Occupational Therapy Assistant

What is Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy is concerned with selecting activities for client treatment that promote and maintain health. Students in the program learn to implement occupation-based interventions utilizing a client-centered approaches to assist those who suffer from physical or psychological dysfunction. The program teaches concepts and techniques that enable students to interact with clients of all ages using treatment activities that relate to self-care, work, and play or leisure activities. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will be trained to contribute to the therapy process in collaboration with a therapist and work under their supervision.

Students are required to attend a pre-admission conference for this program.

What are my career choices?

Occupational therapy assistants may provide services in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, school systems, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and long-term care settings, home health agencies, mental health facilities and community-based programs.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Degree

• Occupational Therapy Assistant - AAS

Occupational therapy assistant students who successfully complete their academic and fieldwork education requirements will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Initial certification is a requirement for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in most states. 

Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and obtain a license to practice. Concerned applicants may request an Early Determination Review by the NBCOT. 

Length of Program

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program consists of two semesters of academic preparation and one semester of full-time fieldwork education leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum includes a blend of courses Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences are completed in community and medical based practice settings.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

How do I apply?

Enrollment in this program is limited and includes a selective admissions process. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program admits students only one time each year, with a new class beginning each spring. The application deadline is October 1 of the year in which the student intends to apply. Students must attend a pre-admissions conference to obtain an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program application.

 

Launch Experience

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) c/o:

• Accreditation Department
• 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
• North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
• Phone:  (301) 652-2682
• Web:  www.acoteonline.org

To see college data, visit the NBCOT School Data page.

 

Other Information

• Academic Program Plan