PROFESSIONAL DESCRIPTION

OTAs provide care and intervention under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Intervention programs devised cooperatively by Occupational Therapists and OTAs are implemented by OTAs and may include:

• Specialized techniques to improve an individual's independence in self care, work or leisure related activities
• Creation of and instruction in the use of a variety of adaptive equipment
• Adapting environments at school, work ,or home for people with disabilities
• Developing activities to enhance the physical, psychological, social or cognitive abilities of people with disabilities

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

OTA Job Opportunities

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CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE OTA

Occupational Therapy Assistants have the opportunity to continue their education by receiving a Master's in OT.

MASTER'S DEGREE OPTIONS

There are many Occupational Therapy programs designed to prepare Occupational Therapy Assistants to become Registered Occupational Therapists. A list of such programs is available through the American Occupational Therapy Association by calling 1(800) 729-2682 or www.aota.org. Admission requirements for these programs varies from one program to another and making contact with a specific program is the best way to insure admission.

PROGRAM AFFILIATIONS

Upon completion of the program students will have accumulated over 500 hours of clinical training. The program is affiliated with over 50 facilities including:

Western Maryland Health Systems
Washington County Hospital Association
WVU Hospitals
Mountainview Rehab
The Finan Center
Somerset Hospital
Patriot Manor
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Lee Regional

OTA also has several corporate contracts including Nova Care and Healthsouth.

CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

Upon completion of the program students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination. Licensure in most states is granted on passing scores for the National Certification exam. This examination is offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Located at: 12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150. Phone: 1-301-990-7979. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and can obtain licensure for whichever state he or she chooses to be employed.

NBCOT Results:

ACCREDITATION

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Located at: 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3425. www.aota.org. Phone: 1-800-729-2682.

For more information on a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Contact Rae Ann Smith, Program Director at (301) 784 - 5536.

View the Admission Criteria for OTA

View the Plan of Study for an Occupational Therapy Assistant

View the FAQ's page

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