Program Description
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work under the direct supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist
(OTR) to provide all levels of patient treatment to people who are limited by physical injury or illness, mental health
problems, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process.
COTAs assist OTRs in assessing patient needs, determining therapeutic goals, planning and implementing treatment activities,
communicating with patients and health care providers and documenting patient progress. They utilize purposeful
activities, manual and creative arts to help patients achieve their highest level of function. COTAs are employed in
hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, schools, day treatment centers, outpatient clinics and other community agencies.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program prepares the student for an Associate in Science Degree. In addition to the
core curriculum, the major requires selected general education courses from the biological, social and behavioral sciences.
OTA core courses are offered evenings only. Level I and II fieldwork experiences are available daytime only. Level I fieldwork
is tied to OTA core courses 101 - 230 and requires a minimum of 80 hours. Level II fieldwork (OTA 240 & 241) requires a 40 hour/week
commitment for 20 weeks.
MISSION STATEMENTS
Grossmont College:
To be a responsive leader in developing effective and efficient quality educational programs, classes and services to meet the
needs of students for transfer to baccalaureate institutions, job entry and job re-entry skills, and for lifelong and cultural
enrichment necessary to a productive and socially responsible life.
Grossmont college Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
To provide a quality educational program that values the uniqueness of all human beings; that is committed to producing
competent, socially responsive entry level occupational therapy assistants; and that serves the San Diego community by
educating students to provide occupational therapy services to a complex, culturally diverse population. This program is
also committed to the encouragement of life-long learning as an adaptive professional "skill" in response to an ever changing society.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Students today can look forward to dynamic careers working in multiple settings with people of all ages. And the
employment outlook for occupational therapy assistants is bright! Recent information published by the U.S. Department of
Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the job outlook for occupational therapy assistants will continue to
improve steadily for the foreseeable future. Specifically, it states that:
"Employment of occupational therapy assistants...is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations
through 2010," meaning that employment is expected to increase by 36% or more."
One of the greatest advantages of a career as an occupational therapy assistant is the wide variety of opportunities
available to graduates. Many childhood--learning, playing, and growing. Some work in schools with students who having
learning disabilities, behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome.
Occupational therapy assistants also work with individuals in their homes, community centers, rehabilitation hospitals,
and nursing homes. In these settings, they help people with traumatic injuries, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, or
mental health problems learn to live productive lives through the use of meaningful occupations.
If you are looking for a challenging career and have a desire to learn, achieve, and give your best to society, a
career as an occupational therapy assistant is for you!"
ACCREDITATION
Grossmont College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is a member of the American
Association of Junior Colleges, the Community College League of California, and the National Commission on Accrediting.
Appropriate courses are fully accepted on transfer by the University of California, The California State College system,
and by private four-year colleges and universities.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy
Education; 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, (301) 652-AOTA (or 2682).
Accreditation allows graduates who have completed the Associate Degree program to sit for the national certification
examination administered by the
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Those who pass
the exam earn the title Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Individuals considering entering or currently enrolled in
the OTA Program at Grossmont College who have been convicted
of a misdemeanor or felony crime are urged to contact NBCOT
at (301) 990-7979 for
advisement and planning prior to continuing in the program.
|
Grossmont College
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
Counseling Office
(619)644-7208
Admissions & Records Office
(619)644-7186 Occupational Therapy Assistant
(619) 644-7304 Email
Occupational Therapy
Assistant
Health Professions Home Page |
