Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)
Program Description
A.A.S. Degree: 82 Hours
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is provided in a hybrid format. The program is designed to prepare students for generalized practice under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Through online didactic, and in-person laboratory and clinical education components, hybrid students will have the opportunity to gain understanding of practice with clients ranging in age from the very young to the very old. Practice within a variety of settings including school, medical, work, community and mental health will be explored.
Students may take the "Program Specific Courses" only if they have been admitted into the program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. A new class begins each fall semester. The application deadline for the program is April 15. Contact the Health Sciences office for an application packet.
Students admitted into the OTA program are required to adhere to strict program attendance and professional behavior standards in order to participate, progress, and graduate from the OTA program.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E; Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant. This test is 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). NBCOT can be reached by email at info@nbcot.org or by calling 301-990-7979.
In addition, most states, including Missouri, require licensure to practice. State licenses are based on information obtained through an application and results of the NBCOT examination. Felony convictions may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT exam or attain state licensure. For information regarding Missouri licensure, contact the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy, Division of Professional Registration, 3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65102-1335, or phone (573) 751-0293.
Pre-Admission Requirements - 23 Credit Hours
- BCS 165: Human Anatomy*
- BCS 205: Human Physiology*
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
- PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
- BCS 165: Human Anatomy*
- BCS 205: Human Physiology*
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
- PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Note:
* Please contact the Health Sciences Office if you have previously taken BCS 145 and BCS 146.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Requirements - 59 Credit Hours
- OTA 100: Occupational Therapy Foundations
- OTA 105: Document & Reimbursement OTA
- OTA 110: Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
- OTA 115: Neuromuscular Mvmt Analysis
- OTA 130: Neurological Structure and Function
- OTA 150: Human Development in Occupational Therapy
- OTA 205: Task Analysis I
- OTA 211: Practicum I
- OTA 215: Therapeutic Intervent&Adapt I
- OTA 220: Group Dynamics
- OTA 225: Conditions in Occupational Therapy I
- OTA 222: Evidence-Based Practice for the OTA I
- OTA 235: Screen And Assessment OTA I
- OTA 241: Practicum II
- OTA 245: Task Analysis II
- OTA 255: Therapeutic Interventions and Adaptations II
- OTA 265: Screening and Assessment for the OTA II
- OTA 270: Prof Development Seminar
- OTA 275: Conditions in Occupational Therapy II
- OTA 276: Emerging Practice and Special Issues in OT
- OTA 280: Evidence-Based Practice for the OTA II
- OTA 285: Practicum III*
- OTA 286: Practicum IV*
Note:
(All coursework and fieldwork must be completed prior to submitting application to sit for the NBCOT exam)
* Must be completed within 18 months of completion of all other OTA coursework