The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program prepares students for entry-level employment as occupational therapy assistants in acute-care hospitals, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, developmental centers, school-based therapy programs, pediatric facilities, and mental health facilities. Graduates of the program are equipped to assist individuals in meeting a level of independence to perform the occupational roles necessary for productive living. Such roles may include tasks related to self care, work, or leisure for those disabled by illness, accidents, or by developmental or psychiatric impairment.

Entrance requirements for this program include: placement into BIO 141, ENG 111, and MTH 3, grade point average of 2.5 or higher; 30 hours of documented observation time in at least two separate locations with an occupational therapist (OTR) or an occupational therapy assistant (COTA); and a personal interview with the program director. A writing sample may also be required for admission.

Following acceptance into the program, students must obtain current CPR certification, provide documentation of a recent medical examination, undergo a criminal record check, and maintain a C or better. Those whose academic performance does not meet this academic requirement will not remain in the program. They may request reinstatement by the program director, based on their readiness for the work and space availability.

The program requires five full-time semesters of study.

Neither Tidewater Community College nor the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Tidewater Community College discriminates against anyone with a criminal record. However, it should be noted that some facilities may refuse to accept a student with a criminal background and it may affect that student’s ability to become nationally certified and licensed to practice in many states,even after successfully completing the program. Prospective applicants should be aware that some clinical facilities may require an additional sex offender background check and/or drug screening prior to attending clinical experiences, a required component of the program. The cost of any background check is the responsibility of the student.

Students are wholly responsible for transportation to and from clinical facilities, and are financial responsible for clinical uniforms, laboratory clothing, and parking fees.

Individuals in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program may elect to pursue professional certification following completion of the A.A.S. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers a national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Most states, including Virginia, require certification in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

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 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD, 20824-1220, phone (301) 652-AOTA.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Occupational Therapy Assistant (126)

1      Eligible courses are listed on page 28 in the 2011-2012 catalog.  See your

       academic advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).

2      Due to the limited number of available clinical sites in the region, students may have to

        travel to a distant site or stay temporarily near a facility.

Contact(s):

• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Health Professions Division
• TCC Information Center