The Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree provides you with superior training for well-paying health care jobs. Southwest Virginia Community College offers an accredited OT assistant degree, so you'll receive training that meets the highest professional and academic standards. You'll also get plenty of one-on-one attention and personalized support from your instructors.

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) prepares students for entry-level employment as occupational therapy assistants in acute-care hospitals, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, developmental centers, school-based therapy programs, pediatric facilities, and mental health facilities. Graduates of the program are equipped to assist individuals in meeting a level of independence to perform the occupational roles necessary for productive living. Such roles may include tasks related to self-care, work, or leisure for those disabled by illness, accidents, or by developmental or psychiatric impairment.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the OTA program. Entrance requirements for this program include: successful completion of BIO 141 and ENG 111; VPT placement into MTH 154 with no co-requisite required or successful completion of an equivalent or higher level college math class; grade point average of 2.75 or higher; 30 hours of documented observation time in at least two separate locations with an occupational therapist (OTR) or an occupational therapy assistant (COTA); documented attendance of at least one OTA Program Open House within 12 months preceding program application; and a personal interview with the Program Staff. A writing sample may also be required for admission. For additional information regarding admission, continuance, and graduation requirements, go to tcc.edu (search keywords "occupational therapy assistant").

Individuals in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program may elect to pursue professional certification following completion of the A.A.S. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers a national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). All states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, phone (301) 652-6611, www.acoteonline.org.

This program prepares students to sit for professional exams and/or apply for professional licensure that is required for employment in the related occupation in Virginia. ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states' educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage (https://www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/State-Policy/Licensure/StateRegs.aspx).

This curriculum is designed to academically prepare students to apply for the restricted admissions AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant program and to gain a job ready skill in health professions. Students will either prepare to take the National Registry of EMT certification exam or prepare to work in a medical office. Students should be aware that completion of this program does not guarantee admission into the AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

This curriculum is designed to academically prepare students to apply for the restricted admissions AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant program and to gain a job ready skill in health professions. Competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications, and professional development curriculum. Students should be aware that completion of this program does not guarantee admission into the AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant program.