Nontraditional OTA. This is a third career for me. The circumstances that got me into occupational therapy was due to a family member suffering a stroke. I was encourage by the OT's and OTA's that were providing care to my mother to consider looking at a career in this profession. I graduated in April 2016 and in May 2016 was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Due to complications it has taken over a year for me to get this cancer behind but I have recently been given a clean bill of health and with a determined mind set have started preparing for the NBCOT exam. Update...Jan 16, 2017 took my boards and passed. February 23, 2018 my state license was issued to me!! I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life.