Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTA)
Occupational therapy is the art and science of directing the human response with a focus on using selected client-centered occupations to promote and maintain health, prevent disability, assess behavior, and treat or train patients with physical or psychological dysfunction.
The mission of Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology program is:
- to prepare graduates as competent, entry-level generalists qualified to practice in the field of Occupational Therapy
- to meet community workforce needs
- to provide opportunities for experiential and cooperative education with exposure to non-traditional and emerging areas of practice
- to educate the community, and
- to function within the standards of the College, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology program are technically qualified members of the health team who function under the supervision or consultation of a registered occupational therapist. Assistants accept clinical responsibilities in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, or other organizations directed to maintain health and socialization.
Graduates demonstrate entry-level competency in:
- analyzing activities and applying activities to client needs
- using occupational therapy concepts and skills (such as daily living skills, group activities, evidence based interventions, and adaptive equipment)
- directing activity programs
- managing department operations
- collecting data
- understanding the effect of one’s behavior on the client and others
- upholding the standards of the profession
- identifying the need for continuing professional education and growth, and
- relating occupational therapy to the total health care system.
The OTA program at Cincinnati State provides unique learning opportunities for students through the Eileen Berke Occupational Therapy Center. This training laboratory is a home adjacent to the Clifton campus that has been modified with cabinetry, architectural installations, equipment, and furnishings designed to make daily life easier for individuals with disabilities or for those who simply wish to “age in place” in their own homes.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education is affiliated with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.
Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to sit for the national certification exam for the occupational therapy assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
In addition, all 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.
Current NBCOT pass rates are available on the College’s website.
All OTA students must complete Level II fieldwork within 20 months after completing academic coursework preparation.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTA)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| OTA 100 | Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assisting ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OTA 105 | Theory of Occupational Therapy ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OTA 106 | Techniques of Occupational Therapy ( T) | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| OTA 107 | Clinical Competency Foundations for Occupational Therapy Assistant ( B) | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| BIO 151 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( G) | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| OTA 120 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| OTA 121 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics ( T) | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| OTA 180 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1 ( T) | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning ( G) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| SOC 105 | Introduction to Sociology ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| OTA 110 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial,Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| OTA 111 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial ( T) | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| OTA 185 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 2 ( T) | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| BIO 152 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| OTA 280 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 3 ( T) | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| OTA 231 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities ( T) | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| OTA 233 | Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy ( T) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| OTA 230 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities ( T) | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| OTA 245 | Therapeutic Media Analysis for Occupational Therapy ( T) | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| OTA 241 | Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ( T) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| OTA 294 | OTA Level II Fieldwork 1 ( T) | 0 | 22 | 1 |
| Semester 6 | ||||
| OTA 295 | OTA Level II Fieldwork 2 ( T) | 0 | 22 | 1 |
| OTA 242 | Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 2 ( T) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total Credits: | 41 | 90 | 62 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Success Strategies: Overview | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies: Overview and Application | 2 |
| FYE 110 | College Success Strategies: Practice and Application | 3 |
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.
- This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
- The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.
The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum.
G = General Education course in this curriculum
B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum
T = Technical course in this curriculum
Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTA)
- Demonstrate an understanding about the importance of cultural competency and sensitivity, including a focus on client issues related to diversity.
- Demonstrate knowledge about different delivery models and systems used in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service.
- Articulate and apply knowledge about the importance of using client centered occupational therapy principles and intervention tools to achieve expected outcomes.
- Design occupation-based therapeutic interventions with individuals or groups for the purpose of participation in roles and situations in home, school, work place, community, and other settings.
- Safely apply occupational therapy interventions to include the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in everyday life activities that affect health, wellbeing, and quality of life, in pediatric, psychiatry, and physical dysfunction settings.
- Recognize the importance of being current with best practice and public policy through involvement in state and/or national associations.
- Demonstrate an understanding about ethical OT practice through the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession.
- Understand and distinguish between the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in the supervisory process related to clinical practice.
- Identify the need to advocate as a professional for the occupational therapy services offered and for the recipients of those services.
- Develop and achieve entry level competence as an OTA through a combination of academic and Level I/II fieldwork education.
Courses
OTA 100 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assisting
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on history, philosophy, and development of occupational therapy. Topics include: the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, role and function of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, and relationship of this field to other allied health professions. Students observe community occupational therapy settings.
Prerequisites: Admitted to OTA program (or OTA Pre-Admit status and completing Selective Enrollment steps)
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Instructor Consent Required
OTA 101 Professionalism in Occupational Therapy
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
A course on basic tenets of professional behaviors required for client treatment and working in the health care field. Topics include: professional dress, written and verbal communication, time management, ethics, and professional associations.
Prerequisites: OTA 100 (minimum grade C)
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OTA 105 Theory of Occupational Therapy
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on developmental processes of human performance. Topics include: occupational tasks and roles from birth to death; age-appropriate balance of work, self-care, and play/leisure; the impact of disease; and the therapeutic use of self.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the OTA program through the selective enrollment process, and instructor consent
Corequisites:
OTA 106: Techniques of Occupational Therapy
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Instructor Consent Required
OTA 106 Techniques of Occupational Therapy
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.
A course on use of crafts and occupation-based activity as therapeutic modalities in treatment toward function. Topics include: activity analysis and therapeutic adaptations, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Prerequisites: Admission to the OTA program through the selective enrollment process, and instructor consent
Corequisites:
OTA 105: Theory of Occupational Therapy
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Instructor Consent Required
OTA 107 Clinical Competency Foundations for Occupational Therapy Assistant
1 Credit. 2 Lab Hours.
A course for Occupational Therapy Assistant students on essential client care skills that provide a foundation for future OTA courses and clinical fieldwork. Students must successfully complete several practical examinations to earn a passing grade in the course.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the OTA program through the selective enrollment process, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
OTA 110 Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of adults in a mental health setting. Topics include: analysis and observational skills, use of self and group for therapeutic intervention, application of group process, and documentation and communication.
Prerequisites: OTA 120 and OTA 121 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 111 Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.
A mental health laboratory experience that accompanies OTA 110. Topics include: leadership and critical thinking skills needed in a group setting, applying group process, and using purposeful activity and crafts as therapeutic tools.
Prerequisites: OTA 120 and OTA 121 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 120 Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the role of occupational therapy in treatment of children with physical and/or psychological dysfunction. Topics include: normal development, developmental disabilities, choosing functionally significant and age-appropriate treatment interventions, documentation, and the team approach.
Prerequisites: OTA 105 and OTA 106 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 121 Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.
A pediatric laboratory experience that accompanies OTA 120. Topics include: basic developmental screening; using play as a therapeutic tool; evaluating other occupational performance skills; using adaptive equipment; and therapeutic techniques for positioning, handling, and feeding.
Prerequisites: OTA 105 and OTA 106 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 180 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 5 Lab Hours.
Students observe and participate in directed observations and service delivery in a facility or community setting that provides treatment or services for children. Students also attend on-campus seminars to discuss service delivery, inter- and intradisciplinary team relationships, referral to specialists, and relevant ethical issues. Students discuss and develop professional behavior skills. Students must provide proof of current certification in CPR and First Aid.
Prerequisites: OTA 105 and OTA 106 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 185 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 2
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 5 Lab Hours.
Directed observation and participation in a community occupational therapy setting with emphasis on psychosocial topics. Students must provide proof of current certification in CPR and First Aid.
Prerequisites: OTA 120 and OTA 121 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 230 Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the role of occupational therapy in treatment of adults and elders with physical dysfunction in settings including in-patient, out-patient and rehabilitation. Topics include: treatment techniques for various diagnoses, treatment planning and implementation, and documentation skills.
Prerequisites: OTA 110 and OTA 185 (minimum grade C for all)
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OTA 231 Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities
3 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.
A physical disabilities laboratory experience that accompanies OTA 230. Topics include: techniques for activities of daily living, therapeutic adaptations, adaptive/assistive equipment, community mobility, community resources, and critical thinking skills.
Prerequisites: OTA 111 and OTA 121 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 233 Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
A course on the movement of body parts in relation to rehabilitation therapy. Topics include: kinematics and movement analysis; fabrication, application, fitting, and using orthotic positioning devices; and administering superficial thermal and mechanical modalities to improve occupational performance.
Prerequisites: OTA 110 and OTA 120 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 240 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on professional concerns for the practicing Occupational Therapy Assistant. Topics include: licensure, liability, continuing education, national registration, and promoting occupational therapy. Students prepare for Level 2 Field Work experience.
Prerequisites: OTA 230, OTA 231, OTA 233 (minimum grade C for all)
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OTA 241 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 1
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on professional concerns for the practicing Occupational Therapy Assistant. Topics include: role delineation, supervision, leadership, management, and promoting occupational therapy. Students prepare for the Level II internship experience.
Prerequisites: OTA 230 and OTA 231 and OTA 280 and OTA 233
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OTA 242 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 2
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of OTA 241. Topics include: preparation for employment including licensure, liability, and the national certification exam.
Prerequisites: OTA 241
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OTA 245 Therapeutic Media Analysis for Occupational Therapy
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A course on using crafts and occupation-based activities in various clinical settings. Topics include: analyzing tasks and developing group leadership skills.
Prerequisites: OTA 230 and OTA 231 and OTA 233 (minimum grade C for all)
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OTA 280 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 3
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.
Directed observation and participation in a community occupational therapy setting with emphasis on physical disabilities and geriatric topics. Students must provide proof of current certification in CPR and First Aid.
Prerequisites: OTA 110 and OTA 111 (minimum grade C for both)
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OTA 294 OTA Level II Fieldwork 1
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 22 Lab Hours.
An internship that provides 8 weeks of full-time work experience delivering occupational therapy services for various ages and conditions, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapy practitioner.
Prerequisites: OTA 230 and OTA 231 and OTA 280
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OTA 295 OTA Level II Fieldwork 2
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 22 Lab Hours.
An internship that provides 8 weeks of full-time work experience delivering occupational therapy services for various ages and conditions, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapy practitioner.
Prerequisites: OTA 230 and OTA 231 and OTA 280
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Faculty
Program Chair
Claudia Miller, OTD, OTR/L
claudia.miller@cincinnatistate.edu
Fieldwork Coordinator
Antoinette (Toni) Durban, COTA/L
antionette.durbanf@cincinnatistate.edu
Health and Public Safety Division Advising
(513) 569-1670