Occupational Therapy Assistant

Associate in Science Degree

TEACH INDEPENDENCE FOR EVERY DAY LIFE

Overview of the Profession
If you are caring, creative and adaptable, as well as an individual who likes to work with others, Occupational therapy is a dynamic career that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of people of all ages. Occupational Therapy focuses on helping people to function in the tasks or “occupations” needed for everyday life by learning the skills necessary to be independent and productive. Occupational Therapy practitioners provide assessments and specialized treatments for clients with physical or mental health problems so they can carry out day-to-day activities that are important to them despite impairments. For example the person who has had a stroke may need to relearn how to prepare a meal or a child with cerebral palsy may need to learn to use a computer for classroom activities.

OTA Program Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Kapiolani Community College is a well established program operating since 1973. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220 or at www.aota.org . The phone number for AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.

OTA Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is in accordance with that of the University of Hawai'i, Community College System and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Our mission is to:

1. Broaden access to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program by providing an open-door admissions policy to qualified students.
2. Specialize in the effective teaching of occupational therapy assistant courses that prepare the student to qualify for the national certification exam.
3. Offer a program of study that prepares the student for entry-level OTA positions.
   
4. Provide opportunities for personal and professional development, occupational upgrading and career mobility through credit and non-credit courses and activities.
5. Contribute to and stimulate the cultural and intellectual life of the occupational therapy community by providing a forum for the discussion of ideas and opportunities for community members to participate and benefit from the endeavors of others.

The OTA Program seeks to serve its students as well as the community at large.

OTA Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Assimilate and apply relevant knowledge regarding the foundational content, basic tenets and theoretical perspectives of Occupational Therapy to be able to function competently in the area of study.
2. Perform technical and clinical skills pertaining to screening, evaluation, intervention, implementation and service delivery and assist with management of Occupational Therapy in order to function competently in the area of study.
3. Maintain professional ethics, values, responsibilities and behavior as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and healthcare provider.
4. Communicates and interacts appropriately and effectively.
5. Incorporate knowledge of multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of diverse populations.
6. Use professional literature and recognize its implication for Occupational Therapy practice and the provision of services.

Program Fees
Students will pay tuition based on the University of Hawaii, Kapiolani Community College per credit fee as published. Other fees will include liability insurance of $15.00 per year and program fees of $140.00 each semester. Students will also be responsible for fees associated with books, titer tests, CPR training and the fee for the NBCOT exam that grants certification.

Certification After Graduation
Graduates of the OTA program will be able to sit for the national certification examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This organization is located at 800 South Frederick Avenue, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150 or at www.nbcot.org. After passing this exam, the graduate will become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Hawaii does not currently license COTAs but licensure may be required to work in other states.
Felony convictions may affect the OTA graduate’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT exam. NBCOT provides an Early Determination Review to individuals who (1) have been charged with or convicted of a felony, (2) have had any professional license, registration or certification revoked, suspended or subject to probationary conditions by a regulatory or disciplinary proceeding to have committed negligence, malpractice, recklessness or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another.

Graduation Rate, Pass Rate on NBCOT Exam and Employment Outcomes
The total number of graduates who passed the NBCOT exam as first-time test takers from 2006-09 was 12 out of 17 or a 71% pass rate. During that time the program had a total of 24 graduates. Graduate Survey results indicate that 5 of 11 graduates from the Class of 2008 were working as COTAs or in related employment within 6 months of graduation. There were 4 of 7 graduates from the Class of 2007 and 6 of 7 graduates from the Class of 2006 were working as OTA/COTAs within 6 months of graduation. The number of graduates from the OTA program at KCC was influenced by a one year stop out to revise curriculum to be more efficient and effective.

Career Opportunities
Occupational Therapy Assistants are employed in many different traditional and emerging areas of practice including Skills Trainers and Assistive Technology Specialists. Graduates of the OTA program at KCC are working in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and psychiatric hospitals.

Testimonials

Kimberly Cameron, military wife, recent OTA graduate
“My husband was stationed in Hawaii long enough for me to finish my OTA degree and then we moved. I am excited that I was offered a job as a traveling therapist for $60,000 starting pay.”

Justin Kaneshiro, COTA and OTR, Wahiawa General Hospital
“I graduated from the OTA program 4 years ago and decided to get my Masters Degree in OT at Samuel Merritt College in California. I now have an advanced degree and challenging new opportunities in the OT profession.”

Pamela Anderson, COTA, Queen’s Medical Center/Acute Medical/Surgical
“From my fieldwork in the OTA program, I knew acute care was my interest. With the help of my mentor, a position was created for me on staff at a local hospital. I really enjoy OT, it’s not just a job but a rewarding career”

Denby Nakamoto, COTA, Activity Director, Pearl City Nursing Home
“My AS degree from the OTA program has given me a meaningful career. I had the opportunity to work in a variety of areas; rehabilitation, hand injuries and with the elderly”

Cathy Kaplan, COTA, Queen’s Medical Center, psychiatry
“The skills I learned in the OTA program have opened doors for me to work in a psychiatric setting and also to do case management. It’s great to have this versatility.”