Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate in Applied Science Degree — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 10-514-1

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Overview — This associate degree program prepares you to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), or for employment in related jobs. In the traditional setting, the COTA provides services under the supervision of an occupational therapist using goal-directed activities to prevent, lessen or overcome difficulty in attaining, maintaining or developing occupations: daily living skills, play, leisure and/or work skills. Services are provided in various environments including hospitals, geriatric centers, schools, homes and communities. A Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate is a prerequisite for entry into the fourth clinical course. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Career Outlook — The OTA can look forward to a positive job outlook. Opportunities can be found in traditional health care facilities as well as school, industry, community and residential environments for persons experiencing developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities and the results of aging. For additional career information, visit www.promoteot.org

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — You as a graduate should be able to:

• Analyze client needs and train for required tasks
• Fabricate, select and train with assistive devices (including computer applications)
• Adapt client environments
• Apply group process skills
• Provide safe and competent client services
• Work with diverse populations of all ages and abilities

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• One year of high school-level or one semester of college-level algebra, biology and chemistry with a grade of C or better
• Completion of NATSCI-177 with a grade of C or better
• Good health as evidenced by a medical examination
• Proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions for an occupational therapy assistant have been reviewed. This is in keeping with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Documentation of compliance with Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law.

Future Opportunities — Graduates of this program will be able to write the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). When you apply to take the certification examination, you will be asked questions related to the topic of any felonies on your record. After successful completion of the exam, you will be a COTA. To practice as an OTA, a graduate must apply for licensure in the state of Wisconsin. An applicant for state licensure may be required to complete an oral examination if the applicant has received inpatient or outpatient care for drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness, or has been convicted of a crime that substantially relates to the practice of occupational therapy.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Related Programs:

Physical Therapist Assistant
Registered Nursing
Respiratory Care

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

TECHNICAL STUDIES				Credits
( ) = Semester Order for Full-Time Students
(1)		OTASST-171	Introduction to Occupational Therapy ‡		3
(1)		OTASST-172	Medical and Psychosocial Conditions ‡		3
(1)		OTASST-173	Activity Analysis and Application ‡		2
(2)		OTASST-174	OTA Performance Skills ‡		4
(2)		OTASST-176	OTA Theory and Practice ‡		3
(2)		OTASST-177	Assistive Technology and Adaptations ‡		2
(2)		OTASST-178	Geriatric Practice		3
(3)		OTASST-175	Psychosocial Practice ‡		3
(3)		OTASST-179	Community Practice ‡		2
(3)		OTASST-182	Physical Rehabilitation Practice ‡		3
(3)		OTASST-183	Pediatric Practice ‡		3
(3)		OTASST-184	OTA Fieldwork ‡		2
(4)		OTASST-185	OTA Practice and Management ‡		2
(4)		OTASST-186	OTA Fieldwork 2A ‡		5
(4)		OTASST-187	OTA Fieldwork 2B ‡		5
GENERAL STUDIES
		ENG-151 and	Communication Skills 1 ‡		3
		ENG-152	Communication Skills 2 ‡		3
		OR	ENG-201 and any 200-series ENG or SPEECH course
		NATSCI-177	General Anatomy and Physiology ‡		4
		PSYCH-159	Abnormal Psychology		3
		OR	PSYCH-232 Abnormal Psychology
		PSYCH-188	Developmental Psychology		3
		OR	PSYCH-238 Life-Span Psychology
		PSYCH-198	Introduction to Psychology		3
		OR	PSYCH-231 Introductory Psychology
		SOCSCI-172	Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Studies		3
		OR	Any 200-series HIST or SOCSCI course
ELECTIVE COURSES: Three Credits Required (Suggestions listed below)
		OTASST-111	Alternative Medicine — Theory and Practice ‡		2
		OTASST-138	Orthotics — Principles and Fabrication ‡		2
		OTASST-190	Introduction to Therapeutic Services		3
		MEDINT-101	Cultural Awareness		3
TOTAL CREDITS: 70

OTASST-186 and OTASST-187 must be completed within 18 months following academic course work.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡	Prerequisite Required.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.