Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Occupational Therapy Assistants help clients of all ages return to their daily activities by using meaningful, occupation-based activities to improve health and wellness. Occupational therapy focuses on improvement in self-care, work, play/leisure, education, and psychosocial skills. An OTA may act as an educator, an advocate, a coach, an inventor, or a motivator. OTAs are employed by hospitals, long-term care facilities, school systems, or community agencies. Employment opportunities are expected to grow 27% through 2014.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to prepare students for generalized practice under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Through didactic, laboratory, and clinical education components, students will have the opportunity to gain understanding of practice with clients ranging in age from the very young to the very old. Practice within a variety of settings including school, medical, work, community, and mental health will be explored.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program has been granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA is located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-AOTA (2682).
OTC's Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is located in the renovated Lincoln Hall building.
The following information will help get you started. Before you begin the application process, please read the Admissions Checklist.
Important Information
2014 Admissions
1) OTA Pre-Requisites
Note: OTA pre-requisite courses have changed for 2014
As of fall 2014, the OTA Program will now require 23 credit hours of pre-requisite coursework. The required classes will include SOC 101, PSY 110, ENG 101, COM 100*, PLS 101, BCS 145, and BCS 146**.
*The program will automatically substitute COM 105 for COM 100.
**Students may also substitute BCS 140/150 for the BCS 145/146 courses. BCS 120 (a previous OTA pre-requisite) is no longer offered at OTC. For 2014, OTC students who have completed BCS 120 (6 hours) with an A or B may add one additional 4 credit anatomy/physiology course (with lab) to satisfy the science requirement.
2) Group Advising
Group advising sessions will be held monthly throughout the fall and spring semesters. One summer advising session will be held in June of each year. Dates and times for sessions will be posted at http://www.otc.edu/programs/alliedhealth.php. All advising sessions will be held in Lincoln Hall, room 203. In case of weather or other scheduling issues, students are encouraged to RSVP by email to the OTA Program Director (jenkinsr@otc.edu) on or before the scheduled day.
Pre-requisite GPA Requirements:
Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in all pre-requisite courses. However, a GPA of 2.5 in all pre-requisite coursework is required in order to be considered for admission.
Application Forms
- Admissions Checklist READ FIRST - checklist of required items needed to apply to Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Admission Application Print the application, fill it out, sign, and return it with your application fee to the Allied Health office.
- Reference Form Print three and distribute to individuals who are able to comment on your academic potential, work performance, or potential to function in a healthcare field.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preferred Course Sequence
- Program Costs Estimated cost sheet