Utah Valley University's new Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Bachelor of Science program is now accepting applications. The first cohort of the latest healthcare degree begins in January of 2026.
Excitement continues to build as Utah Valley University prepares for the launch of its newest healthcare degree program. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Bachelor of Science program will welcome its inaugural cohort in January, with applications now being accepted.
A carefully considered and deliberate blend of evidence-based education and practical learning will prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare.
“The OTA program at UVU is built to meet the growing demand for skilled occupational therapy practitioners in Utah,” said Dr. Lyndsay Fait, the program director. “Our curriculum blends core knowledge with hands-on experience, equipping graduates to thrive in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community health organizations.”
Occupational Therapy Assistants play a vital role in helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. One such story is Jennifer’s—a mother of six whose life was transformed through occupational therapy after a sudden health crisis.
When Jennifer woke up to the sensation of a huge rubber band snapping inside her head, she knew that something was not right. Doctors called it a mini stroke. Jennifer called it a wake-up call.
“It was like my body hit pause without asking me first,” she says.
In the weeks that followed, Jennifer faced unexpected challenges. Her balance was off, her hands were shaky, and her thoughts felt clouded. As an active mother of six and a volunteer seamstress for her local community theater, she suddenly found herself unable to do many of the things she loved most.
That’s when she was introduced to occupational therapy.
“At first, I thought occupational therapy was just for people relearning how to walk. I had no idea it could help someone like me,” Jennifer recalls.
Her therapy sessions focused on rebuilding the skills she needed for everyday life. She practiced hand dexterity drills, worked through memory exercises, and learned how to adapt to the permanent loss of one of her Eustachian tubes, which affected her hearing and balance. Each small victory—slicing vegetables without dropping the knife or completing a full day’s work—felt monumental.
“For me, it wasn’t just therapy. It was my lifeline,” she says.
Jennifer’s story illustrates how occupational therapy enables individuals to regain their independence and confidence. It also highlights why UVU’s OTA program is so important.
Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help individuals recover or improve the skills needed for daily living. Whether assisting a stroke survivor in relearning how to dress or helping a child with autism develop social skills, OTAs provide essential support that improves quality of life.
As the healthcare industry continues to change, UVU’s OTA program provides a timely and impactful opportunity for students who want to make a difference in a field projected to grow by 21 percent in the coming years. With its focus on compassionate care and community engagement, the program is poised to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals—people like Jennifer’s therapist, who helped her find her way back.
With applications now open, UVU invites aspiring healthcare professionals to join a program that’s not only growing but changing lives.
