Overview

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program consists of three semesters of academic preparation and one semester of full-time fieldwork education leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  Fieldwork education may occur in any practice setting in which there is a Clinical Affiliation Agreement between the school and the site. Please refer to the RSCC catalog for additional information.

Work Settings

Occupational therapy assistants may provide services in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, school systems, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and long-term care settings, home health agencies, mental health facilities and community-based programs.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Occupational Therapy Assistants is expected to grow 25% from 2006 through 2016.  In May of 2008, the national average hourly wage of an Occupational Therapy Assistant was $23.29 ($48,440 per year).  Salaries vary according to geographic location, practice setting and experience level of the OTA.

Credentialing Requirements

Occupational Therapy Assistant students who successfully complete their academic and fieldwork education requirements will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  Many states, including Tennessee, also require licensure for occupational therapy practitioners.

NOTE:  A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.  For more information, visit NBCOT.

Location

All program courses are only offered at the Oak Ridge Branch Campus of Roane State Community College. Please refer to the link provided for directions. Campus Locations

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Costs

The cost of registration, textbooks, liability insurance, criminal background checks and physical exam averages approximately $2000 per year.  All expenses are subject to change. Program related expenses may include:

• Books
• Supplies (uniforms, clinical and lab supplies)
• Liability Insurance
• Physical examination and immunizations
• CPR certification
• Criminal background check (if required)

OTA Program Admissions Policy

Application deadline for fall admission is the third Friday in January.  Up to 20 applicants will be admitted each academic year, based on overall points.  OTA faculty members retain the right to exceed the enrollment level and may offer admission to additional students on a case-by-case basis with approval of the Admissions Committee.  Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.  Please refer to Application Guidelines, Admissions Procedure, Admission Points System, and Frequently Asked Questions for additional information