OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Program Description
There have been dramatic shifts in U.S. population as a result of an increased average life span. This phenomenon, along with advances in science, technology and medicine has brought occupational therapy into the forefront of the allied health care field.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum prepares entry-level occupational therapy assistants to work in community and institutional health care programs, providing direct service to individuals.
In this program, students receive instruction in theory and develop skills relating to occupational therapy in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. During the second year, students participate in clinical practice settings to include general physical medicine and psychiatric centers, developmental agencies, schools, nursing homes and community agencies. Through these experiences, students gain experience in teaching patients/clients methods for engagement in self care, work, play/leisure, education, social skills and home/community living skills.
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 20824-1200
AOTA's phone number is (301) 652-AOTA. The website for AOTA is www.AOTA.org.
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program are able to sit for a national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is the certifying agency that administers the national certification examination to qualified candidates. Individuals who pass the NBCOT Occupational Therapy Assistant certification examination are eligible to use the credential "COTA" (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant). NBCOT is located at:
12 South Summit Avenue
Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150.
NBCOT's phone number is (301) 990-7979. Their website is www.NBCOT.org.
Graduation/Certification/Licensure
- An Associate in Applied Science degree is granted to each student who successfully completes all coursework and all fieldwork. The student must also demonstrate proficiency in algebra at the level of MT 006.
- New York State certification is required for employment in New York State. Upon graduation from the program, an individual is eligible to apply for certification. Many states in the U.S. require state licensure. Separate applications for state licensure must be filed within that state.
- New York State does not require results of the certification exam as a requirement for certification. A final official transcript indicating confirmation of an Associate in Applied Science is required.
- The total number of graduates who passed the certification exam as first time, new graduate test takers in 2007-2009 was 20 out of 27, which is a 74 percent pass rate. During that three-year time period, the program had 37 graduates.
- ECC OTA graduates interested in the practice area of psychiatric rehabilitation may meet eligibility criteria to sit for the Certification in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) exam after completing post graduate paid experience working within in a psychiatric rehabilitation setting.
Students interested in pursuing CPRP certification should speak with their OTA advisor. Additional information can be obtained at United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (www.uspra.org).
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
Students must demonstrate good physical endurance and good health. Sufficient physical strength is required for lifting and moving the human patient in a clinical setting.
- Additional required skills for a clinical setting include: Visual observation of patients and clients in treatment sessions; manipulation and handling of therapy equipment; ability to demonstrate cognitive skills relative to problem solving and clinical reasoning and handling stress.
- Applicants should have an 80 percent or above high school average
- Inter-curriculum or college transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Will comply with the college's math and English competency requirement; will complete developmental course-work prior to admission into the program
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Hegis: 5210
Curriculum Code: 0665
Total Degree Credits: 70.5
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division