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.

Selective Health Program Admission Process

Students may apply to a maximum of three selective admissions programs

Apply for Admission to Owens Community College.

Apply Online Now!

Request Evaluation for Admission to a Health Program.

Applicants must have a complete file in the Records Office by established deadline dates.   If you were previously evaluated and denied, and wish to be re-evaluated for the same program or any other health program, you must submit another Request for Health Evaluation.  To view file status, regularly check “My Required Documents” via Ozone.

- view FAQ’s for Selective Health Admission Process

- view Deadline Dates and Requirements for a Complete File

- Submit a Request for Health Program Evaluation by logging into your Ozone account. Select the Academic Info tab and navigate to the Selective Health portal and select Request a Health Evaluation.

Official transcripts are required from the applicant’s high school, college or university attended.  If you have a GED, high school, or college transcript(s), please request an official copy be sent to:

Owens Community College

Attn:  Records Office

P.O. Box 10,000

Toledo, OH 43699-1947

If you have an official, sealed copy of a transcript to drop off, visit Oserve on the Toledo or Findlay campus during regular hours, found at www.owens.edu/oserve, to submit.

Evaluation does not mean automatic admission to the program.  Results of the Health Evaluation will be sent to your Owens email account approximately 2-3 weeks after the evaluation deadline date.

For assistance with the selective health program admission process, requirements, procedures and final date for receipt of application contact the Pre-Health Advising Advisor.

Admission Requirements

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program begins each fall semester.  Applicants will be reviewed on January 15 once the following is complete.  If the program is not filled after the January 15 review, an additional review will be held on May 15 to offer applicants an opportunity to begin the program.  

1. Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED (General Education Development) test is required. High school students may apply, but continuation in the program may be contingent upon submission of an official high school transcript verifying graduation.
2. Official transcripts are required from any college or university attended.
3. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level chemistry, CHM 095 , a higher level college chemistry course or PHY 115 .
4. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level anatomy, biology, anatomy & physiology, BIO 101 , BIO 201 , BIO 202 , BIO 211 , or BIO 212 .
5. Completion of the ACT or SAT. 
6. The first attempt, from any institution, of the most recent version of all four components of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
7. Some programs require observation hours.
8. Some programs require an Ohio Department of Health approved Nurse Assistant Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) completed within two years of the beginning of the first SNHP Program clinical course. 
9. Applicants should view “My Required Documents” in their student portal for a complete list of requirements.

Selective admissions points are earned as described below. A maximum of 50 points can be earned. A rank ordered list of applicants by point total will be developed. The applicants with the highest number of points will be offered a seat the program.  The applicants with the next highest number of points will be offered a seat as an alternate.

Points are calculated based on the following:

1.  Grade Point Average (GPA)  

A maximum of 20 points can be earned based on the applicants most recent GPA:

A. Applicants who have completed 11 or more college credit hours, as specified below, will be reviewed using their college GPA.  Three of the 11 college credit hours must include a math or science course. The only courses included in the calculation of college GPA are:

Math - the one, most recent, college level math course (MTH 101 or higher) which must be at least three credit hours.

Science - the most recent attempt at BIO 211  and / or BIO 212 .

Humanities or Social Science - the one, most recent, college level humanities or social science course which must be at least three credit hours.

Communication - the most recent attempt at ENG 111 . 

B. If a college GPA is not applicable, the high school GPA on file at Owens Community College will be used. 

2.  TEAS Entrance Assessment

A maximum of 16 points can be earned based on the applicant’s first attempt on the most recent version of TEAS in the areas of Reading, Science, English and Math.

Reading and Science - a maximum of five points can be earned in each area for a total of ten points.

English and Math - a maximum of three points can be earned in each area for a total of six points.

3. ACT or SAT Score

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the most recent ACT or SAT score.

4. Course Completion

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the first graded attempt of the following four courses. Points are not earned for grades of “C”.

A minimum of 15 points out of a total of 52 points must be achieved in order to be considered for Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Admission. 

Extenuating, documentable situations may prevent a student from beginning a program for which a seat has been accepted. Students may petition the program manager or chair to explore the possibility of securing a seat in a future semester. Contact the program chair for additional information.

Criteria for a tied score:

The following criteria will be used to break a tie in the event of two or more students receiving the same number of points on the selection criteria tally form at the time of selection in the following order:

1. Highest GPA points.
2. Highest TEAS Entrance Assessment points.
3. Most recent ACT Composite score points.
4. Course completion points.

If two students are still tied after the above determinations have been made, a lottery system will be used to determine the selected candidate.

Progression/Completion Requirements 

All students entering or enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program must achieve a “C” or better in all program and general education courses within the plan of study to progress through the program.  A student who fails to achieve a grade of “C” or better in any course within the plan of study must see the program director. A student who earns a grade of “D” or “F” in two program courses or earns a grade of “D” or “F” in one program course twice, is permanently dismissed from the Occupational Therapy Assisting Program and is ineligible for readmission.  The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program must be completed within three years from the date of enrollment in the first program technical course.

All program courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed. General education courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed or prior to the semester listed.

Non-Academic Readmission Policy

Students who leave the program for other than academic reasons may request readmission and be readmitted provided there is course seat availability. The Department Assistant Chair must be notified in writing of the student’s intention to return to the program at least four months prior to the start of the semester.

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 Oserve Office on each campus.  Oserve is the place to ask questions related to financial aid.  Contact: 1-800- GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387.

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.