The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of a registered/licensed occupational therapist in screening, assessing, planning, and implementing treatment and documenting progress for clients receiving occupational therapy services.
Course work includes human growth and development, conditions which interfere with activities of daily living, theory and process of occupational therapy, individual/group treatment activities, therapeutic use of self, activity analysis, and grading/adapting activities and environments.
Graduates may be eligible to take the national certification examination for practice as a certified occupational therapy assistant. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term/ extended-care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools, home health programs, and community programs.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, graduates will be recognized as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states, including North Carolina, require practicing therapists to obtain licensure. Please note that a felony conviction may affect a student’s opportunity to sit for the NBCOT certification exam and obtain a state license. Students are encouraged to contact NBCOT for questions related to certification.
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) has compiled program outcome data for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs throughout the nation. For more information, visit the NBCOT website.
The total number of graduates from the Pitt Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant program during the 3 year-period of 2019-2021 was 57, with an overall graduation rate of 79%.
| Graduation Year | Number of Students Accepted into the Program | Number of Program Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 24 | 20 | 83% |
| 2021 | 24 | 17 | 71% |
| 2022 | 24 | 17 | 71% |
| TOTAL | 72 | 54 | 75% |
Note: Occupational Therapy Assistant students at Pitt Community College graduate in December; therefore the first-time test takers may reflect graduates from the previous year.
Hospitals
Rehabilitation Facilities (Inpatient & Outpatient)
Schools
Home Health Programs
Community Programs
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Psychiatric Hospital
Private Clinics
Fundamentals of OT
OT Media I & II
Assessment Skills
Professional Skills I & II
Life Span Skills I & II
Physical Conditions
Psychosocial Conditions
Fieldwork I – Placement 1, 2, and 3
Fieldwork II – Placement 1 and 2
Peds Concepts and Interventions
Adult Concepts and Interventions
Students will demonstrate knowledge necessary to perform as an entry-level practitioner. Students will demonstrate skills necessary to perform as an entry-level practitioner. Students will demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes necessary to perform as an entry-level practitioner. Students will demonstrate critical thinking. Students will communicate competently and professionally. Students will demonstrate the use of computerized technology for care of the OTA patient. Students will broaden their knowledge of the profession of occupational therapy in other countries by identifying the differences in educational requirements and scope of practice. Students will prepare for the NBCOT Certification Exam.
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant