Occup Therapy Asst

Program Codes: ASOCCPTH
Associate of Science

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the “skills for the job of living” necessary for independent and satisfying lives. (American Occupational Therapy Association, AOTA).

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury. (AOTA).

The occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is an integral part of the health care team. Occupational therapy assistants provide occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist. OTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions and obtain data related to that intervention; make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the occupational therapist or to ensure patient/ client safety and comfort, educate and interact with occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students, aides, technicians, volunteers, patients/ clients families, caregivers; and respond to patient/client and environmental emergency situations.

Requirements for admission include a high school diploma (or GED) with a GPA minimum of 2.5 (C+ average), and completion of high school algebra, biology and chemistry with a C or better in each course. Preference is given to applicants with SAT scores at or above 900 (two section total) or a 20 composite ACT score. Applicants may be asked to take a placement test if any of the requirements are in question. Additional requirements that can be completed after a student is accepted include 16 hours of documented work or volunteer experience in two different settings with a licensed OT or OTA.

The OTA curriculum consists of liberal arts, science and OTA preparation courses. Within this curriculum, fieldwork placement in a clinical setting, supervised by a licensed OT or OTA, is completed. This is integrated into the course schedule for Level I Fieldwork, with a placement within the Principles and Skills courses. Level II Fieldwork is a full time clinical placement during the last term of the curriculum. This consists of two separate clinical experiences, lasting eight weeks each.

In order to participate in fieldwork education, students must provide documentation of a recent physical exam, appropriate immunizations, a recent two step TB test, current CPR certification, completion of federal and state criminal record checks, child abuse clearance and, in some cases, a drug screening.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE):
4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O.Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
301-652-2682
acoteonline.org

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, individual states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may prevent a student from completing field work and affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Program Outcomes:
  • Be able to practice as an entry-level generalist in a safe and effective manner within the various settings where OT services are provided.
  • Be able to provide intervention related to the occupational performance of an individual or group that is based upon current OT theory, is culturally relevant, and evidence based.
  • Be able to use relevant occupations to facilitate participation in life roles.
  • Display ethical behavior with clients, coworkers and all stakeholders within their practice.
  • Be an advocate for the OT profession and for the clients they serve.
  • Understand the need to maintain competence through lifelong learning.
Program Requirements:

A minimum of 66 credits (40 OTA credits) are required for the completion of this associate degree program. No grade below a C is accepted in any OTA course. Successful completion of feild work placements within clinical settings as scheduled in the curriculum is mandatory.

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ELECTIVE
3

CST, PHIL, or RLST course

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