Housatonic Community College

(2009-2010 Catalog)Course Selection Guide for this program

Occupational Therapy Assistant: Parent Program (code: EA77)      

Associate in Science Degree

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to prepare graduates for employment in hospitals, long term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and schools. Upon program completion, students are eligible to take state licensure exams and the national certification examinations administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Occupational Therapy Assistants develop, administer and modify treatment plans based on the assessment and recommendation of Registered Occupational Therapists. The purpose of Occupational Therapy is to assist people in maximizing independence after illness, trauma, disability, or injury has altered their physical, emotional, or mental abilities.

The curriculum combines the general college core courses in the humanities and sciences with clinical courses. Area school and health care facilities provide the environment where students study occupation, dysfunction, interpersonal skills, treatment planning, and intervention skills.

Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential role of occupation in treatment.
• Utilize treatment planning principles and techniques that demonstrate sensitivity to the whole person including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, economic, and cultural diversity factors.
• Develop and implement a plan of treatment using appropriate modifications and grading.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques with patients, families, caregivers, peers, and supervisors.
• Understand how OT service provision is influenced by social responsibility.
• Recognize, assess, take action, and accommodate unique treatment situations as they arise.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors with patients, families, caregivers, peers, and supervisors.
• Collaborate with patients, families, and teams to provide efficient, effective, and respectful care plans and treatment.

Special Admissions

Students who wish to be considered for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program must present credentials matching the following guidelines:

All students must have completed all required developmental course work and have earned 12 college credits. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for entrance into this program. Regardless of courses taken, students must pass the OTA Admission Essay Exam. All students must attend a mandatory program information session.

Admission to the program is selective and completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Criteria such as completion of non-OTA courses, date of application, and date of completion of exploratory assignments may be used in the decision process. Additional admissions requirements include an interview, approved volunteer experiences and a structured report of an observation of an Occupational Therapist (Please see application packet for guidelines). Application deadline is May 15th prior to the anticipated fall entry date.

Applicants are responsible for obtaining the most current OTA application requirements and paperwork at a mandatory information session.

Special Requirements

Students are required to obtain a grade of "B" or higher in BIO* E105 and a grade of “C” or higher in all other OTA courses for progression in the program. Students are also required to purchase their own malpractice insurance, uniforms, and to provide their own transportation to and from all clinical assignments. In addition to having a physical examination within six months prior to entering the practicum, students must also provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B, and certification in CPR and First Aid before starting Level 2 practicum. All students placed on fieldwork assignments are required to show proof of health insurance.

In addition to academic requirements, students must meet non academic essentials and technical standards in order to complete the program. A separate Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Handbook details additional requirements specific to the program.

Students must complete all Level 2 Practicum work within 18 months following the completion of academic preparation. For more information on the program and to downlaod an application packet visit the OTA program page on the HCC web site.

Students are subject to a drug screening and criminal background check prior to Fieldwork placement. Comission of a felony may effect a student's ability to take the national exam.

Accreditation

Suggested Sequence of Courses:
Prerequisite or parallel courses may be required. Please check individual course descriptions for details.