What is Occupational Therapy?

According to the OT for the Model Practice Act (AOTA, 2004) Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations) with individuals or groups for the purpose of participation in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. “Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants focus on assisting people to engage in daily life activities that they find meaningful and purposeful”. (Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, AJOT, 2002)

OTA Program

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.