 112, Section 103-17, of the Illinois Public Community College Act requires that whenever enrollment in a program must be restricted because of space limitations, a college must give preference to district residents. Consequently, admission to health career programs for students who live outside of LLCC District #526 vary per program based on space available and qualified applicant pools.