Erie Community College, State University of New York

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an associate in applied science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, the graduate will be able to:

• Identify basic patient needs and deficits by utilizing available resources, i.e. medical chart, performance of initial screenings, use of OT evaluation, patient/client observation team members, family and significant others.
• Participate in assessment of patient/client occupational performance capacities and/or limitations.
• Demonstrate ability to set patient/client goals and to plan a therapeutic program to prevent deterioration or promote independence in a patient/client performance of work, self-care, and play/leisure.
• Select appropriate therapeutic activities to meet an individual’s performance in work, self-care and play by incorporating components of an individual’s life space to include cultural background, work/leisure history, socio-economic level.
• Adapt therapeutic activities and/or the environment to meet a patient/client’s physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory integrative or developmental needs.
• Utilize communication skills, both verbal and written, to exercise effective communication within a clinical setting.
• Coordinate clinical programs (i.e. inservice, patient/client, home, community, facility) and implement these programs within clinical setting.
• Fabricate clinical equipment, adaptive equipment, and orthotic devices used in various clinical settings.
• Instruct patient, staff, and family in use of fabricated equipment.
• Monitor and maintain clinical equipment with regards to a given facility’s policies and procedures.
• Perform business-related functions—attendance records, statistical reports, submit billing for third party payment.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner by adhering to the standards of practice, patient rights, confidentiality.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment within a clinical setting to ensure order, safety, patient/client privacy.
• Participate in the American Occupational Therapy Certification Exam.