Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is an occupational therapy assistant? What is the main emphasis of occupational therapy curricula?
- What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
- Do you have to be licensed or certified?
- What type of salary can a COTA expect to receive?
- How is the job market outlook in occupational therapy? Where does a COTA find employment?
- How long does the program take?
- Can I transfer credits from another college or university?
- Can I work while attending the program?
- Is financial aid available?
- What kinds of activities are used by occupational therapy practitioners during intervention?
- Can an OTA become an occupational therapist?
- The Tri-C Program
- Where can I find additional information about the profession?
- What qualities or personal traits are useful in practicing occupational therapy?
What exactly is an occupational therapy assistant? What is the main emphasis of occupational therapy curricula?
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is responsible for the continuing care of patients an occupational therapist has evaluated. OTAs use everyday activities (called occupations) in the areas of self-care, work, productive activities, play, leisure, education and social participation to help people of all ages prevent, lessen or overcome physical and mental disabilities. Occupational therapy is vital for helping people live as independently as possible and participate in life occupations. A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is supervised by a licensed occupational therapist in many settings.
Programs are designed to conform to a series of guidelines called standards. The course of study features general theory, skills training and the foundation for clinical reasoning. The curricula have a strong science base and focus on human development across the lifespan. Curricula promote professionalism and engagement in occupation through a holistic approach to practice. (Hussey, Sabonis-Chafee and O'Brien, 2007, p.8)
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
Physical therapy deals specifically with physical disorders of the body and aims to restore weakened muscles and normal movement and decrease pain. Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities and interventions that make it easier for patients to function in their environment.
Do you have to be licensed or certified?
After completing this program, graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Inc. (NBCOT). This exam must be completed to apply for licensure granted by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board.
What type of salary can a COTA expect to receive?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $62,940 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,180, and the highest 10% earned more than $84,090. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides).
How is the job market outlook in occupational therapy? Where does a COTA find employment?
The job market outlook is great! The need for occupational therapy services continues to increase and offers excellent employment opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Employment, occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. Overall employment of OTAs is projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031 — much faster than the average for all occupations.
Among COTAs, 26% work in skilled nursing homes and intermediate care, 20% work in hospitals and 17% in public and private schools. Others work in community mental health centers, rehabilitation hospitals, residential care facilities, community agencies, colleges and universities.
How long does the program take?
Coursework includes general education courses, occupational therapy theory and skill-building courses and on-the-job experiences at various fieldwork sites. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTAT) program is based at the Metropolitan Campus in downtown Cleveland. A two-year full-time commitment is necessary to complete the program. Program courses are not available in the evenings or on the weekends. All OTAT courses must be taken at the Metropolitan Campus, but general education courses may be taken at the Metro, Eastern or Western campuses. No OTAT courses are offered online.
Students are required to complete a series of clinical experiences (referred to as fieldwork) with a wide range of client ages and a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Practicum (a weekly clinical experience for up to 105 hours per semester) offers students practical experiences integrated throughout the academic program. Level II Fieldwork is designed to provide in-depth clinical experiences. Students are assigned to two consecutive eight-week full-time field placements under the supervision of licensed occupational therapy practitioners. All fieldwork must be completed within 18 months following completion of academic preparation.
Can I transfer credits from another college or university?
Generally, yes. Students are encouraged to see a Tri-C academic counselor after their transcripts have been forwarded to Tri-C. All Tri-C academic counselors can provide specific information about course substitution, course transfers, etc. The program does not accept occupational therapy courses from other colleges/universities/programs.
Can I work while attending the program?
Most students find part-time work manageable. However, the program is very intense and requires numerous outside assignments. We encourage students to complete as many general education courses as possible before starting the program. These are any courses that do not have the “OTAT” prefix. The final semester of the program requires a full-time (40 hours a week) off-campus commitment.
Financial assistance is available through the College in the form of scholarships, grants or loans. The College suggests that students submit all forms for financial aid applications at least six weeks before registration. Application forms are available in the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships offices at each campus. Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at the Eastern Campus at 216-987-2211, Metro Campus at 216-987-4247 or Western Campus at 216-987-5100.
What kinds of activities are used by occupational therapy practitioners during intervention?
Occupational therapy practitioners use meaningful tasks or occupations to promote and restore function, health and wellness to people who have experienced a decreased ability to participate in meaningful daily life activities because of developmental delays, physical illness or injury, mental health conditions or just the process of aging.
Occupation is everything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves, enjoying life and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (Law, Polatajko, Baptiste and Townsend, 1997, p. 32). Getting dressed, using a phone, bowling, farming, shopping, watching a movie or dancing are all examples of activities of occupations.
Can an OTA become an occupational therapist?
Yes. There are two ways this can be accomplished. First, the individual can build upon their associate degree by taking additional courses, including any prerequisites a school may require. The second way is by attending a weekend program. These programs involve attending intensive weekend classes held every few weeks. For many students, in addition to requiring a great deal of self-discipline, these programs also require a great deal of travel and lodging expenses.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology (OTAT) program at Tri-C leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting. The OTAT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, located at Accreditation Department, 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. Phone: 301-652-6611.
Where can I find additional information about the profession?
You can find additional information from the Health Career Enrollment Center (HCEC) at 216-987-4247. You may also check the American Occupational Therapy Association website (student tab) for more information. They will be glad to send you an OTAT program packet. There is also information about the program in the Tri-C College Catalog.
What qualities or personal traits are useful in practicing occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy practitioners need patience, understanding and compassion when dealing with clients facing health problems. Patience is important because many clients may not show rapid progress, and practitioners must be prepared for that challenge. Being understanding and having compassion are also vital when working with clients who have disabilities that require them to undergo extensive and sometimes painful treatment to improve their function. And finally, occupational therapy calls for a certain amount of passion for the beneficial and life-changing work that therapists perform.