Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take classes face-to-face or online?
At COTC students have the flexibility to take classes face-to-face and online. Programs in the social work pathways are offered online in an asynchronous format for your flexibility and convenience.
How quickly can I complete the social work assistant program?
How quickly a student can complete the social work assistant associate degree depends on whether a student attends full time or part time, or they complete the accelerated program.
- Students attending full time can complete the social work assistant associate degree in two years following the social work assistant plan of study.
- Students completing the accelerated program can complete the social work assistant associate degree in five semesters, or a year and a half. Social Work Assistant Accelerated Completion Path Advising Guide
- Students attending part time can complete the social work assistant associate degree in seven semesters, or two and a half years. Social Work Assistant Part-Time Completion Path Advising Guide
There are two certificates students can complete quickly, in just two semesters, in the social work assistant program.
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Behavioral and Mental Health Certificate
- Case Management for the Healthcare and Gerontology Professional Certificate
Students who complete a certificate have earned credits that can be applied towards the social work assistant associate degree.
Where can I find a list of classes (plan of study) for the program I want to study?
Each program at COTC has a plan of study that lists the courses students take to complete a certificate or degree.
The social work assistant program has three certificate plans of study. Students who complete the certificates have earned credits toward the social work assistant associate degree.
- Addiction Studies Certificate Plan of Study
- Behavioral and Mental Health Certificate Plan of Study
- Case Management for the Healthcare and Gerontology Professional Certificate Plan of Study
What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans.
Students who complete a FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.
Can I pursue a bachelor’s degree after I complete the social work assistant associate degree?
Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges.
- The Ohio State University Articulation Agreement - BSSW
- Capital University Articulation Agreement - BSW
- Mount Vernon Nazarene University Articulation Agreement - BSW
- Indiana Wesleyan Articulation Agreement - Addiction Counseling
- Indiana Wesleyan Articulation Agreement - Human Services
- University of Cincinnati Articulation Agreement - Social Work (AAS)
Students who know they want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work can also consider completing the Associate of Arts in Social Work. The Associate of Arts in Social Work is intended to transfer to any public, four-year college or university in Ohio. Students should only pursue this option if they know they want to continue to a bachelor’s degree.
What is the difference between the Associate of Applied Science in Social Work Assistant and the Associate of Arts in Social Work?
Students should only pursue the Associate of Arts in Social Work if they know they want to continue on for a bachelor’s degree and do not want to work in the field immediately.
What organizations are there related to the social work assistant program?
The Community Outreach Committee is a student organization that social work assistant students who have a desire to help the local community can join. The group organizes volunteer events, plans fundraisers and helps raise awareness about social issues throughout local social services agencies.
Students can also network with social work professionals by exploring the the National Association of Social Workers and National Organization for Human Services.
How do I get started at COTC?
Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started.