2010-2011 Catalog [Aug. 2010-Aug. 2011] [Archived Catalog]
Occupational Therapy Assistant (2355) (A.S.)
|
|
Return to: Program by Degree Type
Associate in Science
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create competent, ethical, confident entry–level occupational therapy assistants committed to professional development through life–long learning in a positive, non–discriminatory and supportive learning environment.
The Career
Occupational therapist assistants under the direction of occupational therapists help people of all ages regain, develop, or master everyday skills in order to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Working in collaboration with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals, occupational therapy assistants are employed in a variety of traditional and emerging practice settings included but not limited to hospitals, community settings, mental health settings, public schools, rehabilitation settings, home health agencies, and nursing homes. Occupational therapy assistants provide occupation-based treatment interventions to improve the quality of life of clients within the community.
For information on the activities of our professional organization and the role of the occupational therapy assistant please visit the website of the American Occupational Therapy Organization (AOTA).
The Program
Upon completion of the two year 70 credit occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program the graduate will be awarded an associate’s of science (A.S.) degree and will be prepared to function as an entry-level practitioner. The program includes a combination of general education and professional OTA concentration courses. OTA courses include lecture, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. The program is a limited access program based on academic performance and other criteria.
Accreditation
The occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Graduates of the program will be 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, most 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 affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Fieldwork Experience
Fieldwork is an integral part of the educational process and is designed to be an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients in a variety of settings in the community. Level II fieldwork generally requires two eight week full time experiences scheduled in the last semester prior to graduation. Students are responsible for travel and travel expenses. All Occupational Therapy Assistant students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 18 months following completion of academic preparation.
Curriculum
All general education courses must be completed before the last term of the occupational therapy assistant program. A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained.
Application Procedure
Acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is based upon academic performance and other criteria. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must complete the following by the application deadline:
- Complete and submit an occupational therapy assistant application and clinical experience verification form to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program department.
- Complete the Health Occupations Test (HOT) and include the results in the occupational therapy assistant application file.
- Forward official college transcripts to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
- Provide evidence of current CPR certification for health care providers (infant, child, adult).
- Complete the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”.
- Complete a minimum of five hours observation or volunteer service with a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. Submit a complete observation/volunteer verification form with the application.
Note: A physical examination will be required upon acceptance into the program.
Application Deadline
Applications are due May 27, 2011. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be processed.
Need More Information?
View Program Information and Contacts |