Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant Degrees From Oklahoma City Community College
Having a desire to assist others to enhance, increase, and/or maintain, their independence and quality of life, is critical for this in-demand, caring profession.
In this career you will assist individuals, who experience physical, cognitive, social, developmental and/or emotional challenges, to functionally engage in performance of daily occupations in self care, productivity, and leisure.
Additionally you will guide individuals in adapting to and with their environment by providing the necessary skills for daily living.
Your prerequisite beliefs and values should include patience, appreciation of diversity, creativity, flexibility, and the willingness to adapt to change.
At Oklahoma City Community College, you can earn an associate degree in applied science in the occupational therapy assistant program by completing 72 credit hours in basic and major coursework. You’ll also get hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings:
- Level I Fieldwork experiences occur throughout the first three semesters (including summer) and are scheduled outside of the normal OTA classroom hours.
- Level II Fieldwork occurs during the last semester. Level II Fieldwork experiences are full time, on-site clinical assignments for eight weeks each (16 weeks total).
Professional Links:
You must apply and be accepted as an OCCC student in order to apply for acceptance into the OTA program. Contact an academic advisor to find out how to apply.
Online community college admissions application
Occupational Therapy Assistant Application-Fall 2013
A class will be selected from eligible applicants who have been ranked according to GPA (see application). Remaining applicants will be placed on an alternate list.
Please see Prospective Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Letter (including graduation, certification, licensure, estimated costs, and curriculum pattern).
Are you ready to start your career? Complete an online community college admissions application today!
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OUTCOMES: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam results: Upon graduation from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant. The following results demonstrate the aggregate data for first-time, new graduate test takers (graduated within 12 months of taking the exam) for the 3 most recent calendar years (January-December of 2010, 2011, and 2012):
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In the OTA program, some of the concepts and techniques you learn will enable you to:
- Use clinical reasoning to assist in the development and implementation of treatment approaches and activities.
- Adapt the environment, tasks or occupations to meet individual needs.
- Demonstrate behavior consistent with the AOTA Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate respect for client individuality and multicultural differences.
- Focus on promoting wellness and prevention of occupational dysfunction.
- Successfully collaborate with patient, caregivers, Occupational Therapy Practitioners and other professionals in the delivery of Occupational Therapy services.
- Be proficient in the use of adaptive/technological equipment.
- Demonstrate proper documentation utilizing verbal and written reports regarding Occupational Therapy services.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Degrees at Oklahoma City Community College
OCCC offers an associate degree in applied science in the occupational therapy assistant program.
With this degree in hand, you’ll be able to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. When you pass this exam, you can apply for state licensure in Oklahoma and begin work in this exciting career field.
A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure. Oklahoma requires state licensure based on successful completion of the national exam.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Classes at Oklahoma City Community College
In the occupational therapy assistant degree program at Oklahoma City Community College, you’ll study:
- Historical and Contemporary Foundations in Occupational Therapy
- Human Conditions Impacting Occupation
- Application of Leisure Occupation
- Performance in Activities of Daily Living
- Movement and Therapeutic Interventions
- Occupational Performance Birth through Adolescence & Adult Lifespan
- Group Dynamics
- Occupational Therapy Service Skills
- Special Topics and Fieldwork
- Occupational Therapy for Psychosocial Conditions
- Occupational Therapy for Physical Conditions
- Professional Development and Support
- Clinical application of Occupational Therapy in Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.
Visit OCCC’s online course catalog for full details on your occupational therapy assistant degree program. You can also check the current community college class schedule for course availability.
Tom Kraft
Program Director/Professor - OTA Program
Have been involved with OTA education since 1976. Have been involved with local, state, and national OT professional activites for over 35 years.
Fonda Scott
BA, COTA/L, Adjunct Professor
Graduate of OCCC OTA Program in 1995.Delivery of OT Services in the following settings: In-Patient Rehabilitation Centers, Out-Patient Center, Home Health.Adjunct Professor for OCCC OTA program since Fall of 2002.
Reeca Young
Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant, Academic FIeldwork Coordinator
I've been a licensed OTA for over 25 years. I served as an adjunct instructor in the OTA program for 16 years. I am a fulltime professor in the program and serve as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Careers
Upon successful completion of the National Certification Exam (and state licensure where appropriate) many career practice choices will be available. Previous graduates have secured employment in varied practice settings such as (but not limited to):
- Hospitals
- Out Patient Clinics
- Public Schools
- Private Sectors
- Home Health
- Community Based Centers
- Skilled Nursing Homes
- Correctional Facilities
- Mental Health Facilities/Substance Abuse Facilities
- Wellness Centers
- Durable Medical Equipment businesses
- Owner/Operator of health related businesses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for occupational therapy assistants are expected to continue to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations. Because more people are being diagnosed with a wide area of disabilities that limit function, occupational therapy assistants will remain in high demand.
Alumni Connection
Networking is an essential tool that can assist you in enhancing your practice. Some graduates have found maintaining contact or reconnecting with others have enhanced their practice and employment opportunities. If you would like to participate in an alumni connection please contact the OTA Program at (405)682-7506.
