Occupational Therapy Aassistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree | Required courses for program admission: | | BIOL | 2401 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | | PSYC | 2301 | General Psychology | | ENGL | 1301 | Composition and Rhetoric |
| FIRST YEAR | | Spring Semester | | PSYC3 | 2314 | Life Span and Development | | BIOL3 | 2402 | Anatomy and Physiology II | | OTHA1 | 1301 | Intro to Occupational Therapy | | OTHA1 | 1315 | Therapeutic Use of Occupations or Activities I |
| Summer Semester | | OTHA | 1309 | Human Structure and Function in OT | | OTHA | 2301 | Pathophysiology in OT |
| Fall Semester | | OTHA | 2331 | Physical Function in OT | | OTHA1 | 2309 | Mental Health in OT | | OTHA1 | 2302 | Therapeutic Use of Occupations or Activities II | | OTHA | 1319 | Therapeutic Interventions I | | SPCH3 | 1318 | Interpersonal Communication |
| SECOND YEAR | | Spring Semester | | OTHA | 2335 | Management in Occupational Therapy | | OTHA1 | 1341 | Occupational Performance from Birth through Adolescence | | OTHA1 | 1353 | Occupational Performance for Elders | | OTHA1 | 2166 | Practicum | | Elective3 | Humanities/Fine Arts |
| Summer Semester | | OTHA1,2 | 2460 | Clinical | | OTHA1,2 | 2461 | Clinical |
1 Combination of these courses meet multicultural requirement
2 Capstone Course
3 Courses can be taken prior to semester indicated | Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist, COTAs work with patients to help them achieve independence through purposeful activities.
COTAs assist with assessing individual needs, determining therapeutic goals, carrying out the treatment plan, documenting the patient's progress or treatments, directing activity programs and maintaining the cccupational therapy environment.
Employment Opportunities
COTAs work in a variety of settings ranging from medical facilities, rehabilition clinics, inpatient and outpatient clinics, long-term/acute care centers, mental health hospitals, school systems and home health programs.
Emerging practice areas include health and wellness consulting, low-vision services, ergonomics consulting, and psychological services for children and adolescents.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports occupational therapy assisting among its fastest growing occupations.
Earnings
Entry-level wages range from $18-20 per hour, depending on the practice setting and geographical location.
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