Occupational Therapy Assistant

Krystal Hannouz, BS, COTA/L, Coordinator
Phone: (419) 995-8259
Email: hannouz.k@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 105E

Occupational Therapy is an evidence-based, science-driven profession that helps others increase participation and independence in everyday life activities (occupations) in all of their environments (home, work, school, community, etc.). Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people of all ages through therapeutic use of activities. Under the supervision of an OT, an OTA will develop and provide therapeutic strategies that will help their clients gain the physical, cognitive, psychological and developmental skills necessary for everyday life. They also provide adaptive equipment or techniques to carry out life tasks as needed; educate clients, families, and caregivers; and address prevention. The OTA works with a team of other professionals in a variety of settings including but not limited to: hospitals, school systems, community mental health centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, and private practice.

Our program provides state-of-the-art equipment and technology, inter-professional learning opportunities, and extensive clinical experiences for students to be job ready upon graduation.

Credentialing Required After Graduation

After successfully completing this accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, the graduate is eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a COTA.

NBCOT
One Bank Street
Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 990-7979
email: info@nbcot.org
http://www.nbcot.org/

In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, Ohio and most other state licenses are based on passing of the NBCOT Certification Exam. After achieving licensure, the individual will be a COTA/L.

Mission Statement

The Rhodes State OTA Program prepares students to be competent, professional occupational therapy assistants.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

Exhibit therapeutic use of self as part of the therapeutic process with individuals and groups, demonstrating an appreciation of the uniqueness of every individual.
Demonstrate entry-level competency as a generalist in areas where occupational therapy is practiced using effective clinical reasoning, gathering and sharing data, developing, implementing and modifying interventions, and conducting activity analysis.
Communicate effectively with clients, through documentation, and in intra and interprofessional collaborations with other health care team members.
Demonstrate professional behaviors and attitudes and behave in a manner that respects the dignity of others.

Notice to Prospective or Current Occupational Therapy Assistant Students

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites, therefore preventing you from completing the program. A felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (NBCOT exam) or attain state licensure. Because health care employers routinely perform background checks on prospective employees, a criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining employment.

Technical Standards
See here for details.

Tech Prep Partner
See here for details.

“C” grade policy

A minimum “C” (2.0) grade policy is required for graduation.
A grade of “C” or higher must be achieved in all courses carrying the specific program prefix such as DHY, EMS, MAT, NSG, OTA, PNS, PTA, RAD, RES and SRG.
All programs and certificates require a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in required science courses and in required basic/related health science (BHS) courses as well as in selected general education and basic/related science courses (see program requirements).

All of the following required coursework needs to have been completed within five years of matriculation into a Health Sciences program or certificate.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
BIO 1000	Basic Human Structure and Function	3
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )	4
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II (The age requirement may be waived by the Program Chair or Coordinator if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field. )	4
BIO 1400	Microbiology	4
BHS 1390	Medical Terminology	2
BHS 2110	Growth and Development: Lifespan	2
CHM 1120	Introductory Organic and Biochemistry	4
DTN 1220	Principles of Nutrition	2
NSG 1721	Pharmacology for Nursing	2

Note in addition to courses required for all Health Division Programs, the OTA program requires a "C" or better in PSY 1730, Abnormal Psychology

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

To meet the expanding requirements of our clinical affiliates, both a criminal background check and a drug screen will be mandatory prior to clinical experiences for most students within the Division of Health Sciences and Public Service. Some program exceptions may apply. You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related convictions will be ineligible for admission into clinical experiences. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession or to obtain employment post-graduation. Students admitted to a program containing off-campus clinical/practicum experiences will be required to submit to drug screening. Positive drug screenings may result in dismissal from all clinical courses. Any student who refuses/fails to cooperate, or complete any required drug screening will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the clinical component of their program. All students requiring drug screening may be subject to random drug screens and for cause during the program.

Recommended High School Coursework

Students are encouraged to complete college prep classes in high school. Although not required, the courses provide a better understanding of college-level work. Recommended college prep courses include:
English: 4 units
Math: 4 units
Natural Science: 3 units
Social Science: 3 units

Health Insurance

The Division of Health Sciences and Public Services is committed to protecting students, faculty, and patients from infectious diseases during clinical practice and taking every reasonable precaution to provide a safe educational and work environment. All new students entering the health-related programs will be informed of the risks of blood-borne and other infectious diseases. Students with a high risk of infectious diseases should be aware of their own health status and risk of exposure to other students, employees, or patients involved in the clinical environment. All students are required to provide their own health insurance coverage for the duration of their program and be able to provide proof of insurance if requested.

Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Structured Course Sequence (6 Semester Plan)

Pre-requisite Semester
BHS 1000	Introduction to Patient Care	2
BHS 1390	Medical Terminology	2
BIO 1110	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
COM 1110	English Composition	3
MTH 1260 or MTH 1151	Statistics or Quantitative Reasoning	3
SDE 1010	First Year Experience	1
	Term Hours	15
First Year
Fall
BIO 1120	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
OTA 1021	Occupational Therapy Principles and Practice	3
OTA 1030	Therapeutic Activities and Occupations	2
OTA 1050	Anatomy and Pathology I for OTA	3
	Term Hours	12
Spring
OTA 1060	Anatomy and Pathology II for OTA	2
OTA 1141	OTA Therapeutic Procedures I	4
PSY 1010	General Psychology	3
SOC 1010	Sociology	3
	Term Hours	12
Summer
OTA 2130	OTA Therapeutic Procedures II	4
PSY 1730	Abnormal Psychology	3
	Term Hours	7
Second Year
Fall
OTA 2140	Occupational Therapy for Pediatrics	3
OTA 2151	Psychosocial Occupational Therapy	4
OTA 2161	OTA Therapeutic Procedures III	2
	Term Hours	9
Spring
OTA 2170	Fieldwork I ¹	4
OTA 2180	Fieldwork II ¹	4
OTA 2200 	Capstone for Occupational Therapy Assistant	2
	Term Hours	10
	Total Hours	65

*	Program Qualification Requirements: completion of pre-requisite semester with "B-" or better in Introduction to Patient Care and "C" or better in all other courses. (Program also requires "C" or better in all OTA courses, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Abnormal Psychology.)
	Capstone Course
¹	These courses involve full-time field work in clinical sites and must be completed no later than 18 months after completion of academic preparation.

Prerequisites:
Students should check course prerequisites before registering. Prerequisites are listed in the Course Tab.

OTA 1021 — Occupational Therapy Principles and Practice

Credit Hours: 3.00

Total Contact Hours: 4.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 2.00

Provides an overview of the healthcare system, the role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), and the provision and process of occupational therapy. Emphasis is on the profession's historical development, domain, standards of practice, professional ethics, and models of practice/frames of reference and the use of evidence to guide clinical reasoning. Importance of collaboration with the OT and other health care team members is stressed and includes basic documentation skills. Screening and assessment skills covered include observations, histories, interviews and standardized tests. The student will be expected to competently perform several standardized assessments, including but not limited to those related to Occupational Performance and the Biomechanical Frame of Reference. Application of assessment results in intervention planning, implementation and review is introduced. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1000 with a 'B-' or better, BHS 1390 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1151 or MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: OTA 1030, OTA 1050.

OTA 1030 — Therapeutic Activities and Occupations

Credit Hours: 2.00

Total Contact Hours: 3.00

Lecture Hours: 1.00

Lab Hours: 2.00

Examines the use of activity and occupation as therapeutic intervention. Students will be introduced to the tools and terminology for analysis of activity relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, contexts, client factors and the interaction/significance of these areas. Emphasized will be the meaning and dynamics of occupation and activity, the profession's history relative to the use of activity, models of practice/frames of reference and the use of evidence to guide clinical reasoning. Students will experience a variety of crafts and creative media that can be used in therapy and gain skills for using the teaching-learning process. Introduced will be the ability to grade and adapt the environment, tools, materials, and tasks based on the changing needs of the client, as well as, documentation relative to this specific aspect of occupational therapy. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1000 with a 'B-' or better, BHS 1390 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1151 or MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: OTA 1021, OTA 1050.

OTA 1050 — Anatomy and Pathology I for OTA

Credit Hours: 3.00

Total Contact Hours: 4.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 2.00

Examines human anatomy as it relates to the field of occupational therapy. Focus is on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, specifically structure and function of the human body when engaged in occupation. Emphasized will be the action, innervations and function of major muscles. Unique Anatomage table, model, web-based and group laboratory study will allow visualization as well as palpation of bones, muscles, joints and nerves of the human body. Analysis of functional movement using medical terminology will be introduced and related to participation in occupation. Also studied will be common diseases and pathology of the musculoskeletal system which necessitate occupational therapy intervention and treatment. Logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving and creativity will be used to apply knowledge about common clinical conditions to dysfunction in occupation and the impact to individual, family and society. The teaching-learning process will be used with emphasis on diverse learning styles and public speaking skills with opportunities for practice. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BHS 1000 with a 'B-' or better, BHS 1390 with a 'C' or better, BIO 1110 with a 'C' or better, COM 1110 with a 'C' or better, MTH 1151 or MTH 1260 with a 'C' or better
Corequisites: OTA 1021, OTA 1030.

OTA 1060 — Anatomy and Pathology II for OTA

Credit Hours: 2.00

Total Contact Hours: 3.00

Lecture Hours: 1.00

Lab Hours: 2.00

Continues the study of human anatomy as it relates to the field of occupational therapy. Focus is on the cardiopulmonary, neurological, respiratory, endocrine, and integument systems specific to the human while engaged in occupation. Common diseases and pathology of these systems and their medical/pharmacological diagnostic and treatment procedures will be studied. Also discussed are the effects of heritable diseases and predisposing genetic conditions, pathophysiology, immunopathology, and infection. The student will work with others to discover the effects of aging, stress, pain, and inactivity on well-being. Critical thinking will be developed related to the impact of disease on occupational performance to the individual, family and society; and the use of occupation for the promotion of health/prevention of disease. Team work will be utilized to analyze the impact of disease on areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, contexts and client factors and to develop appropriate treatment planning based on this impact utilizing evidence-based practice. The teaching- learning process, interview techniques, literature review professional behavior and public speaking skills will be refined and utilized throughout. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, OTA 1021, OTA 1030, OTA 1050
Corequisites: OTA 1141.

OTA 1141 — OTA Therapeutic Procedures I

Credit Hours: 4.00

Total Contact Hours: 9.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 4.50

Clinical/Other Hours: 2.50

Involves the application of basic functional anatomy and an in-depth analysis of human motion. Theories, models and frames of reference related to the biomechanical, rehabilitative and occupational performance approaches are examined. Focus is on treatment interventions related to range of motion, strength, endurance, edema control, hand-use, coordination and sensation. Treatment principles specific to orthopedic injuries, burns and surgical repairs including standard protocols and precautions will be discussed and applied. More in-depth study and application of screening/standardized assessments specific to this area will occur and the student will learn to critically analyze activity relative to occupations and the OTPF domain areas. Developed will be the ability to utilize physical agent modalities for common clinical conditions, as well as, splinting, utilization of orthotics and training in the use of prosthetics. Also emphasized will be a variety of functional activities, utilization of adaptive/assistive equipment and compensatory as well as remedial techniques, and ergonomics/return to work issues. Skills related to therapeutic use of self, professional behaviors, activity analysis, grading and adapting activity and occupation, documentation, and the use of evidence for treatment planning will be further developed. Level I fieldwork begins with biomechanical and activity focus. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1120, OTA 1021, OTA 1030, OTA 1050
Corequisites: OTA 1060.

OTA 1990 — Independent Study in OTA

Credit Hours: 0.00

Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Provides the OTA student with the opportunity for in-depth work in a selected topic with the field of occupational therapy which the student was unable to pursue to the desired degree of depth in regular course offerings. OTA students have the option of observing occupational therapy and/or writing a paper. During the first week of the term, the student meets with the chairperson and submits in writing the proposed topic of study he/she wishes to pursue either through observation or research. An OTA faculty member will be assigned to the student for continued support throughout the project.
Prerequisites: any OTA course.

OTA 1991 — Special Topics in OTA I

Credit Hours: 0.00

Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Provides the OTA student with for in-depth work in selected topics within the field of occupational therapy which the student was unable to pursue to the desired degree of depth in regular course offerings. During the first week of the term, the student meets with the chairperson and submits the ideas for further study. Through collaboration between the program chairperson and student, a syllabus and course requirements will be developed and agreed upon. Course requirements will involve work beyond writing and research. Additional OTA faculty members may be assigned to the student for continued support throughout the project.

OTA 1992 — Special Topics in OTA II

Credit Hours: 0.00

Total Contact Hours: 0.00

Provides the OTA student with the opportunity for in-depth work in selected topics within the field of occupational therapy which the student was unable to pursue in Special Topics in OTA I. During the first week of the term, the student meets with the chairperson and submits the ideas for further study. Through collaboration between the program chairperson and student, a syllabus and course requirements will be developed and agreed upon. Course requirements will involve work beyond writing and research. Additional OTA faculty members may be assigned to the student for continued support throughout the project. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 1991.

OTA 2130 — OTA Therapeutic Procedures II

Credit Hours: 4.00

Total Contact Hours: 7.50

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 3.00

Clinical/Other Hours: 2.50

Focuses on cognitive/perceptual, neurological, rehabilitative and related frames of reference as applicable to the adult and elderly population, while also incorporating previously learned knowledge and intervention techniques to provide for the total needs of the patient. Standardized assessments and practical applications for the intervention of cognitive/perceptual and neurological dysfunctions are introduced and emphasized. Focus on traditional and modern theories related to motor control and learning for neurological dysfunction and application of the rehabilitative approach specific to this population will allow students to develop skills for treatment intervention. Specialty areas related to these theories including driver re-education, and treatment interventions for other conditions common to the adult and elderly population will be studied. Examined will be normal development, health and wellness, sexuality and continence in the aging population, as well as, ethical concerns and working with families and caregivers of elders. Regulation of public policy and reimbursement issues will be studied at more in-depth levels. Students are expected to build upon previously learned theories and knowledge regarding documentation. Therapeutic use of self, activity analysis, use of evidence for treatment to be at a proficient level. Level I Fieldwork continues with neurological focus. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 1060, OTA 1141.

OTA 2140 — Occupational Therapy for Pediatrics

Credit Hours: 3.00

Total Contact Hours: 4.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 2.00

Focuses on the role of the OTA in the provision of OT services for the pediatric population, ages 0-21. Common diagnoses / disorders and their impact on the occupational performance of children are explored. Intervention will focus on the frames of reference appropriate to this population, particularly the developmental, biomechanical, neurodevelopmental, motor learning, sensory integration / sensory processing, and visuo-cognitive frames of reference as they are applied in various contexts including, but not limited to school / community-based settings. Documentation of services across settings continues to be practiced and the student is introduced to the IEP process. Assistive technology, educational legislation and reimbursement are also emphasized. Critical thinking skills will be fostered throughout via group as well as individual case study assignments and competency testing incorporating current technology. The ability to critically analyze activity relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, contexts and client factors and the interaction/significance of these areas; as well as, therapeutic use of self, professional behaviors, activity analysis, grading and adapting activity and occupation, and the use of evidence for treatment planning is expected to be developed specific to OT for this population. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2130
Corequisites: OTA 2151, OTA 2161.

OTA 2151 — Psychosocial Occupational Therapy

Credit Hours: 4.00

Total Contact Hours: 6.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Lab Hours: 4.00

Relates occupational therapy treatment theories and intervention to psychosocial function. The diversity of the consumer will be explored, as will diagnoses, symptoms and behaviors, psychotropic medications, and specific needs for various populations. The history of occupational therapy in mental health, current treatment settings and issues, the role of the OTA, and ethical concerns will be discussed. Management, reimbursement and business aspects of practice, as well as emerging areas of practice will be studied and explored. The occupational therapy process and documentation specific to this area will be modeled and practiced. Also examined will be group process, group dynamics, group behaviors and the application of group work in the occupational therapy field. Occupational therapy treatment theories, models and frames of references will be used to establish group treatment plans. Therapeutic use of self in group leadership and understanding and facilitating group dynamics will be discussed, implemented and assessed. Students will integrate knowledge through formulating and implementing group treatment plans. Therapeutic use of self and professionalism will be fostered through reflection and assessment in final preparation for Level II Fieldwork. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2130, PSY 1730
Corequisites: OTA 2140, OTA 2161.

OTA 2161 — OTA Therapeutic Procedures III

Credit Hours: 2.00

Total Contact Hours: 5.00

Lecture Hours: 1.00

Lab Hours: 1.50

Clinical/Other Hours: 2.50

Incorporates previously taught knowledge and skills to provide for the total needs of medically complex patients. Advanced activity analysis and therapeutic use of self to address multiple system dysfunction is emphasized. Specialty areas including use of assistive technology, wheelchair assessment and specialized positioning, vision rehabilitation, work in academic setting as well as other emerging areas of practice will be studied and practiced. Students are expected to build upon previously learned knowledge related to documentation, reimbursement, regulation of public policy and the business aspects of practice. Level 1 fieldwork continues with exposure to specialized settings of pediatrics and mental health. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2130
Corequisites: OTA 2140, OTA 2151.

OTA 2170 — Fieldwork I

Credit Hours: 4.00

Total Contact Hours: 18.95

Lecture Hours: 0.25

Lab Hours: 18.70

Provides an advanced clinical experience under the guidance and supervision of an occupational therapy practitioner. Students prepare for the work force by developing their level skills relating to the provision of role appropriate OT services, and demonstration of professional and ethical behavior while completing a minimum of 8 full-time hours at an assigned fieldwork site. In addition, the student will meet with the course instructor virtually one time/week where reflection and self-assessment will allow the students to begin to integrate technical and clinical knowledge and develop the clinical reasoning, professional behaviors, and therapeutic use of self necessary for entry-level work as an OTA. A "Satisfactory" grade must be achieved for the continuation in the program. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2140, OTA 2151, OTA 2161
Corequisites: OTA 2180, OTA 2200.

OTA 2180 — Fieldwork II

Credit Hours: 4.00

Total Contact Hours: 18.95

Lecture Hours: 0.25

Lab Hours: 18.70

Provides an advanced clinical experience under the guidance and supervision of an occupational therapy practitioner. Prepares students for the work force by developing their entry-level skills relating to the provision of role appropriate OT services, and demonstration of professional and ethical behavior while completing a minimum of 8 full-time hours at an assigned field work site. In addition, the student will meet with the course instructor one time/week where reflection and self-assessment will allow the students to fully integrate technical and clinical knowledge and develop the clinical reasoning, professional behaviors and the use of self necessary for entry-level work as an OTA. A "Satisfactory" grade must be achieved for graduation. "C" grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2140, OTA 2151, OTA 2161
Corequisites: OTA 2170, OTA 2200.

OTA 2200 — Capstone for Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Credit Hours: 2.00

Total Contact Hours: 2.00

Lecture Hours: 2.00

Provides the student with opportunities to become increasingly aware of professional issues affecting the field of occupational therapy and to demonstrate their proficiency of integrating technical knowledge with core skills and abilities. Sharing of experiences from clinical practice in various occupational therapy work settings enhances knowledge. Discussion related to clinical and management experiences allows for exploration of multiple practice and management issues which will emphasize situational problem solving and ultimately encourage the establishment of life-long learning habits. The course will include an examination of the student's growth in diversity, critical thinking and writing. Promotion and performance of the OTA's role in the interdisciplinary team and to the public will be required at the proficient level. Preparation for the OTA national certification, and state licensure exams will occur. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: OTA 2140, OTA 2151, OTA 2161
Corequisites: OTA 2170, OTA 2180.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is a limited enrollment program. The program allows enrollment of thirty (30) qualified students each fall semester. If more than thirty are qualified, students will be ranked by date of qualification. Remaining students will be placed on a waitlist for enrollment the following fall semester.

Qualification requires the following:

1. Completion of all pre-requisite courses with the following required grades:

BHS-1000 (Introduction to Patient Care)*: B- or better
BHS-1390 (Medical Terminology): C or better
BIO-1110 (Anatomy and Physiology I): C or better
COM-1110 (English Composition): C or better
MTH-1260 (Statistics) or MTH-1151 (Quantitative Reasoning): C or better
SDE-1010 (First Year Experience): C or better

NOTE: BHS-1390 and BIO-1110 must be successfully completed within five years and BHS-1000 within two years of program entry. This may be waived by the Program Chair if the applicant is currently working in a healthcare field.

2. Forty hours of observation which can be met through live observation and virtually through video assignments. Specifications can be found in the OTA Information Packet on the program's webpage. Forms and/or video assignments will be collected in BHS-1000.

3. Eighteen years of age at the time of the first clinical experience.