Occupational Therapy Assistant

Available: Phil Campbell and Shoals Campuses
Advisors: K. Sheppard (5331) kim.sheppard@nwscc.edu
B. Smith (5379) bsmith@nwscc.edu
S. Watson (6253) sberrian@nwscc.edu

Under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) assists in evaluating patients and in developing a plan of selected tasks to restore, influence, or enhance performance of individuals whose abilities to cope with daily living tasks are impaired or threatened by developmental deficits, the aging process, physical injury or illness, learning disabilities, or psychological and social disabilities. Occupational Therapy Assistants are employed in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health care agencies, private practices, and other specialized health care settings.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a two-year course of full-time study.

The certifying agency is the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Conviction of a felony may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or to attain state licensure. Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. See program webpage for accreditation information.

General Required Courses to be Completed at Northwest- Shoals Community College.

Entering students are required to complete ORI 107. Transfer students are exempt from this requirement.

Students must complete specialized courses at Wallace State to receive this degree. Wallace State enrolls students in this program competitively and only in certain terms. See your advisor.

WSCC Program Director: Allen Keener 256.352.8333