Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work under the direct supervision of a Occupational
Therapist (OTs) 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.
OTAs assist OTs 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. OTAs 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. Clinical Practicum experiences are available daytime and
possible weekends only. Clinical Practicum IV and V (OTA 240 & 241) requires a full
time work week commitment for 20 weeks.
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.
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: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-6
"Employment of occupational therapy assistants...is expected to grow by 33 percent
from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations."
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!"
Upon completion of the program, the Grossmont College Associate Degree Occupational
Therapy Assistant graduate will: