Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTA)

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).

Additional information is available on the OTA page of the College website.

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 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
OTA 100Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assisting ( B) 303
OTA 105Theory of Occupational Therapy ( B) 303
OTA 106Techniques of Occupational Therapy ( T) 042
OTA 107Clinical Competency Foundations for Occupational Therapy Assistant ( B) 021
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
BIO 151Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( G) 234
Semester 2  
OTA 120Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics ( T) 202
OTA 121Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Pediatrics ( T) 042
OTA 180Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1 ( T) 152
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology ( G) 303
MAT 105Quantitative Reasoning ( G) 223
SOC 105Introduction to Sociology ( B) 303
Semester 3  
OTA 110Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial ( T) 202
OTA 111Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial ( T) 042
OTA 185Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 2 ( T) 152
BIO 152Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) 324
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
Semester 4  
OTA 280Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 3 ( T) 142
OTA 231Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities ( T) 063
OTA 233Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy ( T) 223
OTA 230Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities ( T) 404
Semester 5  
OTA 245Therapeutic Media Analysis for Occupational Therapy ( T) 031
OTA 241Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ( T) 101
OTA 294OTA Level II Fieldwork 1 ( T) 0221
Semester 6  
OTA 295OTA Level II Fieldwork 2 ( T) 0221
OTA 242Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 2 ( T) 101
Total Credits:  419062

Electives 

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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
View Sections

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
View Sections

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
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

OTA 180 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 4 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)
View Sections

OTA 185 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 2
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 4 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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

OTA 241 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice 1
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

The first of two courses on professional concerns for the practicing Occupational Therapy Assistant. The course focuses on preparing students for clinical work and their Level II internship experience by incorporating techniques and concepts learned throughout the program with laboratory activities. Topics include: role delineation, supervision, leadership, management, documentation, and promoting occupational therapy.
Prerequisites: OTA 230 and OTA 231 and OTA 280 and OTA 233
View Sections

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
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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)
View Sections

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
View Sections

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
View Sections