Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to provide a quality educational experience that will train prospective professionals in the art and science of promoting and maintaining the holistic health and wellness of people, organizations, and populations through engagement in occupation. Graduates will be able to perform/engage as entry-level professionals under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT). Graduates will develop skills necessary for employment as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, thereby meeting the student’s individual needs and the expressed healthcare needs of the local and extended communities served by the Colleges. The program strives to fill a growing need for professionals able to contribute to all facets of occupational therapy, from community-based programs to client-centered interventions. The program promotes the value and professional importance of life-long learning.

A basic background in natural sciences, mathematics, communication, and behavioral sciences undergirds the specialized coursework. Specialized coursework prepares students for the certification examination they will take to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Employment may be in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as within pediatric, community, or educational settings.

Acceptance into the OTA program is based on a selective admission process. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must comply with college and program admissions requirements.

Progression in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is contingent upon the achievement of a minimum grade of a “C” or higher in each OTA course and prerequisite courses.

Portions of the OTA Program may be online/hybrid. Access to internet is required. Technology requirements are listed on the OTA Webpage for each program.

CPR requirement must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in the first semester of the OTA program. The CPR course must be Professional or Healthcare Provider.

Background check and drug screen prior to admission is required by all students, and students with a misdemeanor or felony conviction may be denied permission to access fieldwork sites.

Students will be responsible for their own transportation for fieldwork.

Documentation of digital literacy as defined by KCTCS is required prior to enrolling in the first OTA course.

All prerequisite courses must be completed before a student is admitted in the OTA program.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the

Accreditation Council on Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929

ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program will be able 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). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Note: An OTA graduate with a misdemeanor or felony conviction may be denied permission to access the NBCOT certification exam. The student is responsible for contacting NBCOT prior to admission.