Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.A.S.

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. You’ll also get hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. The OTA Program incorporates through the first three semesters (including Summer) Level I Fieldwork experiences in a variety of clinical settings which reinforce in-class instruction. During the last semester of the OTA Program, students participate in two (2) separate Level II Fieldwork placements which are eight (8) weeks each. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Graduates of the program will be 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, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. 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.