Occupational Therapy Assistant, Associate of Applied Science

Occupational Therapy is a client-centered health profession.  A certified Occupational Therapy Assistant collaborates with the supervising occupational therapist to facilitate the use of those occupations which are meaningful to an individual. Occupational therapy assistants work with clients to maximize their physical, and cognitive abilities, identify which components (physical, mental, or social) that are impaired, and then adapt the task and or environment, empowering the person to resume their meaningful activities. Recognizing the individual is whole person, mind, body and spirt, that interacts with the environment within various contexts, occupational therapy assistants use a holistic approach when working with clients across the age-span in the areas of ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living, IADL’s (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living ), work, play, rest, and leisure.  Occupational therapy assistants are employed in a variety current and emerging practice areas which include, but are not limited to, schools, hospitals, home health agencies, out-patient rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, behavioral health programs and community-based programs

Mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

The Felician University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, within the framework of Catholic tradition and commitments to Franciscan values, prepares a diverse student population with an education that provides the foundation for practice as an entry level occupational therapy assistant. The program curriculum utilizes a developmental approach to allow students to acquire technical knowledge and professional skills that address the occupational needs of groups, communities, and populations throughout the lifespan. Occupation as a determinant of health and wellness in a variety of practice settings is the basis for learning theory and evidence-based practice common to occupational therapy practitioners. Students will develop a sense of professionalism and service to the community, demonstrated by characteristics including respectful communication, competence, and compassion in both educational and community settings. 

Philosophy:

The Felician University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program believes that humans learn through active participation and engagement in occupations, which can positively contribute to the health and wellness of individuals, groups, and populations across the lifespan. The program embraces students as professionals-in-training as well as “occupational beings who are in dynamic transaction with the teaching-learning process” (AOTA, 2018). At the core of the program’s philosophy is a collaborative and inclusive approach for all types of learners, whereby students and educators are continuously engaged in a process of professional development and self-reflection. 

Felician University’s program strives to educate emerging practitioners as lifelong learners and advocates for the profession.  By integrating professional values, theories, evidence, ethical diversity and skills through active participation in meaningful occupations, students build a foundation of understanding the basic right of humans as occupational beings. Based on this the program’s philosophy stems from the mission and curricular threads including occupation- and evidence-based practice, service, and professionalism.

The program’s didactic and practical learning experiences, from various contextual environments, allows for students to continuously build upon the knowledge and experience to embrace the skills needed to provide quality client-centered, occupation-based interventions.  Students acquire professional and clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and cultural understanding using evidence-based knowledge during classroom lectures, while simultaneously participating in active, engaging, diverse, and inclusive learning experiences such as role-plays, simulations, and practicums. Furthermore, continuous reinforcement through active repetition and hands on learning solidifies the influence of meaningful occupations and interventions across the lifespan in the development of health promotion, wellness, remediation, and restoration for developmental or acquired disease and injury.

In alliance with the mission and philosophy of Felician University, the occupational therapy assistant program emphasizes providing students with practical learning experiences to prepare them to meet the challenges of the new century with informed minds and understanding hearts, including self-knowledge, service to others, and respect for all creation. Simultaneously, the AOTA views education in occupational therapy as “an ongoing process that shapes a practitioner’s professional identity” (AOTA, 2018).  To provide students with active learning experience to develop professionalism the occupational therapy assistant program encourages student engagement in active collaborative inter- and intra-professional projects and volunteer hours in both traditional and emerging practice settings.  In addition, didactic coursework, fieldwork education, and personalized student mentoring and advisement throughout the program focuses on self-reflection and the student’s development of professional characteristics and traits, including respect, communication, compassion, and competence.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Felician University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) a subsidiary of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) www.acoteonline.org located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814 (Previously 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929) They can be contacted by phone at (301) 652-AOTA.

 A program must be granted accreditation status before the graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice, which is based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Curricular Design

The courses in the OTA program are based on analysis and synthesis of evidence associated with a) adult learning theory, experiential learning model, evidence-based practice, and ability- based outcomes, b) national and international trends in occupational therapy and healthcare, population health initiatives, evidence-based practice guidelines and knowledge translation and practice framework and official documents, philosophical principles, theoretical perspectives, supporting the practice of occupational therapy. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards for entry-level occupational therapy assistant programs were also considered, since graduates of our program should achieve equivalent knowledge and skills and be prepared to meet the current and future needs of the occupational therapy practice.

As a graduate of Felician University’s occupational therapy assistant associates of applied science (AAS) degree students will:

• demonstrate the ability to deliver occupational therapy assistant services at entry-level competency under the supervision of an occupational therapist,
• demonstrate the ability to collect, report, and apply information relevant to the delivery of services as an entry-level occupational therapy assistant,
• demonstrate values, attitudes, and behaviors congruent with the occupational therapy profession's philosophy, standards, and ethics,
• recognize the importance of evidence in professional practice, and consistently seek to improve therapeutic skills through professional development activities,
• recognize the importance of and demonstrates the ability to effectively utilize occupations identified by the client, group, or population for intervention development, therapeutic interventions, health promotion, and disease prevention,
• evaluate positive and adverse effects on occupational performance throughout the lifespan and demonstrate the ability to explore and use community resources to promote occupational function of clients in least-restrictive environments, and
• appreciate and adapt to diverse and alternative cultures, processes, and ideas.

Policies

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program follows the general University policies and regulations in addition to academic policies and regulations consistent with professional standards of OTA education and practice. It is the student’s responsibility to know and comply with all current academic policies and regulations of the University, School, and the Department. The OTA Programs reserves the right to change, modify or improve program requirements or policies at its discretion without prior notice.

Professional Conduct Policy

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program asserts that members of the occupational therapy profession must adhere to standards in order to ensure quality, safety and maintain the trust of the public we serve. The Felician University Community asserts that students must adhere to the Franciscan Values of respect, honesty, and integrity and the AOTA Professional Code of Conduct to insure high standards in our academic and everyday lives. Faculty and students have a cooperative responsibility to ensure that these standards are upheld by everyone. Felician University OTA students shall abide by and be held accountable for maintaining the high standards of  “professionalism” as determined by personal responsibility, Felician University, and the Health Care System.  

OTA Student Guidelines and Policies Manual

The Felician University Student Handbook and the OTA Student Guidelines and Policies Manual contain important policies related to the University and the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Students should have a current copy of both handbooks for reference at all times.

Admission Criteria for the Occupational Therapy Assisting Program

The OTA program will use a holistic admission process that supports a diverse student body. In this way, the University’s diversity and inclusion goals are supported. A well-developed rubric will combine quantitative data and qualitative indicators such as letters of recommendation, work experience and career goals. 

1. Submit a completed Application.
2. Provide an official U.S. high school transcript indicating successful completion, or official documentation of a U.S. GED or provide documentation establishing successful completion of secondary school through homeschooling, as defined by the law of the State in which the homeschooling was provided.
3. Official sealed transcripts from all institutions attended.
4. Minimum GPA of 2.5 from high school or last institution attended.
5. Interview with the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director or designee.
6. Writing prompt providing a description of why applicant chose occupational therapy as a profession and intended career goals. May be linked to volunteer/observation experience.
7. A minimum of 4 volunteer/observation hours in a setting that provides occupational therapy services or alternative option (attend OTA interactive information session or meet with an admission counselor to determine other available options).
8. A signed background and illegal drug testing disclosure for clinical fieldwork. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.

The Program Director will subsequently complete the OTA Program Admissions Rubric. This rubric considers GPA, experience in prerequisite courses (e.g. natural sciences), observation/volunteer experience, writing sample, prior degrees, work in a related field, and interview.

Program Requirements

Students must comply with the following requirements:

1. Proof of current CPR certification from the American Heart Association - BLS for the Health Care Provider.
2. Proof of current health clearance issued by the Felician University Center for Health.
3. Fieldwork sites may require drug testing and a positive drug test may cause denial into entry for clinical practice.
4. Adherence to a criminal history background check as required by a clinical agency. The agency reserves the right to exclude a student from their site, based on the result of their
5. Proof of membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA).
6. Standardized testing is used throughout the curriculum. Specifics in the use of standardized testing are contained within individualized course syllabi.
7. Degree requirements must be completed within 3 years from the start of the program. This time limit includes leaves-of-absence. Students who do not complete the program requirements within this time frame may be required to complete additional coursework.
8. Additional proof of vaccinations required, see student handbook for details.

Graduates are strongly encouraged to sit for the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam no later than 6 months after program completion. Graduates who opt to take the exam beyond this timeframe are advised to contact the Program Director who can recommend mentoring and remediation activities to prepare for the exam.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Students are required to maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA throughout the program. Students whose Cumulative GPA falls below 2.50 will be placed on academic probation for one semester.

Failure to raise the cumulative GPA to a 2.50 by the end of that semester shall result in dismissal from the OTA Program. Students dismissed from the program may re-apply to the program. Re-application procedures are found in the student manual.

A student is permitted to repeat only one OTA course and one BIO course for a grade less than a C. A second OTA course grade or BIO course grade less than a C shall result in dismissal from the OTA Program. Students who do not satisfy this requirement are dismissed from the OTA program. Students may appeal this decision following procedures in the student handbook.

Advisement

Upon enrolling, students are assigned a faculty advisor to assist with course selection and registration. Every effort will be made to keep the same advisor each semester to promote continuity. Faculty advisors serve as mentors and guides to assist student navigation through the program. Students will receive a letter and can look on Student Self Service to determine the name of their faculty advisor. It is your responsibility to contact your advisor prior to each registration period and if you are experiencing any academic difficulty. Advisors are available during posted office hours or by appointment.

Clinical Experience

Students apply their professional knowledge and skills in a variety of settings including an on-campus state-of-the-art laboratory. Additionally, students practice in a variety of health care facilities and clinical settings. All students will have a rotation in a population focused on mental health. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical agencies. Clinical sections are assigned Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. The program will make an effort to accommodate individual student requests, however, final clinical assignments are non-negotiable. Clinical hours may vary based on the Fieldwork Educator to whom you are assigned. Students practice in a variety of health care settings including acute care agencies and community settings.  

Program length:  24 months (based on full-time enrollment)

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT APPLIED ASSOCIATE DEGREE ( 66 CREDITS)

The OTA program follows a cohort model. Due to the sequential nature of the courses, careful planning is necessary to complete the curriculum in a timely manner.

*A grad of “C” or better is required in Science and OTA courses.
** BIO 205 Anatomy & Physiology I and BIO 206: Anatomy & Physiology II will only be considered for potential transfer of  credit if completed within 5 years of application.
***Enrollment in all OTA courses is restricted to students formally admitted to the OTA program.

Planned Progression of Study: