Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.A.S.

Offered at Main Campus

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a 21-month (seven-term) program that prepares the student to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). The occupational therapy assistant works with, and under the supervision of an occupational therapist, to improve and support functional performance in daily activities. OTAs, within their scope of practice, assist with the process of client evaluation, goal setting, implementation of care and documentation of occupational therapy services. Upon completion of the program, the associate degree graduate will be educationally-prepared to provide service throughout the lifespan to individuals who have difficulties due to developmental, physical, cognitive and emotional impairments.

To apply, complete an IHCC application and submit high school transcripts or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and take one of the following:  ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER test. Testing may be scheduled by calling the IHCC Testing Center at (641) 683-5142 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5142. Following acceptance, applicants are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of observation in more than one clinical site and submit a written paper about Occupational Therapy.  Accepted students must attend the required mandatory orientations. This program may be entered only at the beginning of the Fall term. Students meeting all program and graduation requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and are  eligible to take the certification examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Licensure for occupational therapy assistants is required in all states.

Criminal background, drug screening, and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to the start of clinical courses.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD  20852-4929.  Telephone number:  (301) 652-6611 and website address:  www.acoteonline.org. Graduates 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), www.nbcot.org.  After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; and state licenses are 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Exhibit entry-level professional, ethical behaviors and clinical competencies.
2. Provide safe and quality services in a variety of practice environments across the lifespan.
3. Offer inovative, remedial or adaptive interventions while adhering to safety precautions for all patients, families and staff.
4. Utilize evidence-based practices for health promotion and disease prevention.     

Program Total: 80 Credits