Occupational therapy is a rewarding and in-demand career that helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work. Ivy Tech, one of the largest community colleges in the United States, offers a comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program that prepares students for a fulfilling career in this field. Here are the 5 steps to become an Ivy Tech Occupational Therapy Assistant:
Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements
Before applying to the OTA program at Ivy Tech, you need to meet the admission requirements. These requirements include:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the required prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.7
- Take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam and achieve a minimum score of 50
- Complete a background check and provide proof of immunizations
It's essential to note that admission to the OTA program is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Prerequisite Courses
The prerequisite courses for the OTA program at Ivy Tech include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English Composition
It's crucial to complete these courses with a minimum GPA of 2.7 to be eligible for the program.
Step 2: Complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
The OTA program at Ivy Tech is a 2-year associate degree program that includes both classroom and clinical training. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified occupational therapy assistant.
The program includes courses such as:
- Occupational Therapy Foundations
- Occupational Therapy Modalities
- Occupational Therapy Techniques
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Mental Health Occupational Therapy
In addition to classroom training, students also participate in clinical rotations, which provide hands-on experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are an essential part of the OTA program at Ivy Tech. Students participate in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
- Community mental health centers
These rotations provide students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with licensed occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.
Step 3: Pass the NBCOT Exam
After completing the OTA program, students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing this exam is required to become a certified occupational therapy assistant.
The NBCOT exam is a comprehensive exam that tests students' knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- Occupational Therapy Foundations
- Occupational Therapy Modalities
- Occupational Therapy Techniques
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Mental Health Occupational Therapy
NBCOT Exam Study Tips
To prepare for the NBCOT exam, students can use a variety of study resources, including:
- Review courses
- Study groups
- Practice exams
- Textbooks and online resources
It's essential to create a study plan and stick to it to ensure success on the exam.
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
In addition to becoming certified, many states require occupational therapy assistants to be licensed. The licensure requirements vary by state, so it's essential to check with the state licensing authority to determine the specific requirements.
In Indiana, for example, occupational therapy assistants must obtain a license from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
State Licensure Requirements
The state licensure requirements for occupational therapy assistants typically include:
- Passing the NBCOT exam
- Completing a background check
- Paying a licensure fee
- Completing continuing education requirements
It's crucial to check with the state licensing authority to determine the specific requirements.
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Licensure
To maintain certification and licensure, occupational therapy assistants must complete continuing education requirements and adhere to the certification and licensure standards.
The NBCOT requires certified occupational therapy assistants to complete 36 hours of continuing education every 3 years.
Continuing Education Requirements
The continuing education requirements for occupational therapy assistants typically include:
- Completing courses or workshops in areas such as:
- Occupational therapy foundations
- Occupational therapy modalities
- Occupational therapy techniques
- Pediatric occupational therapy
- Mental health occupational therapy
- Participating in professional development activities
- Maintaining a professional portfolio
It's essential to check with the certification and licensure authorities to determine the specific continuing education requirements.
Gallery of Occupational Therapy Assistant
FAQs
What is the role of an occupational therapy assistant?
+The role of an occupational therapy assistant is to work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to help individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work.
What are the admission requirements for the OTA program at Ivy Tech?
+The admission requirements for the OTA program at Ivy Tech include earning a high school diploma or equivalent, completing the required prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.7, taking the TEAS exam and achieving a minimum score of 50, and completing a background check and providing proof of immunizations.
How long does it take to complete the OTA program at Ivy Tech?
+The OTA program at Ivy Tech is a 2-year associate degree program.
By following these 5 steps, you can become an Ivy Tech Occupational Therapy Assistant and start a rewarding career in this field. Remember to meet the admission requirements, complete the OTA program, pass the NBCOT exam, obtain state licensure, and maintain certification and licensure. Good luck!