OTA CURRICULUM

 

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to provide the student with entry-level skills as described by the profession.  Major focus is placed on the uniqueness of the human being and the concept that human beings are open systems.  Special emphasis is placed on integrating multi-cultural and ethical perspectives throughout the program. 

 

The Occupational Therapy Assistant coursework (click here to see a list of classes and descriptions) include instruction in the liberal arts, social and biological sciences, concepts of occupation and occupational therapy intervention, interpersonal skills, group dynamics, group leadership skills, and the use of human occupation in teaching adaptive and rehabilitative skills.  Service learning is integrated throughout the program to give that “hands on” experience that brings classroom experiences to life.  In addition to entry level skills, the program has also identified professional behaviors necessary for successful completion of the program. Students engage in self assessment and develop goals in collaboration with faculty who have also assessed the students' level of skill in the area of professional behaviors. This process is on-going throughout the two years of the program. Fieldwork experiences  (click here to see more about fieldwork) occur throughout the program in a variety of areas, culminating in two 8 week full time internships. These internships must be completed within 18 months of finishing classroom work. 

The program length is 2 academic years and 16 weeks of internship. There is an extended option for those students who wish to take fewer credits each semester.  Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants (www.nbcot.org )