Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist in screening, assessing, planning, and implementing treatment as well as documenting progress for clients receiving occupational therapy services.
Course work focuses on human growth and development, conditions that interfere with activities of daily living, theory, and process of occupational therapy, individual or group treatment activities, the therapeutic use of self, activity analysis as well as grading or adapting activities and environments.
Graduates may be eligible to take the national certification examination for practice as a certified occupational therapy assistant. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term or extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools, outpatient clinics, home health programs, and community programs.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in occupational therapy assistant employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (A45500)
Degree Awarded
An Associate in Applied Science Degree is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Complete a general admission application to Central Piedmont.
- Take the required placement tests.
- Meet with an academic advisor or counselor for preliminary counseling.
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- Submit all official high school and college transcripts to Admissions, Records & Registration.
- Complete any required preparatory courses with a grade of “C” or better.
- Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.
- Continued progression in the program requires a grade of “C” or better in every course.
- Complete a physical examination (including drug screen) documenting the ability to complete all program requirements.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
- Fieldwork II placements must be completed within 12 months of completion of didactic course work.
Program Accreditation
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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-49299. The council may be contacted online in the care of AOTA or by phone at 301-652-AOTA (2682).
Notes
Students spend more than 600 hours of supervised clinical training in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, and other settings to gain invaluable hands-on experience that supplements and complements traditional classroom learning.
Graduates of the program are eligible 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, individuals are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).
In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice. Eligibility for state licenses usually is based on results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.
Please Note: a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or to attain state licensure.
Contact Information
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is in the Therapy and Acute Care Division. For more information, visit the Occupational Therapy Assistant. For further assistance, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.6424.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Take 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| OTA 110 | Fundamentals of OT | 3.0 |
| OTA 120 | OT Media I | 2.0 |
| OTA 130 | Assessment Skills | 3.0 |
| OTA 140 | Professional Skills I | 1.0 |
| OTA 150 | Pediatric Concepts and Interventions | 3.0 |
| OTA 161 | Fieldwork I-Placement 1 | 1.0 |
| OTA 162 | Fieldwork I-Placement 2 | 1.0 |
| OTA 163 | Fieldwork I-Placement 3 | 1.0 |
| OTA 170 | Physical Conditions | 3.0 |
| OTA 180 | Psychosocial Conditions | 3.0 |
| OTA 220 | OT Media II | 3.0 |
| OTA 240 | Professional Skills II | 1.0 |
| OTA 250 | Adult Concepts and Interventions | 3.0 |
| OTA 260 | Level II Fieldwork Placement 1 | 6.0 |
| OTA 261 | Level II Fieldwork Placement 2 | 6.0 |
| PSY 241 | Developmental Psychology | 3.0 |
| PSY 281 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| or BIO 165 | Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| Other Major Requirements: | ||
| OTA 280 | Professional Transitions | 1.0 |
| OTA 135 | Kinesiology | 1.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| or BIO 166 | Anatomy and Physiology II | |
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| or MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | |
| Total Credits | 74 | |
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer diplomas or certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
OTA 110. Fundamentals of OT. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces occupational therapy (OT) theory, practice, philosophy, and principles. Emphasis is placed on providing a basic understanding of the profession as well as beginning to develop interaction and observation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic understanding of the domain and practice of occupational therapy, practice settings and professional roles, OT terminology, activity analysis, principles, process, philosophies, and frames of reference.
OTA 120. OT Media I. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides training in recognizing the therapeutic value and use of a wide variety of human occupations including basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Topics include the understanding of different teaching and learning methods and styles, the language of occupational therapy (OT), OT interventions including preparatory methods and tasks, and restorative and compensatory techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze, design, select, and safely perform occupation related activities that would be therapeutic for various populations across the lifespan.
OTA 130. Assessment Skills. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides training in appropriate and accurate assessment skills related to sensation, movement, vision, perception, cognition, emotions, and performance of basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Topics include physical and psychosocial factors affecting performance; and sensory, range of motion, strength, coordination, cognitive, visual-perceptual, self-care, and work-related assessments. Upon completion, students should be able to gather and share data for the purpose of screening and evaluation, administer selected assessments using appropriate procedures and protocols, and articulate the role of the occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapist in the screening and evaluation process.
OTA 135. Kinesiology. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides training in understanding and using principles of normal human movement. Topics include terminology, structures of the body associated with movement, principles of motion, analysis of movement, joint structure and its impact on motion, and muscle actions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in identifying terms associated with movement, motions, structures, normal ranges and directions of motion, and general principles of human movement; and apply biomechanical principles to safe and efficient functional mobility activities.
OTA 140. Professional Skills I. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and the occupational therapist (OT) in occupational therapy practice and facilitates development of professional behaviors and skills. Topics include professional ethics, supervisory roles, responsibilities, and collaborative professional relationships; credentialing, certification, and licensure; documentation, which communicates the need and rationale for occupational therapy services; therapeutic use of self; and professional identity and professional behaviors; and observation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate ethical behavior, discriminate between roles and responsibilities of the OTA and OT, and explain acceptable supervision and documentation.
OTA 150. Pediatric Concepts and Interventions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides knowledge and skills needed for working with children from birth through adolescence. Topics include review of normal growth and development, habituation of healthy habits/routines, the role of occupational therapy with caregivers/providers, understanding of common conditions and developmental delays; and the role of occupation in assessment, intervention planning and implementation with pediatric populations. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, and modify appropriate interventions with children in their context and environment to promote engagement in occupation.
OTA 161. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.
OTA 161AB. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 0.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-1.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.
OTA 161BB. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 0.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-1.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.
OTA 162. Fieldwork I-Placement 2. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.
OTA 163. Fieldwork I-Placement 3. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.
OTA 170. Physical Conditions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed for working with individuals experiencing various medical conditions to help them achieve participation in life through engagement in occupation. Topics include medical terminology, common conditions, body functions that change with disease processes, applicable theories and principles, assessment and intervention priorities for commonly treated conditions. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize common symptoms, prioritize mental, neuromusculoskeletal and movement related functional problems, while providing for patient safety within the patient's context and environment.
OTA 180. Psychosocial Conditions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed for working with individuals experiencing various psychosocial conditions to help them achieve participation in life through engagement in occupation. Topics include mental health conditions, applicable theories and principles, symptoms of dysfunction, assessment and treatment of individuals, planning and facilitating therapeutic groups, client safety, therapeutic use of self, and psychosocial aspects of practice. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively plan and conduct individual and group interventions for client conditions related to psychosocial dysfunction while recognizing contexts and environments that may also impact occupational performance.
OTA 220. OT Media II. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides training in appropriate and accurate assessment and intervention skills related to orthotics, prosthetics, assistive devices, assistive technology, client mobility, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues. Topics include ergonomics seating and positioning, community mobility, use of physical agent modalities, and technology in occupational therapy intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency fabricating and utilizing orthotic and assistive devices, understanding ADA guidelines, and using technology for engagement in occupation.
OTA 240. Professional Skills II. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers professional development, supervisory relationships, involvement in the profession, and clinic management skills. Topics include clarification of roles and responsibilities, detailed examination of the supervisory process, participation in professional organizations, and the mechanics of assisting in clinic operations. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively with a supervisor, plan and implement a professional activity, and perform routine clinic management tasks.
OTA 250. Adult Concepts and Interventions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides knowledge and skills needed for working with adults through the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on identification and discussion of common changes associated with aging, disabilities and chronic diseases affecting this population, assessments and intervention, including developing healthy habits and routines, and the impact on participation in occupation in various settings. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, and modify appropriate interventions with adults in their context and environment to promote engagement in occupations.
OTA 260. Level II Fieldwork Placement 1. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experience under the direct supervision of experienced occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistant practitioners working in various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on final clinical preparation for entry-level practice in the profession. Upon completion, students should be able to meet all critical competencies for entry-level practice established by the curriculum, AOTA guidelines, and regulatory bodies.
OTA 261. Level II Fieldwork Placement 2. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the final clinical experience under the direct supervision of experienced occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistant practitioners working in various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on final clinical preparation for entry-level practice in the profession. Upon completion, students should be able to meet all critical competencies for entry-level practice established by the curriculum, AOTA guidelines, and regulatory bodies.
OTA 280. Professional Transitions. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides closure to the educational program in conjunction with clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development and presentation, program evaluation, analysis and synthesis of clinical experiences, and final preparation for the certification examination. Upon completion, students should be able to enter the occupational therapy (OT) workforce with an understanding of themselves as OT professionals, and with supportive documentation demonstrating progress toward meeting competencies set forth by the profession and regulatory bodies.