Moberly Area Community College 101 College Avenue Moberly, Missouri 65270 660-263-4110 Application Package for the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate of Applied Science Degree Program Cooperative Partner Institutions: University of Missouri, School of Health Professions, Columbia, Missouri Moberly Area Community College, Moberly, Missouri East Central College, Union, Missouri State Fair Community College, Sedalia, Missouri Three Rivers Community College, Poplar Bluff, Missouri North Central Missouri College, Trenton, Missouri Linn State Technical College, Linn, Missouri NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Moberly Area Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, and marital or parental status in admissions, programs and activities, and employment. Inquiries concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which guarantees access to education regardless of disability, should be directed to: Angela Duvall, Office of Student Services, 101 College Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270, 660-263-4110, ext. 278. All other inquiries concerning nondiscrimination, including equal opportunity and Title IX, should be directed to one of the following people: Dr. Jeff Lashley, Office of Vice President for Instruction, 101 College Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270, 660-263-4110, ext. 216 or Patricia Twaddle, Career and Placement Services, 101 College Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270, 660-263-4110, ext. 232 1
Dear Student: Thank you for your interest in the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program offered through Moberly Area Community College. Students interested in study in the MHPC OTA Program are admitted to the college on the same basis as other students, but admission to the college does not ensure admission into the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Students are required to submit the attached application materials to the Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Moberly Area Community College, by the deadline of June 30, prior to the year of admittance. A selection committee comprised of the Program Director, members of the advisory committee and other college personnel will evaluate students for admissions. In order to apply to the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Moberly Area Community College you must: 1. Meet all requirements for admission to the college, including a completed student admissions file. 2. Enroll in and be on schedule to complete the general education coursework* with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and a C or better in all science coursework. For entry into the program, students must complete all general education coursework (with the exception of the Capstone course) PRIOR to entry into the professional level in Spring semester. Students may complete coursework in the Fall; under these circumstances, program admission would be contingent upon successful completion and the required GPA. All sciences courses must be no older than 5 years. 3. Students who are completing prerequisites at colleges other than Moberly Area Community College must send an official transcript documenting completion of, or enrollment in, prerequisite coursework for those courses to be recognized as complete/in-progress in the selection process. All prerequisites must be completed prior to beginning the program at the professional level. 4. Understand that a criminal background screening and drug screening will be required if accepted into the program. Please arrange to meet with the Program Director if you have any questions about the implication of such a screening. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam or attain State Licensure. 5. Complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program Application for Admission. 6. Arrange to observe an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant for a minimum of 8 hours at the clinical site(s) of your choice. Read and complete the Applicant Observation form which requires the occupational therapy practitioner s signature for verification. 7. Submit two letters of recommendation using the recommendation form included with this packet. Each letter should be written by professional reference, other than a relative, who can attest to your character and work ethic. Letters may be submitted separately but must be received by the application deadline. 2
8. Students must be in a state of physical and mental health compatible with the responsibilities of a career in occupational therapy assistant and in general, working with individuals in a healthcare or other provider environment. A physical examination, including selected diagnostic tests and immunizations, is required after acceptance (a form will be provided). 9. Submit a 1-2 page typed essay (double spaced, 12 point font) on why you want to join the occupational therapy profession. Include in this essay reflections of your observation at the occupational therapy clinical site. 10. Complete and/or collect the required items, place in one large envelope and submit to Moberly Area Community College at the address below prior to the deadline. Only complete application packages will be considered. Please note: Letters of recommendation may be mailed separately; however, application packets will not be reviewed until both letters of recommendation are received. All application materials must be received by June 30 th of the year prior to entering into professional coursework. Only complete application packets will be considered. Submit application materials to: Moberly Area Community College Ruth Jones, Director of Nursing and Allied Health 101 College Avenue Moberly, MO 65270 After the deadline, all complete application packages will be evaluated. Decisions of the selection committee are final. Students will be notified via mail regarding admission status. Inquiries regarding selection committee actions should be made to the Program Director. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Lea Cheyney Brandt, OTD, MA, OTR/L MHPC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director University of Missouri-School of Health Professions 204 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211 Office: 573-884-5576 Fax: 573-884-5929 Email: brandtlc@health.missouri.edu 3
The Program in Occupational Therapy Assistant Moberly Area Community College is one of three colleges in the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) selected to offer the program coordinated through the University of Missouri, School of Health Professions. Moberly Area Community College will offer and enroll students in the general education coursework; sophomore level (professional level) coursework will take place at the University of Missouri School of Health Professions in Columbia. In addition, students will spend a portion of their class time meeting the clinical study requirements of the program. Through the combination of general education, professional level coursework, classroom and laboratory practice, and clinical experiences, students will learn the profession of occupational therapy assistant. Once the program is fully accredited, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupation Therapy (NBCOT). Following successful completion of coursework and the certification exam, individuals will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, Missouri requires licensure to practice; however acquisition of a state license is based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam or attain State Licensure. Program Questions It is the intent of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) and all the cooperating schools to create the highest quality occupational therapy assistant program available. If you have questions or concerns regarding the program or any of its components, program policies or practices, please direct your concerns to the MHPC Program Director or the Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Moberly Area Community College. Appeals Process Any concerns regarding the program s compliance with its accrediting agency s policies and/or college policies are subject to the Student Grievance Process as stated in the Student Handbook and available on the college s website. Program Mission The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program exists to provide high quality, technical education to students in the Moberly Area Community College district and service area. The program provides affordable general education options and skills based professional preparation. Graduates are prepared for certification exam and subsequent entry into the workforce and/or transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in the field. The mission of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to educate and prepare occupational therapy assistants to provide occupational therapy interventions to the citizens of Missouri and neighboring states, especially those in rural and underserved areas. We educate and prepare generalists, to have the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors that are necessary to work in both traditional and emerging areas of practice. Our mission is consistent with the mission of the Consortium, whose partnering institution the University of Missouri, School of Health Professions has joined together in a forward thinking manner to provide resources, administrative structure and educational opportunities. 4
Program Effectiveness Goals: Clinical Competence The student will demonstrate all knowledge, skills and professional ability associated with the career path and described by the Accreditation Council on Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Professional and Ethical Conduct The student will demonstrate a commitment to and an acknowledgement of the profession of Occupational Therapy Assistant and a respect for the ethics of the field specifically and health care professions generally. Graduate Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the MHPC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, pending accreditation, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification exam. Upon passing the exam, graduates will be qualified to apply for Missouri licensure to deliver occupation therapy services to a variety of clients across the life span and in a variety of practice settings. Graduates of the program will have experience in and be qualified to deliver entry-level occupational therapy services to clients focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful activities. Skills will include utilization of clinical reasoning appropriate to the OTA role, transmission of the values and beliefs of ethical practice, and competence in order to meet career responsibilities and the client s occupation needs. Bachelor of Health Science at MU Articulation agreements will provide students who have graduated from the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) OTA Program the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Any student who has earned an Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from the MHPC OTA Program is guaranteed that MU will accept designated freshman and sophomore elective credits and all general education credits and will apply such to the BHS degree. Graduates of the MHPC OTA Program are NOT guaranteed admission to the University of Missouri s Master of Occupational Therapy Program, but rather will be evaluated equally to other prospective students as long as they meet the prerequisite requirements for entry into the program. For information regarding prerequisites for application to the MU Master of OT Program please visit: http://healthprofessions.missouri.edu/ot/admissions.php Program Costs Tuition and Fees for the MHPC OTA Program professional year will be higher than general education costs at Moberly Area Community College. Please contact the Admissions Office for the current fee structure. 5
Program Prerequisites/General Education Courses Prior to entering the program, students must complete the following courses and meet the required grade point average: BIO 205 Human Anatomy w/ Lab 4 BIO 209 Human Physiology w/ Lab 4 SPK 101 Public Speaking 3 LAL 101 English I 3 PSY 101 General Psychology 3 PSY 205 Human Lifespan Development 3 BOE 171 Medical Terminology 3 MTH 100 Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 3 HST 105 American History to 1965 or 3 PSC 105 Functions and Policies of American Government Directed Electives* 1-3 Total general education 30-32 *Directed Electives: SKL 101 College Orientation or CIT 101 Computer Essentials or SOC 101 Sociology or PHI 152 Introduction to Ethics * Recommended Elective: Soc 100 General Sociology (3) **All sciences courses must be no older than 5 years. Students must complete all general education coursework PRIOR to entry into the professional level. Some coursework may require prerequisite study; students should consult the college catalog or an academic advisor. Students may complete coursework in the summer; under these circumstances, program admission would be contingent upon successful completion and the required GPA. Transcript evidence of satisfactory completion of general education/prerequisite coursework must be received with the application packet. Selection Process Enrollment in the MHPC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is limited. Moberly Area Community College may not be able to offer admission to all qualified applicants. Only students meeting all admission criteria and submitting all required documentation to the Selection Committee will be considered. Admission decisions of the Selection Committee are final. 6
MHPC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYASSISTANT PROGRAM Year 2 Each January (Spring Semester) Professional Requirements: Semester 1 (Winter/Spring) Credit Hours OTA200 Foundations of Occupational Therapy 4 OTA205 Medical Conditions in Occupational Therapy 3 OTA210 Analysis of Occupations 2 OTA215 Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice 4 OTA220 Pediatric and Adolescent Practice Total 4 17 Semester 2 (Summer) Credit Hours OTA250 Functional Kinesiology 2 OTA255 Physical Disabilities Practice 4 OTA260 Community Practice 3 OTA265 Ethics, Management, and Leadership 3 OTA270 Professional Skills/Capstone Total 3 15 Semester 3 (Fall) Credit Hours OTA290 Level II A Fieldwork 8 OTA295 Level II B Fieldwork 8 Total 16 Total Professional 48 7
MHPC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM ACCREDITATION Developing Program Status has been granted by ACOTE, the accrediting body of the American Occupational Therapy Association. While official accreditation has not yet been attained, the below academic timeline proposes the intended date of acquiring full accreditation status. OTA Program Academic Timeline Anticipated Dates First Class Starts January 2010 ACOTE action on Initial Review April 2010 ACOTE meeting Initial on-site evaluation Summer 2010 ACOTE action on Report of On-Site Evaluation Fall 2010 ACOTE meeting First class begins Level II Fieldwork First class graduates NBCOT Certification Examination August 2010 December 2010 2010 For more information regarding the accreditation process, please contact the American Occupational Therapy Association: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education PO Box 31220 Bethesda, MD 20824-1220 Phone: 301-652-2682 TDD: 800-377-8555 accred@aota.org Once the program is fully accredited, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupation Therapy (NBCOT). Following successful completion of coursework and the certification exam, individuals will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, Missouri requires licensure to practice; however acquisition of a state license is based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam or attain State Licensure. 8
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE Date of Application MOBERLY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSOURI HEALTH PROFESSIONS CONSORTIUM OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATION IS JUNE 30 th Legal Name Last First Middle Social Security # Other names under which your records may be located Home address Street City State Zip Telephone Cell Phone Email In case of emergency Parent Guardian ( ) Other Relative Last First Telephone PREVIOUS EDUCATION Schools Name and Location Dates Certificate, Diploma, or Year Attended Degree Awarded *High School *College or Universities Other *Must have a copy of High School transcript, GED score, or any College transcripts in the Allied Health Office prior to or on June 30. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Students are selected for admission to the OTA Program once a year. Completed application forms, official transcripts, and examination scores must be received by June 30. The information will be reviewed and evaluated by an admissions committee. Checklist of application documents: Application Form Occupational Therapy Assistant Applicant Observation Form Official Transcripts Submitted Two Letters of Recommendation Essay 9
Moberly Area Community College Applicant Observation Form Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate of Applied Science Degree Program Deadline for Application is June 30 th To the applicant: Students considering a career in a health science field generally, and Occupational Therapy Assistant specifically can make a more informed education choice based on personal experience or observation. Please observe a minimum of 8 hours in an Occupational Therapy clinical site. Students should contact the site in advance and schedule the observation while an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant is on duty. Please take this form with you to the observation. Applicant Name Clinical Occupational Therapy Site Date of Observation Signature of Observed OT or OTA Observation Time IN Observation Time OUT Signature of Applicant Date While at any clinical site, students must maintain the highest level of professional decorum to include appropriate dress, limited jewelry, and a professional appearance. Specifically, no jeans, t-shirts or sweatshirts, no tennis shoes or open-toed sandals are to be worn. No tattoos should be visible. Jewelry is limited to one earring per ear lobe. Overall appearance must be neat and clean and inspire confidence in the patient-provider interaction. Student should ensure that reflections on this observation are included in the 1-2 page essay that is part of the application packet. Student should submit with the application package by the deadline. 10
Moberly Area Community College ASSOCIATE DEGREE MHPC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION INSTRUCTION TO THE APPLICANT: Please complete Section A before giving this form to the recommender. PLEASE NOTE: Applications are not reviewed until recommendations are received. A. Name of Applicant Last Middle First Social Security Number: - - WAIVER OPTION The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 opens many student records for the student s inspection. The law also permits the student to sign a waiver relinquishing his or her right to inspect letters of recommendation. The applicant s signature below constitutes a waiver; no signature means the student will have the right to read this reference. Applicant s Signature Date B. How long have you known the applicant? How well? Very Well Moderately Well Slightly In what capacity: C. TO THE RECOMMENDER: Graduates of the MHPC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are expected to pursue careers where they will work closely with individuals who have varying disabilities and challenges. Your assessment of their potential is essential in the procedure used for selection of final candidates. Please carefully assess the applicant in the following areas. Compare this applicant to others you have known who have similar levels of experience or education. Please complete commentary on back and mail to the Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Moberly Area Community College. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Command of oral and written language, clarity, coherence and facility of expression. MOTIVATION FOR THE PROFESSION: Solid commitment based on mature values and a realistic view of the profession. MATURITY: Self-control, unselfishness, realistic self-appraisal, ability to cope with life situations. RELIABILITY: Honesty, trustworthiness, conscientiousness. PERSEVERANCE: Steadfastness in purpose, disciplined work habits, stamina and endurance. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS: Effective response and sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others, compassion. EMOTIONAL STABILITY: Performance under pressure, absence of tension symptoms, mood stability. INTELLECTUAL ABILITY: Facility in understanding new ideas, perception of relationships between concepts, insight. RESOURCEFULNESS: Adaptability to new situations, effective use of available resources, originality. JUDGMENT: Ability to analyze a situation and make an appropriate decision, common sense. Top 5% Excellent Top 10% Above Average Top 40% Average Lower 60% Below Average Unable to Judge 11
D. We are interested in obtaining an accurate profile of the applicant s capacity for the profession. We would appreciate your additional comments regarding the areas in which you rated the candidate on the previous page. Strengths: Concerns: E. Recommendation: Recommend Enthusiastically Recommend Do Not Recommend Recommend with Confidence Recommend with Reservation Signature Date Please print name I am an Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapy Assistant Other Please let us know your level of familiarity with the profession of Occupational Therapy Phone E-mail Please return this recommendation to: Ruth J. Jones, RN, MS Director of Nursing and Allied Health Moberly Area Community College 101 College Avenue Moberly, MO 65270 For additional information, please contact: Lea Brandt, OTD, MA, OTR/L, OTA Program Director Missouri Health Professions Consortium 204 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 884-5576 12
Moberly Area Community College ASSOCIATE DEGREE MHPC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION INSTRUCTION TO THE APPLICANT: Please complete Section A before giving this form to the recommender. PLEASE NOTE: Applications are not reviewed until recommendations are received. A. Name of Applicant Last Middle First Social Security Number: - - WAIVER OPTION The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 opens many student records for the student s inspection. The law also permits the student to sign a waiver relinquishing his or her right to inspect letters of recommendation. The applicant s signature below constitutes a waiver; no signature means the student will have the right to read this reference. Applicant s Signature Date B. How long have you known the applicant? How well? Very Well Moderately Well Slightly In what capacity: C. TO THE RECOMMENDER: Graduates of the MHPC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are expected to pursue careers where they will work closely with individuals who have varying disabilities and challenges. Your assessment of their potential is essential in the procedure used for selection of final candidates. Please carefully assess the applicant in the following areas. Compare this applicant to others you have known who have similar levels of experience or education. Please complete commentary on back and mail to the Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Moberly Area Community College. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Command of oral and written language, clarity, coherence and facility of expression. MOTIVATION FOR THE PROFESSION: Solid commitment based on mature values and a realistic view of the profession. MATURITY: Self-control, unselfishness, realistic self-appraisal, ability to cope with life situations. RELIABILITY: Honesty, trustworthiness, conscientiousness. PERSEVERANCE: Steadfastness in purpose, disciplined work habits, stamina and endurance. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS: Effective response and sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others, compassion. EMOTIONAL STABILITY: Performance under pressure, absence of tension symptoms, mood stability. INTELLECTUAL ABILITY: Facility in understanding new ideas, perception of relationships between concepts, insight. RESOURCEFULNESS: Adaptability to new situations, effective use of available resources, originality. JUDGMENT: Ability to analyze a situation and make an appropriate decision, common sense. Top 5% Excellent Top 10% Above Average Top 40% Average Lower 60% Below Average Unable to Judge 13
D. We are interested in obtaining an accurate profile of the applicant s capacity for the profession. We would appreciate your additional comments regarding the areas in which you rated the candidate on the previous page. Strengths: Concerns: E. Recommendation: Recommend Enthusiastically Recommend Do Not Recommend Recommend with Confidence Recommend with Reservation Signature Date Please print name I am an Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapy Assistant Other Please let us know your level of familiarity with the profession of Occupational Therapy Phone E-mail Please return this recommendation to: Ruth J. Jones, RN, MS Director of Nursing and Allied Health Moberly Area Community College 101 College Avenue Moberly, MO 65270 For additional information, please contact: Lea Brandt, OTD, MA, OTR/L, OTA Program Director Missouri Health Professions Consortium 204 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 884-5576 14