The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field of as Occupational Therapy Assistants. A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, provides rehabilitative services to individuals with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities.
The COTA's purpose is to improve a client's quality of life and enhance his/her ability to perform daily activities. COTAs provide clients with adaptive skills that enable them to reenter the workforce, instruct clients in compensating for a loss of motor skill function, and plan activities that increase the independence of those with disabilities.
Graduates of this program will be able to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapy assistants administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a COTA. In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate鈥檚 ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Prior to admission to the technical phase of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, students must complete a platform of 28 hours which includes general education and medical courses. Students must also hold a current CPR for Health Care Providers certification prior to the first day of class. Students must submit an application to the program and meet entrance requirements for acceptance into the technical phase of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Students are advised that the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the OTA Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility).
The OTA Program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the OTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, located in Russellville, AR, is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field of Occupational Therapy Assistants. A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, provides rehabilitative services to individuals with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disabilities. This program is delivered in person, providing students with hands-on, interactive learning experiences to ensure they develop the skills needed for success in the field. The COTA's purpose is to improve a client's quality of life and enhance their ability to perform meaningful occupations. COTAs provide clients with adaptive skills that enable them to reenter the workforce, instruct clients in compensating for a loss of motor skill function and plan activities that increase the independence of the physically and/or developmentally disabled.
Students must complete 28 hours of platform general education courses and 43 hours of OTA technical coursework.
You could work as a(n):
Alumni of our program work at:
Credentials that stack with this degree:
IMPORTANT: Additional Documents Required for Online Application
*Click the TEAS Test Information button above for more info. TEAS tests will be held
in the Health Sciences and Wellness building, room 117.
*Open TEAS tests are available for anyone to take; Closed TEAS tests reserve one spot
each for program applicants only.
*Program applicants will receive an email with information regarding the Closed TEAS
test after the application deadline.
None scheduled at this time.
(479) 508-8500 ext. 6503
alliedhealth@atu.edu
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2024 | 18/17 | 94% |
| 2023 | 16/15 | 94% |
| 2022 | 20/15 | 85% |
| Total | 54/47 | 91% |
The total number of graduates from the 吃瓜网 Occupational Therapy
Assistant Program during the 3-year period of 2022-2024 was 54 with an overall graduation
rate of 91%. Graduation rates are based on academic year.
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT):
|
Wendi Pool Morton Hall (479) 508-8500 ext. 6100 |
Rebekah Redman Morton Hall (479) 508-8500 ext. 6101 |
