Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Information

Young or old, we all have a job to do–the job of living. Learning, growing, playing, working, managing our homes, and caring for our families are among the “occupations” of life. Unfortunately, physical, emotional, or other challenges often prevent people from fully participating in the job of living. Disease, injury, depression, or developmental problems can make it difficult for people to do everyday tasks or be active and independent. Occupational therapy makes it possible for people to achieve Independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career as an occupational therapy assistant, you will make a difference! You will be able to improve the lives of people, from newborns to the very old. If you are looking for a stimulating career and have an aspiration to learn, achieve, and five your best to society, a career as an occupational therapy assistant is for you!

The Owens Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program provides active classroom instruction and extensive field experience in the practice of occupational therapy with individuals and populations across the life span within various service delivery models. Coursework offers students the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for employment as an entry-level occupational therapy assistant in a variety of institutional and community-based settings. Under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, the Occupational Therapy Assistant carries out a treatment program to facilitate maximum life satisfaction and independent functioning for people of all ages. Job opportunities are available in rehabilitation facilities, general hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, public school systems, and various community programs servicing those with or at risk for health related problems and dysfunction.

Department of Therapeutic Services

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for a period of 10 years from academic year 2014/15 to 2024/2025, located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.  ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is 301-652-2682 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Health Requirements

Each student is required to have a physical examination, and specified immunizations at the student’s own expense each year.  The necessary forms will be provided to the student at orientation and are to be completed and signed by the examining physician prior to the start of Fall semester.  The health form is required to be updated yearly.  If the student fails to provide the necessary information by their yearly deadline, they will be suspended from all OTA classes.  Health information may be sent to the fieldwork sites along with a Personal Data Form.

Background Check Requirements

The OTA program does not require a background check for admission. However, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate House Bill 160, which requires certain employers to obtain criminal background checks on potential providers of direct patient care for older adults. The Governor signed this Bill and since has been interpreted by some health care facilities as applicable to students in training for patient care occupations. As a result, during training at Owens Community College students will be asked to complete consent forms and undergo criminal background checks including fingerprinting prior to beginning fieldwork experiences. There is a cost associated with this background check that is paid for by the student. Failure to sign a consent form or complete a background check will jeopardize the student’s placement for fieldwork training and may impact upon the student’s ability to complete graduation requirements.

The student also is advised that conviction of a felony may prohibit placement in a suitable training site. In addition, some licensing agencies restrict eligibility for licensure and/or licensure examinations based upon an individual’s criminal background.

For more information on background checks by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) visit the following websites: 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I), www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), www.fbi.gov

Certification and State Licensure

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Background checks by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are required for licensure. The student assumes the cost of the background checks.   Final licensure eligibility based on an individual’s background is determined on a case by case basis during the licensure application process. For more information regarding background checks and licensure application and requirements visit the following websites: 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I), www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), www.fbi.gov

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) website, www.nbcot.org

Technical Standards

Students matriculating in and graduating from the Owens Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) must be capable of developing and providing client-centered services in an informed and safe manner under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist. As an incoming OTA student, it is recommended that you have the following minimum skills and abilities for successful progression in this program.

- View the Technical Standards Chart  

Clinical Experiences

Fieldwork education is integrated into each OTA course of the program. Students are required, as mandated by ACOTE standards, to complete a 16-week full-time fieldwork experience in the Spring semester 2nd year of the program. In addition to the full-time fieldwork, students are required to be on campus 4 hours per week in the evening for seminar. This fieldwork/seminar must be completed within 12 months following the completion of the Fall semester 2nd year of study. Transportation costs, background checks, immunizations, health insurance, uniforms, etc. are the responsibility of the student.

Employment Opportunities

Employment is expected to grow by about 43% between 2010 and 2020 as the demand for occupational therapy services rises.
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Where do occupational therapy practitioners work?

Occupational therapy practitioners work in a variety of job settings. Public schools, hospitals, mental health centers, nursing homes, physician practices, and home health agencies are all job settings that may employ occupational therapy practitioners. With career advancement, occupational therapy practitioners may move into management, specialization, teaching, research, or private practice positions.

One of the greatest advantages of a career as an occupational therapy assistant is the wide variety of opportunities available to graduates. Many occupational therapy assistants choose to work in community-based settings. Some jobs a COTA can do include the following:

• Activity Program Manager

• Vision Intervention Specialist

• Job Coach for Clients with Disabilities

• Group Home Manager

• Assistive Technology Consultant

• Orthotics Fabrication Specialist

• Inclusive Apparel Seamstress

• Case Manager for Clients in Supportive Living

• Wheelchair Vendor

• Independent Living Skills Trainer

• Director of Day Care for Special Needs Children

• Office/Factory Ergonomics Consultant

• Web Sight Designer for Consumers with Disabilities

• Specialist in Lifestyle Redesign

• Daily Living Skills Counselor for Eating Disorder Clients

• Corporate Wellness Director

• Community Integration Specialist

• Inclusion Specialist for Recreation Programs

• Home Modification Consultant

• Rehab Equipment Salesperson

• Teacher Aid for Special Needs Student

• Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Owens Community College maintains an Office of Student Financial Services on each campus.  The Office of Student Financial Services is the place to ask questions related to financial aid.  Contact: 1-800- GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387 Email: studentfinancial@owens.edu.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation offers more than 90 scholarships. Please see the American Occupational Therapy Association web page for more information.

The following scholarships are available to current Occupational Therapy Assistant students:

Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Transfer Information

Graduates may pursue a master of occupational therapy degree at the University of Findlay or an entry-level doctorate at the University of Toledo.  Meet with an Advisor or the Department Chair for more information.