Occupational Therapy Assistant
ACOTE Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
4720 Montgomery Lane
PO BOX 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
(301) 652-AOTA(2682)
www.aota.org
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DESCRIPTION
This two-year
program prepares students to become entry-level practitioners in the
Occupational Therapy profession. The Occupational Therapy Assistant
(OTA/COTA) provides comprehensive OT services under the supervision
of an occupational therapist (OT/OTR). OTA's are valued members of
the health care team. They assist people of all ages and walks of
life to maximize engagement and participation in desired and
expected daily life activities through the use of occupations. KVCC
has the only OTA program in the State of Maine. Graduates are
eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in
Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal
background check may be required while they are enrolled in the
program, or as a condition of employment in the field; that certain
internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities,
may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or
current criminal record; and that certain licensing boards may
refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current
criminal offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or
profession you are interested in has such requirements or
limitations, please see the Department Chair.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to
prepare students to become competent Occupational Therapy Assistants
who will provide Maine with a cadre of qualified and dedicated
occupational therapy practitioners to assist its citizens in
achieving independence and wellness while maintaining individual
choice, human dignity, and personal satisfaction.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Assistant
program, a graduate is expected to:
1) Successfully pass the National Board for Certification in
Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
2) Demonstrate the use of professional values, consistent with the
Occupational Therapy Core Values and Ethics, that allow them to
function ethically and responsibly by demonstrating tolerance and
respect for diversity of culture, age, gender, and ability.
3) Demonstrate effective communication with clients, families,
supervisors, and other members of their work environment using
cultural competence.
4) Employ logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, and
creativity within their scope of professional practice.
5) Participate in lifelong learning and professional competency
activities as they relate to occupational therapy practice and
professional choices.
SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM INFORMATION
Students who have been accepted into the Occupational Therapy
Assistant program must obtain:
1) KVCC/OTA name pin
2) Professional liability insurance and health insurance
3) Hold current Basic Life Support certification (CPR for the Healthcare
Provider from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer
from the American Red Cross).
4) Required immunizations
5) Internet access for online/Blackboard enhanced course and/or
discussion
All OTA students must assume personal responsibility for
transportation and/or other living costs to and from statewide
fieldwork education sites.
GRADUATE INFORMATION
Upon completing the OTA program, graduates: receive Mental Health
Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification based on
the educational competencies developed in the program are eligible
to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational
Therapy exam (NBCOT) {National Board for Certification in
Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), 12 South Summit Avenue,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150, (301) 990-7979, (301)869-8492
(fax)
www.nbcot.org are
required to be licensed to work in the State of Maine. {Board of OT
Practice, Office of Licensing and Registration, 35 State House
Station, Augusta, ME 04333} (A felony conviction may restrict an
individual from obtaining licensure).
CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
TRADITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
Hospitals
Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health Facilities
Schools
Developmental Disabilities Service Sites
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Home & Community Health Agencies
Rehabilitation Centers
Child Development Programs
NON-TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING PRACTICE ENVIRONMENTS INCLUDE:
Accessibility & Home Modification Specialists
Work-Related Support Services
Ergonomics & Workplace Health
Mental Health Partnerships
Assistive Technology Development
Consumer Advocacy
Health & Wellness Enhancement
Independent Living Skills/Community Reintegration Specialists
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 70 credits in the Occupational Therapy
Assistant program, achieve a minimum grade of "C," or "PASS"
criteria, in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.00 or higher.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
|
BIO213 |
Anatomy and
Physiology I |
4 |
|
ENG101 |
College
Composition |
3 |
|
OTS101 |
Introduction to
Occupational Therapy & Human Occupation |
7 |
|
PSY101 |
Introduction to
Psychology |
3 |
|
SECOND
SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
|
BIO214 |
Anatomy and
Physiology II |
4 |
|
OTS102 |
Occupational
Therapy Across the Life Span I |
5 |
|
OTS103 |
Functional
Kinesiology |
3 |
|
OTS104 |
Interpersonal
Skills for the Practicing A-H Professional |
1 |
|
PSY215 |
Developmental
Psychology |
3 |
|
SUMMER SESSION |
(Five
Weeks) |
CREDIT
HOURS |
|
COM104 |
Introduction to
Communication |
3 |
|
OTS105 |
OTA Fieldwork
Education I |
2 |
|
OTS107 |
Technology and
O.T. Practice |
1 |
|
OTS109 |
Group Process |
1 |
|
THIRD
SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT
HOURS |
|
OTS201 |
Practice Environments |
2 |
|
OTS203 |
Occupational Therapy Across the Life
Span II |
10 |
|
SOC101 |
Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
|
______ |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
|
FOURTH
SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
|
OTS206 |
OTA Fieldwork Education II-A |
6 |
|
OTS208 |
OTA Fieldwork Education II-B |
6 |
|
|
Total Credits for AAS |
70 |
