Occupational Therapy Assistant

Associate Degree

 

 

Occupational Therapy Information

  • Occupational therapy is a health profession that provides Occupational Therapy services to clients across the life span.
  • Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may have developmental, physical, or mental health impairments.
  • Occupational therapists use the "occupations" of selfcare, work, play, and leisure activities to increase independence, enhance development, and prevent disability.

  • The program admits 25 students each May.
  • Students who complete the program will graduate in May of the following year.
  • Students must successfully complete all 3 semesters of OTA program coursework in order to be recommended for the national exam.
  • Labs and most lectures are held face-to-face on Thornley Campus. Currently, three courses in the program are offered in a hybrid format (a combination of face-to-face and online learning).
  • OTAs work under the supervision of an OTR.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for OTAs is $68,340(earnings range from $50,000-$85,000 and vary greatly on setting and location).

  • Managing work, school and personal life can be challenging due to program demands.
  • Personal transportation is required for community and fieldwork experiences.
  • Students should anticipate completing fieldwork experiences both locally and out of the area.
  • Students who are assigned fieldwork experiences out of the area are responsible for making their own living arrangement, and any additional costs incurred.
  • Students will engage in community and fieldwork experiences with clients with developmental delay, mental health dysfunction, disease and/or injuries.
  • Students may be exposed to blood and body fluids as well as communicable diseases.
  • OTA students can expect to address issues that deal with bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding, as well as higher level daily life skills.
  • A criminal background check and drug screening is required for all OTA students. This process is completed once the student begins the program. Results of the background check and/or drug screen, could affect a student's ability to complete fieldwork rotations, and/or their ability to become credentialed.
  • While it is not a requirement of the OTA program to be vaccinated for COVID 19, it may be a requirement of many of our clinical facilities where you will be assigned for fieldwork rotations. Seasonal Flu vaccination is a requirement unless the student has a documented allergy. 

  • The program is full-time. Learning experiences are provided on and off campus. Typically, classroom hours are during the day from 8-4, however, some community experiences or an occasional guest lecture may occur during evening hours. •Students can expect to engage in learning experiences that require public speaking, collaboration with other disciplines, and educating members of the community.
  • OTA students are required to successfully demonstrate skill competencies during lab practicals each semester. •Students are assessed for professional development each semester.
  • Students must successfully complete 4 fieldwork experiences. One, Level I experience is one week in length and occurs during the summer semester. The 2nd level I experience is the equivalent of 36-40 hours and occurs over the course of the fall semester. Two, Level II experiences occur in the spring semester and are eight weeks in length per experience. Students may be sent to a fieldwork site that is out of the Charleston area. This may include sites that are in or out of state. While we utilize as many local sites as possible, we are unable to make special accommodations, or meet student requests, to complete all fieldwork experiences locally. Students adhere to the schedule (days and times) of their onsite fieldwork supervisor during all fieldwork rotations.

Professional Organizations

Occupational Therapy Organizations are established to represent the interests and concerns of OT practitioners and students.

 

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