Quick Links:

Library Center for Business and Technology Academic Calendar Final Exam Schedule Arts & Entertainment Athletics Blackboard Bookstore Campus Directions Campus Map Faculty/Staff Resources Financial Aid Grants & Development Parking/Transportation Request a Transcript STCC'ler Student Activities CCGS Resources

Academic Programs

Academic Programs Home Alphabetical Program Listing Schedule of Classes Academic Calendar Meet Our Faculty Continuing Education Course Descriptions Online Education Complete College Catalog Semester Catalog Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Link to website maintained by the School of Health

Occupational therapy practitioners help patients reach functional goals. The roles and skills which underlie these goals are in essence one's occupation and occupational tools. For example a certified occupational therapy assistant may help an individual who suffered a stroke re-learn to dress him/herself, or may help a child with cerebral palsy learn to operate a computer with adapted equipment, Occupational therapy serves a wide population in a variety of settings such as hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools, camps, private homes and community agencies and centers.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. AOTA’s phone number is (301) 652-AOTA. For certification, 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.

All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending on the findings, the student may not be allowed to continue in the program of study. For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean, School of Health.  A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Please contact NBCOT at (301) 990-7979 or see http://www.nbcot.org/  for more information.

The certified occupational therapy assistant will be able to provide direct service to the client under the supervision of the Registered Occupational Therapist. Supervision is dependent on the specific service provided and the competency of the occupational therapy assistant.

The occupational therapy assistant curriculum is competency-based. It prepares the graduate to participate in a comprehensive health care plan for the client. A three-fold program is utilized: prevention, remediation, and compensation for daily life tasks and vocational adjustment. The student must complete one semester in supervised practice, level 2 practice, which will require travel and related expenses. It must be completed within 20 months of the didactic coursework.

Clinical rotations are an integral part of the occupational therapy assistant program curriculum. The clinical component is based on contracts negotiated with area health care facilities. It should be noted that all students may not have fieldwork placements confirmed prior to graduation. Some students may need to attend fieldwork during the summer.

Admission Standards and Criteria

Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a certificate of equivalency.  Applicants must have completed high school algebra 2, biology, and chemistry.  Candidates can waive the SAT criteria if they can document a 3.0 or better QPA in at least 15 college credits, including English Composition, with no grade lower than a "C" (2.0). Students need to submit a letter of intent discussing why they wish to be an occupational therapy assistant. On the STCC placement tests, students must demonstrate competencies for algebra 2 and admission to college level English (ENGL-100). Students must also have a physical exam which states that they are physically fit for the program and subsequent clinical affiliations.

Minimum Grade Requirement

Occupational therapy assistant students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” (73%) or better in each occupational therapy course. In addition, students must attain a minimum grade of “C” (73%) or better in related science and general study courses. The student who is unable to meet this minimum requirement will be withdrawn from the program. Application for reentry will be based on the recommendation of the Department Chair.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Goals

1. Articulate basic knowledge of physical, biological and behavioral sciences related to the practice of occupational therapy.
2. Integrate the principles of physical, biological and behavioral sciences with the practice of occupational therapy.
3. Demonstrate the skills necessary to provide entry- level occupational therapy
4. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and other team members.
5. Promote wellness and prevention in the community.
6. Adhere to ethical, legal, and safe occupational therapy practice.
7. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior.
8. Manage the delivery of occupational therapy services.
9. Advance the effectiveness of the profession of occupational therapy.

Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)

---

Upon successful completion of the requirements, the degree of Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant will be awarded.

---