The goal of the Occupational Therapy Assisting Program is to provide meaningful and appropriate educational experiences that enable students to develop knowledge and achieve competency in entry-level skills. The program leads to certification as an occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

Associate in Applied Science Degree Programs

• Occupational Therapy Assistant

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) accredits the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

Career Information

• Employment is projected to increase much faster than the average, as a rapid growth in the number of middle-aged and elderly individuals increases the demand for therapeutic services.
• Occupational therapy assistants (OTA's) help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Activities range from teaching proper methods for exercise, handwriting, dressing, and vocational activities. However, the breadth of services that an OTA carries out is unlimited.
• Assistants monitor individuals' activities to make sure they are performed correctly, to provide encouragement, and to facilitate functional independence. They also record the client's progress. If the treatment is not having the intended affect, or the client is not improving as expected, the therapist may alter the treatment program in hopes of obtaining better results.
• The median annual earnings for an OTA vary based on practice area, and geographical location. However, the median income nationwide is approximately $40,000. See www.aota.org for statistics related to your geographical location.

(From the Dept. of Labor Statistics 2003)