OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

Transcription

1 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE SOUTHWESTEN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY AND CADDO KIOWA TECHNOLOGY CENTER SWOSU/CKTC The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved an Associate in Applied Science degree with Occupational Therapy Assistant Specialization. The AAS degree is offered through the Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Sayre campus. Courses for the program will be conducted by Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Weatherford and Sayre and at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center at Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. ADMISSION TO THE OTA PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: The OTA Program is a selective admissions program. Admission to SWOSU or CKTC does not guarantee admission to the OTA Program. Applicants for the OTA Program must be admitted to SWOSU at Sayre or Weatherford. Applicants must meet SWOSU Sayre campus admission standards. A separate application for admission to the OTA Program must be submitted directly to OTA Director Sherri Robertson by April 1st Applications may be considered until the class is filled. Students must be in a position to complete all prerequisite course work that is required for the fall admission. Students will submit the following prior to the established deadline: o Completed Admission Form to the OTA program (page 5-6). o Completed Admission Form to Southwestern Oklahoma State University with applicable fee (available online at o Three Reference Requests forms ( o Two copies of official transcripts from each university or college attended o Observation form(s) documenting 20 hours of observation of an Occupational Therapist (OTR) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Documentation of observation is required and accepted on the CKTC form only. Documentation hours should not be obtained in former or present place of employment. Students are responsible for submission and receipt of all necessary documentation (transcript, letters of reference, etc.) Late documentation may result in applications not receiving full consideration. Student selection is based on a cumulative point admissions process. It is comprised of established criteria such as GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, place of residence, interview score, previous related work experience, references, documentation of observation, and written application. All General Education and Technical Occupational Support courses must have been completed prior to the granting of the degree and eligibility for professional certification. A minimum grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale of all college level work attempted is required. A grade of C or better must be attained on all prerequisite courses. Grade point averages will be calculated in two areas: general education courses and technical occupational support courses. Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

2 The top candidates will be determined from the application, personal interview, and from the established point system. Admission to the program is available to all qualified students: SWOSU/CKTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex or handicap in employment, educational programs or activities as set forth in the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and section 504 of the rehabilitation act of The OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD , phone: (AOTA). POST ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Upon admission to the OTA program, students will receive the OTA Student Handbook: Policy and Procedure Manual. Some post admission requirements and/or expectations include: 1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification for the healthcare provider from the American Heart Association for adult, child and infant. 2. Documented immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or vaccination against MMR and two vaccinations against Varicella (or a positive titer), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Polio and results of a recent TB skin test (dated within the last year). Additional vaccinations may be required in compliance with a clinical site (i.e. flu shot). 3. Proof of purchase of liability insurance coverage via CKTC ($20.00 per year) 4. Students are responsible for all fieldwork transportation and expense. 5. Students must purchase appropriate attire to be worn during fieldwork 6. The estimated cost for tuition (excluding books and fees) for the academic year and level IIA and IIB fieldwork is as follows: Fall semester $1708, Spring semester $1952, and Summer $1464 (fees are subject to change). In addition to tuition, the books and fees are approximately $ One background check on each student is required by clinical sites to protect patients and the general public. Schools reserve the right to repeat background checks if needed. 8. A drug screen is also required post admission. Students may be required to repeat a drug screen at the request of clinical sites. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE: After completing the required 78 credit hours, degree graduates will be eligible to take the National Certification Exam, to be administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Presently the cost of the exam is $525 and is paid directly to NBCOT. After completing the certification exam each applicant must request in writing from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision an application for state licensure. The current fee for state licensure for a COTA in Oklahoma is $100, paid directly to the state board. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to take the NBCOT Certification examination or attain state licensure. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers an early determination review to individuals with a felony background who are considering entering an educational program. For further information call (301) or visit their website at Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

3 GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Prerequisite Courses The following prerequisite courses will provide the students with a firm foundation in the biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences in order to support an understanding of occupation across the life span. GENERAL EDUCATION SAYRE OR WEATHERFORD) American Government and Politics hrs United States History hrs English Composition I hrs English Composition II hrs Math Concepts or 1143 College Algebra hrs Semester Credits 15hrs TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONAL SUPPORT COURSES SAYRE OR WEATHERFORD) General Psychology 1003 Biological Concepts (with lab) 1004 Human Anatomy (with lab) 2104 Human Physiology (with lab) 2304 Developmental Psychology 2313 Medical Terminology 2443 Semester Credits 3 hrs 4 hrs 4 hrs 4 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs_ 21hrs All Prerequisite and Gen Ed and Tech Support areas must be completed prior to the granting of the degree and eligibility for professional certification. TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONAL SUPPORT COURSES After being accepted into the OTA Program, the following courses will be completed at CKTC. These courses will be divided into three semesters during the calendar year. OTA SPECIALTY COURSES (@ CKTC FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS) SEMSTER ONE (FALL) Disease Pathology OTA 2212 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (with Lab) OTA 1013 Kinesiology for OTA (with Lab) 1023 Therapeutic Activities (with Lab) OTA 2102 Therapeutic Media (with Lab) OTA 1102 Fieldwork 1A (with clinical Lab) OTA 2022 Semester Credits 2 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 14 hrs SEMESTER TWO (SPRING) Elder Care in OT (with Lab) OTA 2143 Pediatric Care in OT (with Lab) OTA 2133 Health Care and OT Management OTA 2002 Physical Dysfunction and Treatment (with Lab) OTA 2113 Psychosocial Dysfunction and Treatment (with Lab) OTA 2153 Fieldwork 1B(with clinical Lab) OTA 2122 Semester Credits SEMESTER THREE Clinicals (SUMMER) Fieldwork IIA 2206 Fieldwork IIB hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 16 hrs 6 hrs 6 hrs 12 hrs Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

4 Occupational Therapy Essential Tasks: Students must meet class standards of course completion throughout the curriculum. Students must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive patient and therapist relationships. Students must complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours. Students must perform treatment activities in class or in the clinical setting by direct performance or by instruction and supervision of intermediaries. Students must apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and the clinic and must follow established safety procedures in all contexts. Students must exhibit interpersonal skills for productive classroom discussion, group interaction, and the development of the patient and therapist relationships. Students must maintain personal appearance and hygiene conducive to classroom and clinical settings. Students must hold a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation course at the health professional level for infant, child, and adult. (American Heart Association) Students must demonstrate appropriate health status prior to enrollment; no active tuberculosis, polio, rubella (German measles) and rubeola (measles) immunity, tetanus-diptheria booster within 10 years of anticipated graduation, varicella (chicken pox) immunity, and hepatitis B vaccine series. Students must complete OSHA-regulated Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Training. Students must follow standards and policies specified in the OTA Fieldwork manual and the contract between CKTC and fieldwork sites. After enrollment, a student with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation must make a formal request in writing to the OTA program director, provide documentation substantiating the claimed disability, meet with requirements of a disability as described by the ADA, and recommend the needed accommodation. The OTA program reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the accommodations to be made. Reasonable accommodation in the classroom and in clinical settings cannot be provided without the formal request and the required documentation of the ADA defined disability. A student may be administratively withdrawn if it becomes apparent he or she cannot complete essential tasks, even with reasonable accommodation that the accommodations needed are not reasonable and would cause undue hardship to the institution, or that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of others. Accommodation of Disabilities In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, CKTC will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the school to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability, please notify Special Needs Representatives Polly Bredy at (405) as soon as possible. Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

5 SWOSU/CKTC Application for admission to: _OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM_ SWOSU/CKTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation or physical disability. PLEASE PRINT IN BLACK INK. Application Date / / Application deadline April 1, 2013 Name in Full: Last First Middle Home Address: Number & Street City State Zip Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone: Social Security Number: Birthdate: Person to Notify in Case of Emergency: Address: Phone: Relationship: LIST ALL COLLEGES PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED IN ORDER OF FIRST TO LAST College Name City & State Date Attended Hours Attended Degree Earned Are you currently enrolled in Southwestern Oklahoma State University? o Yes o No Are you currently associated with the armed forces? o Yes o No Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

6 (OTA Application for Admission page 2) Name TO ASSIST US IN COUNSELING YOU, PLEASE FILL IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS (Course numbers are from the SWOSU, Sayre campus catalog. Courses at the Weatherford and other institutions may list different numbers and credit hours): I. GENERAL EDUCATION PREREQ COURSE GRADE COURSE # COURSE NAME (if different UNIVERSITY/LOCATION from listed) English Comp I 1113 English Comp II 1213 U.S. History 1063 American Govt. & Politics 1103 Math Concepts 1143 or College Algebra 1513 CUMULATIVE GPA II. TECHNICAL SUPPORT COURSES (taken within the past seven years) PREREQ COURSE GRADE COURSE # COURSE NAME (if different UNIVERSITY/LOCATION from listed) General Psychology 1003 Biological Concepts 1004 *Human Anatomy 2104 *Human Physiology 2304 Medical Terminology 2443 Developmental Psychology 2313 *The Request to Substitute Prerequisite form must be completed prior to acceptance. CUMULATIVE GPA List any courses from above that are in progress or planned COURSE NAME COURSE # LOCATION PLANNED DATE OF COMPLETION DATE COMPLETED (office use only) Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

7 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM Applicant s Check List The applicant s file must contain the following information in order to be considered complete. Applications must be turned in to Dr. Wolgamott by April 1st Applications may be considered until the class is filled Application Form for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Complete this form in your own handwriting. (Neatness and completion is important!) Application Form for Admission to Southwestern Oklahoma State University with applicable fee. Available online at (This is not required if you are a current SWOSU student). Two official transcripts from each college or university attended by the applicant. (Note: The courses in which you are presently enrolled will not be listed on the transcripts. At the close of this semester, please send updated transcripts.) Interest Form. Complete this form in your own legible handwriting. Three references. Sign and date the top portion of the Reference Request form pertaining to waiving your right to access this form. Ask your references to complete the forms and mail them directly in the addressed envelope enclosed. References should be from professional or educational contacts only (college teachers, former or present employers or supervisors, etc.) 6. Documentation of 20 hours of observation of an OTR or COTA. Hours should not be obtained from former or present places of employment. This form should be completed by the supervisor of your observation hours. 7. Official immunization record. The enclosed form is for reference only and does not take the place of an official immunization record. Questions regarding immunizations may be directed to the OTA Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at (405) All of the above requested information should be sent directly to: Sherri Robertson OTA Program P.O. Box 190 Fort Cobb, OK You will be notified if you have been selected for an interview. If selected, the specific time, date and place of the interview will be designated. Students Selected for the OTA Program A background check and a drug screen are both required for clinical participation in the OTA program. The deadline to submit the background check form with the $45 fee will be June 25 th. The drug screen will be performed on-site and the $45 fee will be added to the student cost sheet. All immunizations are required once you have been accepted into the program. Questions pertaining to immunizations may be directed to the OTA Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at the address below or by calling (405) : Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Caddo Kiowa Technology Center P.O. Box 190 Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

8 INTEREST FORM This page should be completed in your own legible handwriting. Write a brief paragraph on your interest in the program. How did you learn about this program? Have you had related experience in the Health Field? Explain. What do you plan to do if you are not chosen for this program? AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and other Federal laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Signature Date Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

9 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM Reference Request I understand that Federal law provides me, after enrollment, a right of access to this statement of recommendation. I also understand that I have the right to hereby waive, do not waive (check one) this right of access. APPLICANT SIGNATURE: DATE: has applied for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, and has listed you as a personal reference. Please note that an Occupational Therapy Assistant must assume responsibilities relevant to individual health needs. We solicit your frank evaluation to assist us in deciding whether or not the applicant should be accepted into the program. We ask that a high rating be given only to a truly superior individual. How long have you known the applicant? What has been your association with the applicant? Please rate the following characteristics: Unable to Fair Average Good Very Good Superior Appraise Reliability Integrity Initiative Personality Communication Skills: Verbal Written Considering the applicant's general qualifications, please rate the applicant as: Undesirable Fairly Desirable Desirable Very Desirable _ Additional Comments: Signed: Name: Business Name: Business Address: (Please Print) Date: Position: Phone: Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

10 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM Reference Request I understand that Federal law provides me, after enrollment, a right of access to this statement of recommendation. I also understand that I have the right to hereby waive, do not waive (check one) this right of access. APPLICANT SIGNATURE: DATE: has applied for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, and has listed you as a personal reference. Please note that an Occupational Therapy Assistant must assume responsibilities relevant to individual health needs. We solicit your frank evaluation to assist us in deciding whether or not the applicant should be accepted into the program. We ask that a high rating be given only to a truly superior individual. How long have you known the applicant? What has been your association with the applicant? Please rate the following characteristics: Unable to Fair Average Good Very Good Superior Appraise Reliability Integrity Initiative Personality Communication Skills: Verbal Written Considering the applicant's general qualifications, please rate the applicant as: Undesirable Fairly Desirable Desirable Very Desirable _ Additional Comments: Signed: Name: Business Name: Business Address: (Please Print) Date: Position: Phone: Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

11 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM Reference Request I understand that Federal law provides me, after enrollment, a right of access to this statement of recommendation. I also understand that I have the right to hereby waive, do not waive (check one) this right of access. APPLICANT SIGNATURE: DATE: has applied for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, and has listed you as a personal reference. Please note that an Occupational Therapy Assistant must assume responsibilities relevant to individual health needs. We solicit your frank evaluation to assist us in deciding whether or not the applicant should be accepted into the program. We ask that a high rating be given only to a truly superior individual. How long have you known the applicant? What has been your association with the applicant? Please rate the following characteristics: Unable to Fair Average Good Very Good Superior Appraise Reliability Integrity Initiative Personality Communication Skills: Verbal Written Considering the applicant's general qualifications, please rate the applicant as: Undesirable Fairly Desirable Desirable Very Desirable _ Additional Comments: Signed: Name: Business Name: Business Address: (Please Print) Date: Position: Phone: Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

12 Please make copies of this form as needed DOCUMENTATION OF OBSERVATION HOURS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM SWOSU/CADDO KIOWA TECHNOLOGY CENTER Sherri Robertson P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Observation hours should not be obtained from a site where you have been, or are, presently employed. Documentation Concerning: (Last) (First) MI) I understand that Federal law provides me, after enrollment, a right of access to this statement of recommendation. I also understand that I have the right to hereby waive, do not waive (check one) this right of access. DATE: SIGNATURE: How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? APPLICANT TRAIT EVALUATION: PLEASE EVALUATE THE APPLICANT ON ACTUAL OBSERVED PERFORMANCE AS COMPARED TO OTHER STUDENTS YOU HAVE KNOWN WITH SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS. 1. Motivation: The desire of the applicant to invest him/her self to reach goals. Highly motivated Motivated Inconsistent Unmotivated 2. Concern for Others: The consideration of other's feelings and the applicant's ability to view other points of view as well as their own. Sincerely concerned Generally concerned Occasionally concerned Indifferent 3. Interpersonal Relations: The ability of the applicant to develop effective interactions with others. Relates exceptionally well and always effectively Usually relates well and effectively Routinely display difficulty in relating to others Unable to effectively interact with others 4. Attendance: The reliability of the applicant to be at designated functions and on time. Usually keeps scheduled appointments, on time Usually keeps appointments, occasionally tardy Unreliable in keeping appointments Never on time 5. Appearance: The applicant's appearance is professionally appropriate for the situation. Always neat and clean Generally neat and clean Frequently sloppy and/or dirty Never neat and clean NOTE: WE REALIZE THAT ITEMS 6-10 MAY BE DIFFICULT TO ASSESS DURING A SHORT OBSERVATION PERIOD. HOWEVER, WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INPUT YOU MAY HAVE. 6. Responsibility: The applicant's ability to assume the consequences of his/her behavior. Consistently assumes responsibility Occasionally assumes responsibility Fails to assume responsibility Makes excuses or blames others Not observed Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

13 7. Integrity: The applicant's adherence to honesty in dealings with others. Consistently trustworthy Generally honest Occasionally questionable Not trustworthy Not observed 8. Adaptability: The applicant's ability to react under stress in a mature and dependable manner. At ease under any condition Panics in a crisis situation Usually handles stressful situations Not observed Not predictable 9. Resourcefulness: The applicant's ability to identify and utilize available resources appropriately. Creatively utilizes resources Utilizes resources appropriately Utilizes resources when pointed out Does not make use of resources Not observed 10. Work Skills: The applicant's ability to learn and perform tasks. Reliable and independent Reliable with occasional supervision Reliable with constant supervision Consistently unreliable even with supervision Not observed 11. Awareness of Personal Limitations: The applicant's ability to identify their own limitations in a realistic manner. Is aware of limitations and strives to remediate Can identify areas of limitation Is aware but chooses not to change behaviors Denies limitations or is defensive Not observed 12. How would you rank this student in comparison to others you have known who have been accepted to an academic occupational therapy program? (Please circle one) Truly Exceptional Outstanding A Above Average Average B Below Average (Poor) % 98-90% 89 75% 74-60% 59-0% 13. Give us your specific and candid comments as to the applicant's assets and liabilities relative to future study and performance as an occupational therapy assistant. 14. How do you recommend the applicant for admission to the SWOSU/Caddo-Kiowa TC Occupational Therapy Program? I recommend with enthusiasm I recommend I recommend with reservations I do not recommend Number of Hours Applicant Observed at your facility Signature: Position: Printed Name: Phone: Date: Business Name: Business Address: SUPERVISOR OF OBSERVATION HOURS: ONCE COMPLETED, PLEASE RETURN TO: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

14 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT IMMUNIZATION OR TITER REQUIREMENTS For students admitted into the OTA program The following immunizations are mandatory prior to clinical participation. Once accepted, students are required to submit all original documentation (i.e. shot record, dr s note) to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator by June 25th. Failure to provide immunizations will result in removal from the OTA Program. 1. TB SKIN TEST (PPD is required annually) (If you have a positive reading, results of chest x-ray should be indicated) 2. TB SKIN TEST (Test should be repeated within one to two weeks, if it has been over a year since your last PPD.) 3. TETANUS-DIPHTHERIA (Td) Completed primary series of tetanus-diphtheria immunizations or received tetanusdiphtheria booster within the last five years. 4. POLIO Completed Primary Series of Polio Immunizations. 5. MEASLES (Rubeola) (Not recommended if born before 1957) Initial dose (Received on or after 1st birthday and since ) 6. MUMPS Immunized at 12 months or later 7. RUBELLA (3 day measles) Immunized at 12 months or later 8. VARICELLA TITER (Chicken Pox) Immunized if titer shows no immunity 9. HEPATITIS B shot series. An official immunization record dated within the last year is required. This form is for reference only and does not take the place of an official immunization record. I acknowledge that the above mentioned immunizations are required for clinical participation. Once accepted, I will provide original documentation of verification to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator by the imposed deadline. Student Name: Student Signature: Upon completion return to: Sherri Robertson, OTA Program, P.O. Box 190, Fort Cobb, OK Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

15 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Occupational Therapy Assistant Q. How do I get into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program? A. Contact the OTA program faculty at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center (CKTC) or Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), Weatherford or Sayre campus, to discuss the details of your career choice and/or contact the OTA program concerning application to the program at (405) Q. When can I enter the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program? A. A new class is selected to begin in the Fall Semester (August) of each year. Q. Does acceptance to SWOSU guarantee admission to the program? A. No. We have a limited number of positions available in the program, so admission is on a selective and competitive basis. Selection is based on a cumulative point admissions process comprised of: previous college performance and prerequisites completed, interview, observation forms, place of residence, previous related work experience, written application, interview score and references. Q. May I take the program on a part-time basis? A. No. The general education courses that are required may be taken on a part-time basis, but once student is admitted to the program, he/she must follow the remainder of the prescribed curriculum. Q. Are there any prerequisite courses to be taken prior to entering the program? A. Yes. General education and technical occupational support courses are required as part of the admission process. All technical support courses must have been taken. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the granting of the degree and eligibility for professional certification. Q. Does taking the required general education courses prior to admission to the program, guarantee admission? A. No. Q. Do I get any training or practice in an Occupational Therapy facility during the program? A. Yes. Fieldwork experience is crucial to the preparation of an occupational therapy assistant. As part of your training in the OTA program, you will rotate through numerous clinical sites to receive your required fieldwork experience. Q. What are the requirements to participate in clinicals? A. To comply with our cooperative agreements with participating hospitals, it is necessary for all accepted students to pass both a background check and a drug screen. This background check will be performed prior to the first semester. The drug screen will be performed on site during the first semester. The Occupational Therapy Practice Act states the licensure board may deny licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant based on the following grounds: (3) Being convicted of any federal or state law, excepting any misdemeanor, traffic law or municipal ordinance. Immunizations and appropriate attire are also required by each individual site. Q. What if I have a criminal background? A. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification examination or attain state licensure. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers an early determination review to individuals with a felony background who are considering entering an educational program. For further information call (301) or visit their website at Q. Do I receive any pay for clinical time? A. No. Your clinical rotations are part of your education, not employment. Q. Are uniforms and name tags provided? A. No. You will be required to purchase them as part of your student cost. Q. Will I be a licensed OTA upon successful completion of this program? A. No. You must take the National Certification Exam to become a COTA. Individual states usually grant licensure based upon your national exam scores from the State Board of Licensure and Supervision. Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

16 Q. May I choose the occupational therapy facility at which I wish to spend my clinical time? A. No. You will be assigned your clinical rotation. Assignments could be made to any of the clinical facilities used by this program. Q. Is transportation provided to and from the clinical facilities? A. No. You are responsible for your own transportation. Q. Do I need to have malpractice insurance while working in the clinical? A. Yes. Malpractice insurance is automatically obtained for each year that you are in the program, which is included in your semester fees. Q. I am still in high school. What courses should I take now to prepare myself for a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant? A. Physical Science, Biology, Physiology, Physics, Algebra, etc. Participation in health career clubs and organizations would also be helpful. Q. May I take the program at night? A. No. The OTA courses are offered during the daytime only. The basic education prerequisite courses are generally offered at night as well as daytime. Q. I must work while attending school. How should I arrange my schedule to accomplish both? A. The course content for the OTA program is very demanding. The less you work, the better your chance at successfully completing the program. Due to the coursework difficulty it is recommended that you do not work during your attendance in the program. In general, try to minimize all other demands on your time to allow for sufficient study time. Q. How much time per week will I actually spend in classes? A. This will vary with each semester and will depend on the courses you are taking each semester. Q. Will the program faculty send for my transcript? A. No. It is the student s responsibility to obtain two original transcripts (from each institution attended) and submit them with the application. Q. Are there any age, sex, or race restrictions or requirements? A. No. Both SWOSU and CKTC are in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other Federal laws and regulations that forbid discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of it s policies, practices, and procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Q. What are the grade requirements if admitted to the OTA program? A. You must achieve a C or better in each OTA course. Q. After receiving certification, may I work in another state? A. Yes. If you hold a license in that state, which may be obtained through application process according to state regulations. Presently, the license fee for the State of Oklahoma is $100 (not covered in our program costs). Q. What are the current costs of the program? A. Cost can vary considerably with changes in tuition, fees, and price of books. Current tuition per semester is estimated at $1708 for Fall and $1952 for Spring with the clinical semester at $1464. In addition to tuition, the books and fees are approximately $1000. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Q. How is the job market outlook for OTAs in this area and the State of Oklahoma? A. It appears good. Employment looks especially good if you are interested in rural community practice. Q. Does the college or technology center find a job for me upon graduation? Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet

17 A. No. However, the OTA faculty will post job opportunities available in institutions which have contacted the program, and the job placement service office at CKTC provides information and assistance to students searching for jobs. Q. How are applicant s selected? A. Applicants who have completed the application process will be requested to interview if their accrued points in the selection system are high enough. Q. Is any financial aid available for OTA students? A. This will depend on your individual situation. Financial assistance is available for many students in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, fee-waiver, work-study, etc., depending upon need, academic performance, funds available, and student classification. You should contact the SWOSU financial aid office for details and assistance. Q. Is this program accredited? A. Yes. The OTA program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Q. What is the refund policy for tuition and fees? A. Once admitted to CKTC for the OTA program, refunds of tuition and refundable fees are prorated according to the following schedule: If the student withdraws before classes begin percentage of refund is 100%; within 1 week is 80%; within 2 weeks is 60%; within 3 weeks is 45%; within 4 weeks is 25%; after 4 weeks is 0%. Refunds to students funded by the G.I. bill who have paid tuition in advance are refunded on a prorata basis. The refund will be in the same ratio to the total semester tuition paid as the uncompleted portion of the semester is to the total semester for which tuition was paid. You may also visit our program website at Revised 1/ OTA Application Packet