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.
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 those organizations directed to maintain health and socialization. Graduates demonstrate entry-level competency in analyzing activities and their application to client needs; occupational therapy concepts and skills (daily living skills, group activities, evidence based interventions, and adaptive equipment); direction of activity programs; department operation management; data collection; self understanding and the realization of the effect that one’s behavior has 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 mission of this program is to prepare graduates as competent, entry-level generalists qualified to practice in the field of OT, to meet the 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 AOTA, and ACOTE.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are 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, graduates are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Current pass rates are available to view on the College’s website.
Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination, and background checks are now required in the state of Ohio to attain state licensure.
All OTA students must complete Level II fieldwork within 20 months following completion of academic preparation.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTA)
All degree-seeking students must complete a First Year Experience (FYE) course as part of the first 12 credit hours taken at Cincinnati State.
Program Prerequisite: OTA 100 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assisting
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OTA 101 | Professionalism in Occupational Therapy | 1 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition | 3 |
| OTA 105 | Theory of Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 106 | Techniques of Occupational Therapy | 2 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| BIO 151 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| OTA 110 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial | 2 |
| OTA 111 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Psychosocial | 2 |
| OTA 120 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Infant | 2 |
| OTA 121 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Infant | 2 |
| OTA 180 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1 | 2 |
| OTA 185 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 2 | 2 |
| PSY 225 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| MCH 100 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| ENG 102 | Composition and Argument | 3 |
| SOC 105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| BIO 152 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
| COMM XXX Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| OTA 230 | Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities | 4 |
| OTA 231 | Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Physical Disabilities | 3 |
| OTA 233 | Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 238 | Home Modifications and Assistive Technology for Occupational Therapy | 1 |
| OTA 280 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 3 | 2 |
| Semester 5 | ||
| OTA 240 | Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice | 2 |
| OTA 245 | Therapeutic Media Analysis for Occupational Therapy | 2 |
| OTA 283 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level II Fieldwork 1 | 4 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| OTA 285 | Occupational Therapy Assisting Level II Fieldwork 2 | 4 |
| Total Credits: | 71 | |
Electives
| Communications Elective | ||
| COMM 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 205 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
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 to other allied health professions. Students observe community occupational therapy settings.
Prerequisites: Admitted to OTA Program and Program Chair consent
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)
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: OTA 100 (minimum grade C)
OTA 106 Techniques of Occupational Therapy
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 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: OTA 100 (minimum grade C)
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 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
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 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
OTA 120 Concepts and Skills of Occupational Therapy: Infant
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, selecting functionally significant and age-appropriate treatment interventions, documentation, and the team approach.
Prerequisites: OTA 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
OTA 121 Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy: Infant
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 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
OTA 180 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 1
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 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
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 pediatric topics. Students must provide proof of current certification in CPR and First Aid.
Prerequisites: OTA 101, OTA 105, OTA 106 (minimum grade C for all)
OTA 198 First Year Special Topics in Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to A course on selected topics related to Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
OTA 199 First Year Independent Project in Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
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, OTA 120, OTA 180, OTA 185 (minimum grade C for all)
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)
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)
OTA 238 Home Modifications and Assistive Technology for Occupational Therapy
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
A course on options for improving functional independence of clients. Topics include: adaptation, simple and complex technology options, and Universal Design.
Prerequisites: OTA 110, OTA 120 (minimum grade C for both)
OTA 240 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 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)
OTA 245 Therapeutic Media Analysis for Occupational Therapy
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 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, OTA 231, OTA 233 (minimum grade C for all)
OTA 280 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level I Fieldwork 3
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 5 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 180 (minimum grade C)
OTA 283 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level II Fieldwork 1
4 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 22 Lab Hours.
A clinical practicum that provides students with full-time work experience delivering occupational therapy services for various ages and conditions, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapy practitioner.
Prerequisites: OTA 240 and OTA 245 (minimum grade C for both)
OTA 285 Occupational Therapy Assisting Level II Fieldwork 2
4 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 22 Lab Hours.
A clinical practicum that provides students with full-time work experience delivering occupational therapy services for various ages and conditions, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapy practitioner.
Prerequisites: OTA 240 and OTA 245 (minimum grade C for both)
OTA 298 Second Year Special Topics in Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
OTA 299 Second Year Independent Project in Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
Faculty
Program Chair
Claudia Miller
OTD, OTR/L