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Connected Degree Information
Jan Gorecki, OTR/L,MS
Program Coordinator
jgorecki@dtcc.edu



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

American Occupational Therapy Association Inc.
4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, Maryland 20824-1220
Phone: 301-652-AOTA (2682).
http://www.aota.org

Welcome to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) on the Wilmington Campus. As an OTA student, you will learn to work with people of all ages with physical, developmental, social or emotional problems who need assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR), provides clients with specialized activities (occupations) which aid them in mastering the skills necessary to perform daily tasks at home, school and in the community.

Graduates will be able to sit for the National Certification Exam for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the National Certification Exam. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Since the beginning of the program, there has been a 100% pass rate for our graduates on the National Certification Exam.

If you would like to learn more about the profession, below are some links that might interest you.

You'll Learn

» How to complete therapeutic, rehabilitative, health promotion and wellness activities

» Subject matter covered on certification examinations

» To utilize a variety of therapy techniques for patient and client care

» How to treat individuals with both mental health and physical disabilities

» Additional knowledge and skills essential to your success on the job

You'll Earn

» Starting salaries range from $25,000 to $30,000

» Strong status in the job market

» The option to advance your career through further education

» The opportunity for a flexible work schedule part- or full-time

» A choice of work environments including

If you are interested in a CD with a Power Point presentation about the OTA program send an e-mail request to Jan Gorecki, OTA Coordinator. jgoreck@dtcc.edu

PROGRAM MISSION
The OTA Program provides a comprehensive educational program, consisting of experiential learning and clinical opportunities that enable qualified students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to be eligible for national certification, licensure and employment as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Many states, including Delaware, require state licensure for a COTA to practice in a particular state. However, state licensure is based on results of the certification exam. Delaware, as so many states, have rules and regulations regarding licensure of those individuals who have committed a felony or other illegal actions.

There are a variety of opportunities for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). COTAs are employed in traditional and emerging practice settings. Some of the traditional settings are:

  • Home Health Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Mental Health Centers
  • Nursing Homes / Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Outpatient Centers
  • Public schools
  • Rehabilitation Centers

Many OT Practitioners are looking "outside of the box" and using their OT skills and knowledge to work in emerging practice settings. Some of these opportunities include:

  • Accessibility Travel / Meeting Consultant
  • Home Modifications
  • Independent Living Centers
  • Industry / Health and Wellness Programs
  • Prison System
  • Programs for the Homeless
  • Senior Living Consultants