Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client's home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. (From AOTA Website, April 2011)

Criminal Record and Certification

All states require licensure in order to practice, however state licenses are usually based upon the results of the NBCOT examination. Be advised that a criminal record may render an individual ineligible to take the certification exam and consequently ineligible to practice as an occupational therapy assistant. If you have concerns pertaining to a past criminal record, you should contact NBCOT at 301-990-7979 to determine your eligibility for the exam.

Selective Admission

SFCC's OTA program incorporates a selective process for admission. This process uses a point system based on coursework and experience as outlined in the application. Please be aware that the completion of all prerequisites does not ensure admission to the program. Please refer to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program - Information and Application Booklet for important information about the application process.

Admission Requirements

Apply for Admission to SFCC
Completion of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application Booklet. Applications are accepted during the winter quarter preceding fall quarter entry into the program. See the booklet for specific due dates. Entry into the program is only one time a year, Fall quarter.
Completion of 3 essay questions related to occupational therapy (located in the Application Booklet).
Minimum 2.0 in ENGL& 101.
Minimum 2.0 in MATH course.
Minimum 2.0 in BIOL& 241.
Minimum 2.0 in PSYCH&100.
Documentation of volunteer experience in a medical setting (30 volunteer hours under the supervision of an OT or an OTA).
Professional Reference (mailed separately to OTA office).
Once application is assessed, student may be invited to participate in a group interview/activity session prior to selection.
ESL (English as Second Language) students must complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 74 within the past 2 years. Please request a paper score be submitted to the SFCC OTA Program Director (mailing address is listed in our booklets) upon completion of the TOEFL prior to sending in your program application. Please refer to www.ets.org/toefl for more information.
Upon acceptance, the student will be informed of documentation needed: current immunizations, drug screening (required by some fieldwork sites), Washington State Patrol and national criminal background check, CPR, and first aid.

OTA 101 — Foundation of Occupational Therapy — 3.0 Credits

An overview of the profession of occupational therapy. Includes the history of the profession, professional standards and organizations, ethics standards, working definitions and role delineations between OT and OTA, and between OT and other allied health professions. Emphasizes presentation skills, APA guidelines and learning styles for program success. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program.
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OTA 102 — Occupational Therapy Terminology — 1.0 Credits

Supervised self-study of terminology and abbreviations used to describe the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the body systems used in relationship to the practice of physical and occupational therapy. Terms associated with diagnostics, surgery, laboratory tests, pharmacology, and patient care will be included. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the OTA program.
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OTA 103 — Applied Anatomy — 2.0 Credits

Course offering includes instruction in human anatomy with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, external palpation and identification of structures and relationship to function. Introduction to kinesiology. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 in OTA courses.
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OTA 104 — Survey of Pathophysiology — 5.0 Credits

Basic overview of disease processes including general pathological responses and the physiology of healing and repair. Description of specific diseases and conditions and the medical and surgical forms of treatment as they relate to rehabilitation. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses or permission of instructor.
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OTA 105 — Introduction to Neuroscience — 4.0 Credits

Introduction to the structures and basic functions of the nervous system in relationship to occupational therapy treatment of patients with neurological lesions and disease processes. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in previous OTA courses or permission of instructor.
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OTA 106 — Regional Human Anatomy and Physiology — 5.0 Credits

Study of human body structure and function with emphasis on muscles, and circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems. This course is specially designed to meet the needs of students becoming an OTA. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in previous OTA courses or permission of instructor.
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OTA 107 — Human Development Through the Lifespan — 2.0 Credits

A survey of human development focusing on the physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional/social processes from infancy through older adulthood. Topics include: Overview of major development theories; common research designs in developmental research; developmental milestones; typical and atypical development, culture and spectrum of “normal”; application of concepts of human development to the practice of occupational therapy. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 110 — OTA Procedures — 2.0 Credits

This course is designed to give occupational therapy assistant students basic knowledge in patient care, clinical procedures, managing infections, transfer, client handling techniques, assistive mobility equipment in preparation for the patient care and treatment environment. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the OTA program.
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OTA 111 — Activity Analysis — 3.0 Credits

Class provides opportunities to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills for the assessment and treatment of occupational performance through activity analysis. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 112 — Occupational Performance and Physical Disabilities — 3.0 Credits

Course explores the role of the occupational therapy assistant in physical disabilities settings. Instruction in occupational performance, restoration techniques for daily living skills, use of assistive devices, and selected occupational performance activities, use of the OT Process. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 in OTA courses.
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OTA 113 — Occupational Therapy Principles — 3.0 Credits

Course applies occupational therapy principles, frames of reference, and theories integrating Occupational Therapy Practice Framework with occupational performance. Student gains knowledge in clinical reasoning as related to the therapy process, and a more in -depth study of the Occupational Therapy Process. Course also includes evidenced-based practice and the application to clinical decisions as an OTA. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 114 — Therapeutic Activities — 3.0 Credits

This course provides occupational therapy assistant students basic knowledge of assessments used in therapeutic environments, introduction to emerging practice areas and activity modification for infant through older populations. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the OTA program.
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OTA 120 — OTA Procedures Lab — 2.0 Credits

This course provides occupational therapy assistant students basic knowledge and skills in patient care, clinical procedures, managing infections, transfer, client handling techniques, assistive mobility equipment, and basic physical modalities in preparation for the patient care and treatment environment. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the OTA program.
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OTA 122 — Occupational Performance and Physical Disabilities Lab — 2.0 Credits

Lab course explores through functional application, the role of the occupational therapy assistant in physical disabilities settings. Instruction in occupational performance, restoration techniques for daily living skills, use of assistive devices, and selected occupational performance activities. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 in OTA courses.
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OTA 123 — Applied Anatomy Lab — 2.0 Credits

Lab course provides functional application and practice in human anatomy with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, external palpation, manual muscle testing, range of motion testing and identification of structures and relationship to function. Introduction to kinesiology. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 in OTA courses.
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OTA 124 — Therapeutic Activities Lab — 2.0 Credits

This course provides occupational therapy assistant students basic knowledge and hands-on skills in assessment administration, emerging practice areas and activity modification/fabrication across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the OTA program.
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OTA 127 — Human Development Through the Lifespan Lab — 1.0 Credits

Human development lab applying physical, cognitive, psychological and socio-emotional concepts from infancy through older adulthood to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Topics include application of variety of human developmental theories to support optimal development throughout the lifespan; analysis of effect of features of typical and atypical development on occupation and roles; exploration of range of “normal” including role of culture in defining “normal”; analysis of developmental considerations of many aspects of the OT practice framework; identification of everyday examples of developmental concepts in the media and daily life. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 151 — Level I Clinical Fieldwork 1- Physical Disabilities — 1.0 Credits

One credit fieldwork course consisting of observation and application of knowledge and skills learned thus far in OTA curriculum to actual OT practice in a physical disabilities setting under direct supervision of a licensed practitioner. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 161 — Documentation for the Occupational Therapy Assistant — 1.0 Credits

Instruction and application of clinical documentation as needed by the occupational therapy assistant. Course focuses on SOAP notes, goal-writing and articulating observation skills in a wide variety of clinical settings. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 201 — Issues in Occupational Therapy and Health Care — 2.0 Credits

Survey of medical, ethical, legal, and psychosocial and relational issues relating to the role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant in the delivery of health care services. Course also includes professional growth, ethics, reimbursement and documentation, patient motivation/communication, assertiveness; adjustment to disability, resume and interview skills, and preparation for continuing education and professional development. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 202 — Group Dynamics — 2.0 Credits

Course provides instruction for effective interpersonal communication in clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on basic listening skills, providing meaningful feedback, and cultivating group skills. This course utilizes both peer feedback and engagement of therapeutic use of self. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in OTA courses.
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OTA 203 — Management for the Occupational Therapy Assistant — 2.0 Credits

This course is designed to introduce the OTA student to the concepts of management, administrative positions, change theories and financial issues associated with health care. In addition, it will familiarize the OTA with the traits associated with leadership and mentoring within the profession of occupational therapy. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 210 — Occupational Performance and Mental Health — 3.0 Credits

Course addresses acute and chronic psychosocial dysfunction conditions and occupational therapy’s role in providing service. Topics include OTA’s role in interventions, theory, evaluation, and treatment planning. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 212 — Occupational Performance and Children — 3.0 Credits

Course examines child development and occupational therapy practice for individuals from birth through age 21, with a focus on physical and developmental disabilities, neurological dysfunctions and sensory processing concerns. Includes theory, assessment, treatment plan and intervention for this population. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 220 — Occupational Performance and Mental Health Lab — 2.0 Credits

Course addresses acute and chronic psychosocial dysfunction conditions and occupational therapy’s role in providing service. Topics include OTA’s role in interventions, theory, evaluation, and treatment planning. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 221 — Occupational Performance and Aging — 3.0 Credits

Exploration of therapeutic approaches with aging population and individuals with chronic disabling conditions. Occupational Therapy Practice Framework as well as productive activities, daily living skills, social participation, medication management, use of orthotic devices and adaptive equipment, work, and leisure are explored. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 231 — Occupational Performance and Aging Lab — 2.0 Credits

Hands on exploration of therapeutic approaches with aging population and individuals with chronic disabling conditions. Occupational Therapy Practice Framework as well as productive activities, daily living skills, social participation, work, and leisure are explored. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 232 — Group Dynamics Lab — 1.0 Credits

Course is designed to develop effective interpersonal communication in clinical settings through lab instruction and practice. Emphasis is placed on basic listening skills, providing meaningful feedback, and cultivating group skills. This course utilizes both peer feedback and engagement of therapeutic use of self. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in OTA courses.
View SFCC Course Learning Outcomes

OTA 242 — Occupational Performance and Children Lab — 2.0 Credits

Lab course examines child development and occupational therapy practice for individuals from birth through 21, with a focus on physical and developmental disabilities, neurological dysfunctions and sensory processing concerns. Includes assessment, treatment plan and intervention, lab experiences related to treatment techniques and demonstration of knowledge of developmental stages in infants and children. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 251 — Level I Clinical Fieldwork II- Pediatrics and Mental Health — 1.0 Credits

Fieldwork course consisting of observation and application of knowledge and skills learned thus far in OTA curriculum to actual OT practice in both a pediatric and mental health setting under direct supervision of a licensed practitioner. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 252 — Level I Clinical Fieldwork III — 1.0 Credits

This course includes observation of community settings serving the unique needs of older adults who have experienced substantial change in independence due to age related changes. This course will explore how these settings inform the practice of occupational therapy. This is the final level I fieldwork in a setting focused on specific needs (acute and/or chronic) of the older adult. This course will also provide a clinical skills review and practice seminar to prepare for Fieldwork II.. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 253 — Level II Clinical Fieldwork 1a — 4.0 Credits

This course is the first half of the eight week Level II fieldwork in contracted community facility. Level II fieldwork is a full time clinical experience designed to develop the student’s skills from those of student to entry level OTA practitioner. The learning objectives for a Level II fieldwork are established by the American Occupational Therapy Association and are the items on the student fieldwork performance evaluation. Supervision is initially ”direct and then decreased to less direct supervision as is appropriate for the setting, the severity of the client’s condition and the ability of the student" (ACOTE C.1.16). Grading option: Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses and Concurrent Enrollment in OTA 263.
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OTA 254 — Level II Clinical Fieldwork 1b — 4.0 Credits

This course is the second half of the eight week Level II fieldwork experience. Level II fieldwork is a full time clinical experience designed to develop the student’s skills from those of student to entry level OTA practitioner. The learning objectives for a Level II fieldwork are established by the American Occupational Therapy Association and are the items on the student fieldwork performance evaluation. Supervision is initially” direct and then decreased to less direct supervision as is appropriate for the setting, the severity of the client’s condition and the ability of the student (C.1.16). Grading option: Pass/fail. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses and Concurrent Enrollment in OTA 263.
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OTA 255 — Level II Clinical Fieldwork 2 — 8.0 Credits

One of two full time, eight week Level II fieldwork experiences to attain ACOTE requirement of 16 weeks full time fieldwork, in a practice setting different from OTA 253 and OTA 254 Level II fieldwork. The purpose of this Level II fieldwork is for the student to develop skills from student to entry level OTA practitioner in a second practice area. Supervision is initially ”direct and then decreased to less direct supervision as is appropriate for the setting, the severity of the client’s condition and the ability of the student (C.1.16). This course is graded Pass/Fail.
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OTA 261 — Level II Fieldwork Skills Seminar — 1.0 Credits

Seminar course designed to augment OTA 251 Level I fieldwork and prepare student for Level II fieldwork. Seminar course focuses on professional behaviors, clinical expectations, therapeutic relationships, professional relationships, fieldwork process, ACOTE and school standards for fieldwork experience, future role as fieldwork supervisor. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 263 — Fieldwork II Seminar 1 — 1.0 Credits

Fieldwork seminar hybrid course designed to support the student in deepening critical thinking, understanding during Level II fieldwork, provide classroom support as a learning community during the Level II fieldwork experiences. Grading option: Pass/Fail Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in OTA courses.
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OTA 264 — Fieldwork II Seminar 2 — 1.0 Credits

Fieldwork seminar online course designed to support the student in deepening critical thinking, understanding during Level II fieldwork, provide online support as a learning community during the Level II fieldwork experiences. Grading option: Pass/fail. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 in previous OTA courses. Concurrent enrollment OTA 254 and/or OTA 255.
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SFCC offers a two-year program which includes study in anatomy and physiology, social science, occupation-based therapy courses and practical clinical experience in area health care facilities affiliated with the college. The technical courses for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program are not designed to transfer to four-year schools.

Occupational therapy assistant duties include: a) designing therapeutic activity based treatments that are within the plan of care proposed by the occupational therapist; b) evaluating and training patients to use adaptive equipment that will make life easier; c) assisting the occupational therapist with data collection for evaluation purposes; and d) keeping records and reporting to the occupational therapist on the patient's progress.

At the successful completion of the program, the student is awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The total number of graduates from the SFCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program during the 5-year period of 2013-2017 was 75 with an overall graduation rate of 87%.

View program results online from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Graduation Year	Student Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2013	18/15	83%
2014	16/11	69%
2015	17/16	94%
2016	17/16	94%
2017	18/17	94%
2018	18/17	94%
Total	104/92	88%

Upon approval from the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), OTA graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. After successful completion of the examination, the graduate will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and be eligible to apply for state licensure. To learn more about the exam, visit our OTA Certification Exam page.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s Telephone number is AOTA is 301-652-AOTA and its web address is www.ACOTEONLINE.org. Learn more about the accreditation on our OTA Accreditation page.

Nationally, job placement of occupational therapy assistant (OTA) graduates is excellent. The occupational therapy assistant profession is rated by the US Department of Labor® Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions through 2014. Starting salaries vary in range, but start at approximately $18 per hour. Licensure is required in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. OTA's work under the supervision of occupational therapists.