Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S.

Overview

A work of heart.

Help people of all ages to regain, develop, or master everyday living skills for independent, productive, and satisfying lives with the two-year Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S. Degree program. The program’s academic and fieldwork training prepare you for a career in occupational therapy. Receive the training to work under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist, implementing intervention plans to enable participation in life activities for people of diverse ages, cultures, and abilities.

Learn to interact with healthcare providers and OT clients in a professional and meaningful manner. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national board exam for certification through the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy.

Healthcare Professions Open House

Join us 5:30 Thursday, Nov. 15 in Clement Building Room C-210.
Thinking of your future? Come speak with NSCC clinical healthcare faculty & students to see if these careers are the right choice for you. Read full event info.

Contact

Program Office: D Building, Suite D-27
615-353-3708 ~ Fax: 615-353-3608

Donna Whitehouse, OTA Program Director
Donna.Whitehouse@nscc.edu
615-353-3382

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Advising & FAQ

Advising Sheet

Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS Degree

OTA Questions and Answers

Separate OTA program application required
Learn about the separate OTA program application and selection process below and by clicking Requirements to the right.

When will OTA program applications be available?
Applications are available beginning the first week of December each year. The application period runs through the first Monday in February. The application procedures are clearly outlined in the application packet, including selection criteria, timelines for interviews, notifications, etc.

How many students are selected for the program?
30 seats are available for incoming students.

How many people apply?
Over the past several years the OTA program has received over 200 applications for each application period.

Are volunteer hours required?
No, volunteer hours are not required.

What courses do I need to take in order to be able to apply?
Course information is outlined in detail on our Program advising sheet (PDF).

What about Learning Support coursework or English as a Second Language?
Download PDF of ESOL and Learning Support Requirements for OTA Program Application

Must I complete all General Education coursework before I apply to the OTA Program?
No. However, if you require Learning Support coursework (new NSCC students are notified via the Admissions office), those courses must be completed prior to application.
Points are awarded during the application review process for any required General Education course that is completed or in progress (proof via transcript required at time of application).

How long is the Program?
The NSCC OTA Program is two years in length (fall and spring semesters only), regardless of the prior completion of general education coursework. Students will spend three semesters in campus-based OTA coursework and one semester in internships.

I’ve already completed a degree (at any level). Will it still take two years?
Yes.

Are evening classes available? Where can I take the classes?
All OTA classes are day classes on the Nashville State Main Campus, there are no evening or weekend options available. While some of our courses are offered online, students can expect to spend 2–4 days a week on campus the first three semesters (schedule varies by semester), and must complete two eight-week internships (full time, days only) the last semester in the program.

How much does it cost to go through the OTA Program?
Updated information regarding current tuition and fees may be found here. For financial aid information, please contact our financial aid office. Students can expect to spend approximately $500 per semester for books and supporting materials.

What skills do I need to be successful in the OTA Program and as an OTA?
The skills necessary to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant will be learned through the OTA Curriculum. However, there are certain skills and abilities that are required of all students who enroll in the OTA Program. Please click Requirements on the right and review the Functional Requirements for Program Participation information.

Additional questions?
Call 615-353-3708 or email Donna.Whitehouse@nscc.edu.

Requirements

Program Requirements

All students are required to maintain personal health insurance while enrolled in the OTA program. Proof of health insurance required.
All students are required to hold and maintain CPR certification while enrolled in the OTA program. Proof of CPR certification required.
Students admitted into the OTA program are required to have a recent health physical and be current in all vaccines and immunizations. Proof required.
Health insurance, CPR certification, health physical, vaccinations and immunizations are not required for program application.
The program requires that students be proficient in the use of a computer. Students should be prepared to access and submit documents through Desire2Learn, use PowerPoint and be proficient with email. The program utilizes an online testing format. Students should have access to a personal computer, and/or identify alternative computer resources, such as the computer labs at NSCC.

Criminal Background Checks

Prospective students will be required to provide a copy of a background check and drug screening. NSCC does not use the background check or drug screening as criteria for admission to the program. Background checks and drug screenings are required by clinical sites as a condition of participation. Students are required to participate in a variety of clinical experiences to successfully complete the program. For questions regarding the background check, please call 615-353-3708.

ESOL and Learning Support Course Requirements

Printable PDF of ESOL and Learning Support Course Requirements for OTA Program Application

Functional Requirements for Program Participation

The role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant is both rewarding and demanding. The following essential functions are required of all students who enroll in the Nashville State Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

Motor

Independently move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
Participate in transfers of patients (children to adult) from a variety of heights and surfaces
Guard and assist patients with functional mobility
Be able to physically manage self so as not to be a danger to others
- Trunk control adequate for independent balance and function
- No muscle spasms that consistently affect movement or stability
Manipulation skills adequate to make notations, participate in clinic maintenance, adjust equipment, assist in patient/client movement, etc.
Perform CPR
Travel to and from academic and clinical sites
Physically participate in an active, 8–10 hour school/work day, consistently.

Communication Skills

Use verbal, non-verbal, and written communication to effectively explain and/or demonstrate tasks and techniques to others
Communicate effectively in English with patients, families and other healthcare providers, both verbally and in written form
Effectively adapt communication for intended audience
Speak with enough volume to be reasonably heard by intended audience
Perceive, understand, and appropriately act on non-verbal communication, such as changes in mood, activity, facial expressions and postures
Assume the role of an effective member of a health care team
Function effectively under supervision, including collaboration as well as effectively receiving and providing feedback
Interact and establish rapport with individuals and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

Function effectively under stress
Respond appropriately to emergencies
Use sound judgment to adhere to infection control and safety procedures
Demonstrate problem-solving skills that reflect consideration of multiple forms of information: written, verbal, observation, etc. Must be able to reason, measure, calculate, prioritize and synthesize information
Address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the appropriate time
Consistently follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings, governmental regulations, and requirements of reimbursement sources
Demonstrate the capacity to consistently, effectively, and efficiently plan, organize, and perform job duties within limited time frames according to current industry standards

Academic Ability

Read and understand information from textbooks, online resources, and other materials
Synthesize information effectively to be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills through written work, tests and demonstrated performance: Student should be able to synthesize this information from a variety of formats. These formats include, but are not limited to text, lecture, video/computer, and demonstration.
Data collection from a variety of sources and interpretation of materials that include, but are not limited to text, notes, online resources, observation, and clinical records
Pay attention, without prompting, to teachers, guest speakers and other classmates during verbal presentations
Effectively use a computer and computer programs. These include, but are not limited to: email, PowerPoint, search engines, up/downloading of documents, YouTube, and other online resource sites.

Sensory Capability

Visually observe with enough acuity (in a variety of lighting conditions) to participate in lab activities, lectures and clinical experiences
Read small print information—such as that can be found on medical equipment
Hear sufficiently to perceive normal tone of voice to follow directions, participate in conversations, answer phones and intercoms
Assess and treat all assigned clients, including palpation of the client
Monitor vital signs
Auditory, visual, and tactile abilities sufficient to assess patient status and perform treatments
Perform responsibilities while in close proximity or in physical contact with others

Professional Behaviors

Emotional health and stability sufficient to complete complex patient care responsibilities within an allotted time
Flexibility to function and remain calm under stressful conditions, including emergency situations, taxing academic, and clinical workloads
Consistently demonstrate compassion, empathy, tact, honesty, responsibility, integrity, and strong work ethic
Follow safety precautions
Perform tasks and interventions within competency level and seek assistance and training when additional knowledge or competency skills are required
Actively seek and participate in continuing professional education opportunities in order to maintain and improve knowledge and competence
Utilize evidence and OT theories, models, and frames of reference to provide the most effective interventions for clients and patients
Independently track and complete multiple tasks, meeting deadlines and priorities as set by self and others
Effectively interact with diverse populations and personalities
Document and report activities accurately according to the requirements of the setting as well as external regulations, policies or procedures, and professional ethics

Accreditation and Outcomes

Program Accreditation

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

The NSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by: ACOTE
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
301-652-2682 ~ Fax: 301-652-7711 ~ TDD: 800-377-8555
accred@aota.org ~ www.aota.org
Direct link to information about for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education: www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation.aspx

OTA Program Outcomes

All students graduating from the Nashville State Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Certification Exam. Proof of successful completion of this exam is required for a license to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of Tennessee.

For access to NBCOT examination comparison pass rates from schools across the country, including NSCC OTA students, click here.

For access to NSCC OTA Program NBCOT examination student pass rate information, and to NSCC OTA Program graduation rates, please click here (PDF).

Employment

Certification Exam

Graduates of the program 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). A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination.

After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

State Licensure

Tennessee requires licensure to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. All applicants for Tennessee licensure must pass the NBCOT certification examination, in addition to other requirements. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to attain state licensure.

If students have questions or concerns regarding criminal history and employment eligibility, please contact NBCOT at 301-990-7979 and the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy at 615-532-3202 or 800-778-4123.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Employment

An Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the direction of an Occupational Therapist in hospitals, schools systems, nursing homes, psychiatric programs, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics and in the community. Occupational Therapy Assistants have been trained to use “occupations” or activities of daily life to help people of all ages participate in their activities of choice to their fullest potential.