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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT STUDIES PROGRAM

 

About the Profession of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a health profession which utilizes every-day life activities to help people of all ages prevent, lessen, or overcome challenges that interfere with their ability to lead independent and satisfying lives. Occupational Therapy makes it possible for people to regain independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. Learning, growing, playing, working, managing our homes, and caring for our families and ourselves are among the "occupations" of life. Stroke, injury, depression, and developmental disabilities, for example, can make it difficult for people to do everyday tasks or be as active and as independent as they would like. With a career in Occupational Therapy, you will impact the lives of children, young people, and adults.

About the Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants work in collaboration with a supervising licensed occupational therapist to provide hands-on services to people of all ages who are learning new ways to succeed in the occupations of life. Many practitioners help children thrive in the "occupations" of childhood - learning, playing, and growing. Some work in schools with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Others work with children who have cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and other disabilities.
Practitioners also work with individuals in their homes, community centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and nursing homes. In these settings, they may support people with traumatic injuries, strokes, Alzheimer's disease or mental health problems.

Annual earnings for COTAs in the Philadelphia area are approximately $45,000.

Highlights of the Phila U OTA Studies program

Experience Philadelphia University’s Signature Learning with its emphasis on accelerated, experiential, self-directed learning guided by faculty and mentors in the profession.

  • OTA courses are taught in an evening accelerated format supported by on-line learning. Terms run eight weeks with five terms scheduled each year. Fall term is the entry into the Program.
  • Preparation for a successful career through creative interdisciplinary collaborative experiences with students in Philadelphia University Schools of Science and Health, Architecture, and Design.
  • Classroom activity focuses on discussion, role playing and hands-on experiences guided by faculty and mentors in the profession creating enhanced opportunities for students to practice their skills, ask questions and learn.
  • Clinical component: 5 clinical placements during the program – 2 full time and 3 part-time.
  • The final two terms consist of two eight-week, full-time clinical placements.
  • 3 different terms include observations at clinical sites, 36 hours each term.
  • Enhanced  scholarship and tuition discount opportunities available through Genesis Rehab Services by special arrangement
  • If you want to continue your education at Philadelphia University, Continuing and Professional Studies at Philadelphia University offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program (www.Philau.edu/continuinged). 

Accreditation and Licensure

Occupational therapy assistants must complete a two-year educational program accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination, administered by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, candidates may apply for their state license to practice as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). The PA State Board of Education and Licensure and NBCOT advise that a drug-related conviction and/or conviction of a felony may result in denial and/or revocation of a license to practice occupational therapy.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Studies program at Philadelphia University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. ACOTE may be contacted for further information or clarification at:

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

4720 Montgomery Lane

P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
Phone: 301-652-AOTA (2682)
E-mail: accred@aota.org
Website: www.aota.org

Admission Information
 
For your consideration, the information you will need for the application process is as follows:

  • Submission of a completed application for admission to Philadelphia University, Office of Continuing and Professional Studies, Accelerated Associate of Science Degree Program for Occupational Therapy Assistant Studies
  • Evidence of high school diploma or GED
  • Official transcripts (sealed) from the high school from which you graduated and any accredited colleges/universities (if applicable) that you have previously attended
  • Self reflective/personal statement essay
  • Current resume as evidence of applicant’s employment and/or extracurricular experiences
  • Interview with a member of the Philadelphia University OTA Studies faculty
  • Familiarity with the Occupational Therapy profession  as evidenced by visits to two distinct occupational therapy service delivery settings
  • Completion of placement test with acceptable scores (as set by the University) with subsequent successful completion of any required review courses in Writing and/or Information Technology prior to enrollment in the OTA Studies program course sequence.

Admission occurs on a rolling basis throughout the year, with those accepted beginning the OTA Studies course sequence in the Fall I Accelerated Term.  

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