OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT Associate in Applied Science Degree 201-1 Student Advisement E-Guidebook
The faculty of the LaGuardia Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program thanksyouforyourinterestintheoccupationaltherapyassistantprogram.wearedelighted thatyouhavechosentoconsideroccupationaltherapyasacareer.it sawonderfulfieldwitha variety of possibilities. This edguide was developed to provide you with information about occupational therapy, the LaGuardia Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program(OTA)andadmissionandcandidacy. LaGuardiaCommunityCollegeoffersanAASDegree(AssociateinAppliedScience)forstudents whosuccessfullycompletetheoccupationaltherapyassistantprogram. An occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of a registered occupational therapisttohelpindividualswithphysical,psychiatric,developmental,andotherdisabilitiesto participateindailylifetothegreatestextentpossible.occupationaltherapyassistantschoose and adapt tasks, activities, and therapeutic media to improve the functioning of their clients. They instruct individuals and groups, contribute to evaluation and assessment, and communicatereportsofpatientprogresstothehealthcareteam. Examplesofspecificjobstasksperformedbyoccupationaltherapyassistantsinclude:usingplay activities to promote development in a child with cerebral palsy or mental retardation, positioning a physically disabled individual so that everyday tasks are easier to perform, constructing simple splinting to properly position an injured hand, instructing a person with schizophreniainmoneymanagement,selectinganddesigningadaptationstoassistafrailolder person to manage household tasks, helping a depressed person regain energy by providing simpleandengagingactivities,andcoachingthesociallywithdrawnindividualinconversation skills. LaGuardia s accredited program has existed since 1973. It is the only one within the City University of New York. Academic courses are offered both during the day and the extended day(eveningsand/orsaturdays)sessions.clinicalfieldworkexperiencesoccuraccordingtothe regularworkscheduleoftheassignedfacilityandaregenerallymondaythroughfridayduring standardbusinesshours. TheOccupationalTherapyAssistantProgramisaccreditedbyACOTE,theAccreditationCouncil foroccupationaltherapyeducationoftheamericanoccupationaltherapyassociation(aota). Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are eligible to sit for the national certification for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board of CertificationinOccupationalTherapy(NBCOT). RevisedJune2014 1
BeginninginFebruaryof2012successfulcompletionoftheNBCOTexaminationisrequiredin orderforgraduatestopracticeasoccupationaltherapyassistantsinthestateofny. Graduates must sit for and pass the NBCOT examination within 12 months of graduation in ordertoattainnysauthorizationtopracticeascotas.graduatesmayworkundertemporary licensureforthe12monthperiodfollowinggraduation. ThroughCUNYapplication,studentsareadmittedtotheOTAmajor;alsoknownasthepreD clinicalphaseoftheotaprogram.progressiontotheclinicalphaseoftheprogram,which startswiththefirstoccupationaltherapycourses,isbasedonsuccessfullymeetingcandidacy requirementsandgparanking.approximately20candidatesareadmittedintotheclinical phaseeachsemester.thenumberofstudentsacceptedisdeterminedbymanyfactors,which includejobmarketprojections,numberofapplicants,scheduledclasssectionsandavailability offieldworksites.studentsareselectedbasedonperformanceinthefourkeyprerequisite coursesandgeneraleducationcourses(ifcompletedbycandidacyregistration)requiredfor graduationintheotamajor.studentsmayapplyforcandidacytwiceduringtheiracademic careeratlagcc. The LaGuardia Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to provideclassroomandfieldworkexperiencesthatenablestudentstomastertheskillsneeded to function in technical level occupational therapy positions. The program is rigorous and demanding.studentsmustbecommittedandselfddisciplinediftheyaretosucceed.theeffort isworthit;occupationaltherapyisarewardingandexcitingcareer Thefaculty,counselorsandstaffofthecollegeareavailabletoassistyouinanywaypossible. Make use of these opportunities and give yourself the best the college has to offer The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program faculty and staff will be glad to discuss occupational therapy and the emerging areas of practice with you. We welcome your questions and your interestinacareerinoccupationaltherapy. 2
OCCUPATIONALTHERAPYCOREFACULTYANDSTAFF Inadditiontothecorefacultyandstafflistedbelow,adjunctprofessorswhoareoccupational therapy clinicians teach courses in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The occupational therapy college laboratory technician is available during scheduled hours to supervise students in the practice of skills in the occupational therapy laboratory. The occupational therapy academic fieldwork coordinator advises students regarding clinical placements(fulldtimeandpartdtime). ReginaM.Lehman,MS,OTR/L Director,AssistantProfessor,OccupationalTherapy Office:ED300DI Phone:718D482D5775 Email:rlehman@lagcc.cuny.edu SherrellPowell,Ed.D.OTR Professor,OccupationalTherapy Office:ED300DG Phone:718D482D5776 Email:spowell@lagcc.cuny.edu NaomiS.Greenberg,OTR,MPH,Ph.D. Professor,AcademicFieldworkCoordinator,OccupationalTherapy Office:ED300DP Phone:718D482D5777 Email:ngreenberg@lagcc.cuny.edu LuisaHindle,COTA CollegeLaboratoryTechnician,OccupationalTherapy Office:ED323 Phone:718D482D5779 Email:lhindle@lagcc.cuny.edu 3
OccupationalTherapyAssistantProgramMission Theprogramisresponsivetotheneedsofthecommunityanditsstudentsandwascreatedto fulfillaneedforoccupationaltherapyservicesinaging,rehabilitationmedicine,mentalhealth, and developmental conditions. The curriculum is designed to strengthen and improve occupationaltherapyservicesinhealthagenciesandcommunitysettingsbypreparingstudents to work as a member of a team with the occupational therapist and other professionals. The program prepares graduates for eligibility for certification by the National Board for CertificationinOccupationalTherapy(NBCOT)andbothrequireapplicationandexaminationby thenewyorkstatedepartmentofeducation. Students learn to differentiate between the professional and technical levels in occupational therapy.theprogrampromotesprideintheroleofthecertifiedoccupationaltherapyassistant whileinallareasofpracticeacrossthelifespan. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, in partnership with health care organizations throughoutthenewyorkmetropolitanarea,preparesthestudentthroughextendedfieldwork experience in occupational therapy settings. Fieldwork is integrated with clinical application throughclassroompreparationandfieldworkseminars. Inkeepingwiththecollegemission,theprogramenhancesstudentlearningthroughtheuseof creative technological approaches. Students apply their learning to meet the needs of local clientsandtheglobalmarket.thefacultyincludesdedicatedandhighlyqualifiedoccupational therapypractitionerswhoseinnovativeprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesandskillsintroduce studentstoawiderangeofpotentialareasofpractice. After&a&stroke,&major&surgery&or&other&illness,&it&can&be&a&long&road&back.&Occupational& Therapy&can&make&the&journey&shorter&and&help&to&ease&the&frustration&most&people&feel& when&they&can t&do&things&for&themselves.&occupational&therapy¬&only&shortens& recovery&time,&it&helps&people&to&become&more&self?sufficient&by&teaching&them&new& ways&to&perform&job&and&life&tasks&despite&their&physical&disabilities.&things&like&making& breakfast,&brushing&their&hair,&driving&a&car&and&earning&a&living.&along&the&way,&they& gain&the&confidence&to&get&on&with&their&lives.(p.21forreference) 4
PATHWAYS ThePathwaysCommonCoreisthenewgeneraleducationrequirementinallCUNYCollegesbeginningin Fall2013.TheCommonCoreincludes30creditsofliberalartscoursesforAssociatesinArts(AA)or AssociatesinScience(AS)degreeprograms.All30creditsoftheCommonCorewillsatisfythegeneral educationrequirementsatanycollegeincuny. StudentsenrolledinanAssociateinAppliedScience(AAS)degreeprogram,willcompleteonlyaportion ofthecommoncorerequirementsasdescribedabove,accordingtothespecificrequirementsofthe program. ToensureyoufullyunderstandhowtherequirementsofyourdegreeprogramworkwithPathways, pleasevisitstudentadvisingservicesinroombd102oremailadviseme@lagcc.cuny.eduorcall 718D482D6070toscheduleanappointmentwithanacademicadvisor. LearnmoreaboutPathwaysontheCUNYPathways&website: www.laguardia.edu/pathways/ 5
OccupationalTherapyAssistantAASDegree PathwaysCommonCore:36credits A.RequiredCore:13credits English:6credits ENG101EnglishCompositionI* ENG102WritingthroughLiterature MathematicalandQuantitativeReasoning:3credits* Select&one&course&from&the&following:& MAT115CollegeAlgebraandTrigonometry(STEM) MAT120ElementaryStatistics(STEM) LifeandPhysicalSciences:4credits SCB203HumanAnatomyandPhysiologyI(STEM)* B.FlexibleCore:13credits To#complete#the#degree#requirements#from#the#Flexible#Core,#students#are#advised#to#select#the#following:& SCB204HumanAnatomyandPhysiologyII SSY101GeneralPsychology* SSY230AbnormalPsychology SSY240DevelopmentalPsychologyI ProgramCore:37credits Counseling HSF090HealthScienceNewStudentSeminarD0 HealthScience:2credits SCN195CommunityHealth* OccupationalTherapyAssistantCore:35credits SCO101IntroductiontoOccupationalTherapyD3 SCO110LegalandEthicalAspectsofOccupationalTherapyD2 SCO114DocumentationinOccupationalTherapyD2 SCO175ClinicalReasoninginOccupationalTherapyD2 SCO200PhysicalAspectsofHumanGrowth&DevelopmentD2 SCO214OccupationalTherapySkillsandFunctionalActivitiesID3 SCO215OccupationalTherapySkillsandFunctionalActivitiesIID3 SCO230FunctionalPathologyD3 SCO204OccupationalTherapyProcess:PsychosocialDysfunctionandGeriatricConditionsD4 SCO205OccupationalTherapyProcess:PhysicalandDevelopmentalDisabilitiesD4 SCO284OccupationalTherapyClerkshipforPsychosocial/DysfunctionandGeriatricConditions 1.5 SCO285OccupationalTherapyClerkshipforPhysical/DevelopmentalDisabilities 1.5 SCO294OccupationalTherapyFieldworkinPsychosocialDysfunctionandGeriatricConditionsD2 SCO295OccupationalTherapyFieldworkinPhysicalandDevelopmentalDisabilitiesD2 Total:63credits *KeyCoursesforCandidacy 6
DROPPINGACOURSE/OFFICIALWITHDRAWAL Therearetwomechanismsforstudentstodropcourses:DropandOfficialWithdrawal. Dropping&a&Course & Duringthechangeofprogramperiod,studentsmustlogintoCUNYFirsttodropacourseorcourses.The coursewillnotappearonthestudent stranscript.youmayberesponsibleforpartofthetuitioncost, dependingonhowlongyouattendedandwereregisteredforclass. Course&Withdrawal & Ifyouneedtowithdrawfromacourseorthecollegeafterchangeofprogram(thatis,yourmajor),you mustgotocunyfirst,https://home.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/aom/portal_login1.html Ifyouwithdrawduringtheofficialwithdrawalperiod,youwillreceivea W asagradeandwillbe responsibleforalltuitioncharges. Instructionsandstudentguidesareavailableon: www.lagcc.cuny.edu/cunyfirst/studentdguides/ 7
GENERALADMISSIONINFORMATION StudentsinterestedinapplyingtoLaGuardiaCommunityCollegeshouldcontacttheAdmissions OfficelocatedinRoomCD102,29D10ThompsonAvenue,LongIslandCity,NewYork,NY11101. Applicationsareavailableforbothfreshmanandtransferstudents. All new students who are OTA majors are admitted directly into the predclinical phase of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Progression to the clinical phase of the program is competitive and by candidacy acceptance only. Students must apply forcandidacy and be acceptedtoentertheclinicalphase. Transferstudentswithquestionsabouttheevaluationofcreditsearnedatpreviousattended institutions should contact the Transfer Credit Office located in Room CD102. All inquiries regardingadmissionsandtransfercreditcanbemadebycalling(718)d482d5106. ThosewhopreviouslyattendedcollegemusthaveaGPAofatleast2.5andmayreceiveuptoa maximumof28transfercreditsforcoursesinthepredclinicalphaseoftheprogram.please¬e& that&the&occupational&therapy&assistant&program&faculty&does¬&directly&admit&new&students& into&the&clinical&phase&of&the&program&nor&does&the&ota&program&evaluate&transfer&credits. No transfer credits will be granted for courses in the clinical phase of the program. All applications are processed by CUNY s central admissions processing center. The only requirements are a high school or GED diploma and completion of admission testing requirements.pleasecontacttheadmissionsofficedirectlyatextension5106forinformation concerning the status of your application. The OTA Program does not participate in the admissionsprocess. Jason,&10,&was&left&with&a&brain&injury&after&a&bicycle&accident.&To&improve&some&of&his&cognitive&(thinking)&skills,& comprehension&skills,&and&coordination,&jason's&doctors&recommended&that&he&receive&occupational&therapy&(ot).& At&first,&his&parents&were&doubtful&that&OT&could&benefit&their&son&and&wondered&if&it&was&more&appropriate&for& adults.&but&after&watching&the&activities&and&seeing&jason's&improvements,&they&felt&hopeful&that&jason&was&on&the& road&to&recovery.(p.21forreference) 8
CHANGEOFMAJOR CHANGINGYOURMAJORATLAGUARDIACOMMUNITYCOLLEGE Studentswhowishtochangetheirplan/majormustfiletheappropriateform.Changingyourplan/major isanimportantdecisionandshouldbediscussedwithyouradvisor(s)priortomakinganychanges.the proceduretochangeyourplan/majorisasfollows: 1. Downloadtheformatwww.lagcc.cuny.edu/uploadedFiles/NEW.../Change_of_Major.pdf 2. Completetheformandgetappropriatesignatures,ifnecessary 3. Afteryouhaveobtainedthepropersignatures,returnthisformtotheEnrollmentService Center,CD107 4. Makesureyousubmittheformbythedeadline,CensusDay,asindicatedontheAcademic calendar.www.lagcc.cuny.edu/academics/academicdcalendar/ **Consultationwithyouradvisor(s)isstronglyrecommendedpriortocompletingandsubmittingthe formslistedabove** ChangingYourMajortoOccupationalTherapyAssistantProgram Students who are already attending LaGuardia Community College and wish to change their majormustbringacopyoftheirtranscriptalongwithachangeofmajorformtoroomed300. PleasechecktheOTAProgramDirector sscheduledofficehourstodeterminethebesttimeto speakwithher.inadditiontothedocumentsmentionedabovethefollowingrequirementsare necessaryinordertosuccessfullychangeyourmajor: 1. CompletionofallBasicSkillsRequirements 2. GPAof2.5orhigher 3. AttendLaGuardia,(activelytakingclasses)foratleastone12weeksemester. 4. CompletetwoofthefourKeyCourseswithaminimumgradeofBorbetter KeyCourses ENG101EnglishCompositionI SCB203HumanAnatomyandPhysiologyI SSY101GeneralPsychology SCN195CommunityHealth OnlythedirectoroftheOTAProgramcanauthorizeachangeofmajor.ChangeofMajor applicationscanbepickedupintheregistrar sofficeincb107andmustbeaccompaniedbya copyofthestudentstranscript. 9
TRANSFERSFROMOTHERCOLLEGES LaGuardia accepts applicants who have previously attended or graduated from another accredited college or university provided they meet the same basic requirements for new college students. Transfer students admitted to LaGuardia Community College must declare OTA as their major and apply for candidacy in order to be considered for acceptance to the clinicalphaseoftheotaprogram.onceadmittedtothecollege,aminimumgpaof2.5inthe fourkeycoursesisrequired. Applicantsmay,uponsubmissionofofficialcollegetranscripts,receiveupto30transfercredits toward OTA program requirements, for the following general education courses, which are requiredforgraduation. ENG101 CompositionI 3credits ENG102 WritingthroughLiterature 3credits **SCO203 HumanAnatomyandPhysiologyI 4credits **SCO204 HumanAnatomyandPhysiologyII 4credits SCN195 CommunityHealth 2credits SCO230 FunctionalPathology 3credits SSY101 GeneralPsychology 3credits SSY230 AbnormalPsychology 3credits SSY240 DevelopmentalPsychology 3credits MA115 CollegeAlgebraandTrigonometry 3credits MA120 ElementaryStatistics 3credits **Bothofthesecoursesmustbecompletedatthesamecollege. Applicantswhohaveearnedfewerthan24collegecreditsmustsubmitahighschooldiplomaor itsequivalent(ged)aswellasanyofficialcollegetranscripts. If students are not accepted into the clinical phase of the OTA program, or decide to change their majors, a maximum of 30 transfer credits may be granted toward any other degree. Students may request a redevaluation of their transcripts to determine transfer credits for a differentmajor. 10
Ifmorethanonecourse,whichmeetsarequirement,hasbeenpassed,creditwillbegranted forthecoursewiththehighestgrade. TransfercreditforclinicalphaseOTAcoursescannotbeawarded.Upto10equivalencycredits maybegrantedbytheotaprogramdirectorwhowilldeterminewhetherthecoursesmeetthe required standards. Students who were previously enrolled in an occupational therapy curriculum must still follow the candidacy procedure and meet the candidacy requirements. TheyshouldcontacttheOTAProgramDirectorforspecificguidance. AllgradesearnedinthecourseswhichhavebeentransferredtoLaGuardiawillbeincludedin calculationstodetermineeligibilityformovementformthepredclinicaltotheclinicalphaseof theotaprogram. Transfer students must be registered for at least one enhanced semester in the predclinical phaseoftheotaprogrampriortoentryintotheclinicalphase.theymayregisterforintentto OT (OTA000) during their first 12Dweek term at LaGuardia Community College if they will be completingthekeycoursesthatterm.ifsuccessful,theymayenterotaclassesintheirsecond 12DweektermatLaGuardiaCommunityCollege.RegistrationforOTA000mustbedonebythe secondweekofthe12weekterm.pleaseseethelagccacademiccalendarforthelastdateto registerforcandidacyforeachfalliandspringisemester. Cognitive&impairments&can&develop&over&time&as&a&result&of&disease&such&as&a&brain&tumor,&or&be&the&result& of&a&sudden&trauma&such&as&a&head&injury.&in&some&situations,&individuals&appear&to&make&a&full&physical& recovery&but&can&be&left&with&subtle,& invisible &cognitive&impairments&that&affect&their&ability&to&process& information,&organize&tasks,&and&maintain&a&reasonable&attention&span.&occupational&therapy& practitioners&provide&skilled&interventions&that&help&these&individuals&maximize&independence&and& develop&the&skills&to&participate&in&activities&that&are&meaningful&in&their&daily&lives.(p.21forreference) 11
STUDENTSUCCESSSURVIVALLIST Top5Recommendations 1. JustaskDAskquestions&getanswers. 2. StudyDyoushouldstudyalotifyouwanttoachieveyourgoals&dosomethingreallywell.Ifyou canobtain&maintainagreatgpa,thenyoumaybeeligibleforscholarshipswhenyou completeyourdegree. 3. Gotoallofyourclass&payattentionDCommunicatewithyourprofessor&classmatestocatch uponwork&avoidthedominoeffectoffallingbehind. 4. Speakwithyourprofessors&advisorsDInregardstoyourgrades&academicstandingbefore middsemesterexams&assignments(ps,knowyourprofessors names) 5. UseinstitutionalresourcesDLaGuardiahasmany,seepageXX developed&by&the&laguardia&asap&team(modifiedforthishandbook) Older&adults&have&unique&perspective&on&what&is&considered&independent&versus&what&kinds&of&activities& or&changes&in&routine&are&considered&dependent.&occupational&therapy&practitioners&consider&each&adult& individually&to&understand&their&perspective&on&aging&and&what&is&meaningful&in&relation&to&maintaining& independence.(yuenetal.,2007)(p.21forreference) 12
APPLYINGFOROTACANDIDACY PROGRESSION&INTO&THE&CLINICAL&PHASE& 1. InordertoapplyforOTAcandidacy(progressiontotheclinicalphaseofthe OTAprogram)youmustbeanOTAMajor. 2. YouapplybyregisteringforOTA000DIntenttoOTAinthefirsttwoweeksofa12week semester.pleasechecktheacademiccalendarforexactdeadlinedatestoapply.there arenocredits,classesormeetingsorchargesinvolvedforregisteringforthiscandidacy. YoumayalsoapplyinpersonbyfilingouttheIntenttoOTACandidacyForminthe Registrar soffice. 3. Youshouldonlyapplyforcandidacyifyouhavecompletedallfourkeycoursesorifyou aregoingtocompleteallfourkeycoursesbytheendofthe12weeksessioninwhich youareapplyingforcandidacy. 4. Ifyouareenrolledinoneofthefourkeycoursesandyouwithdrawfromthatcourse, youmustalsowithdrawfromotacandidacy(intenttoota000).ifyoudonot successfullywithdrawfromintenttoota,youwillloseonecandidacyattempt.youcan onlyapplyforcandidacytwice. 5. PleasenotethatifyoureceivedaCD.D,orFforanyofthekeycoursesandhave repeatedthecourse,allgradesreceivedwillbeaveragedinanykeycourse(s)repeated thatkeycoursewillbeusedinyourconsiderationforotacandidacy. 6. Results of candidacy will not be available until all grades for the 12 week term are submitted. The Registrar s office will then do all the calculations and will provide OTA faculty with the list of students names and ranking. The ranking formula used by the Registrar sofficeisasfollows: a. Keycoursescounttwiceintheweightedscore(2/3ofyourrank) b. Iftakentheremaininggeneraleducationcourses,inadditiontothefourkey coursesarecountedonce(1/3ofyourrank) 7. Ascoreof12.00isthemaximumscoreobtainablebythecandidacyapplicant.Agradeof A inallcoursestaken,includingthekeycourses,isrequiredtoachievethisranking. Maximum score ranks of 12.00 will be the first ranked scores for admission to the clinical phase, with others ranked in descending order of points scored until the anticipatedclassspaceisfilled. 13
8. DAY/EXTENDEDDAYCHOICESDOneeveningsectionofSCO101andSCO110areoffered infalliandoneddaysectionofeachinspringi.studentswhowishtoenrollinthefall eveningsectionmustregisterforota000intheprecedingspringiterm.studentswho wishtoenrollinthespringdaysectionmustregisterforota000intheprecedingfalli term. 9. Notification of success in candidacy takes place on campus following calculation of grades.studentsshouldbepresentattheschedulednotificationtimetosignthelistof acceptedstudentstobeenrolled.acceptedstudentswhoarenotpresentmay FORFEIT THEIR SEATS TO THE NEXT RANKED CANDIDATES. If a student cannot be present, a representative may substitute with the student s ID card and a signed note fromthecandidategivingthepersonpermissiontorepresentthestudent. 10. Studentsshouldexpecttoreceiveamailingbythreeweeksaftergradesaresubmitted ormaycheckwiththeoccupationaltherapyofficetoverifythetimeandplacetoreport forcandidatenotification. 11. Many candidates are not eligible for one of the following reasons: not having successfully completed one of the four key courses, having a grade of INC in one of thefourkeycourses,havingagpaoflessthan2.5inthekeycourses,havingretakena key course not realizing that both grades are calculated in computing the key course GPA.Othersaremissingakeycourse,withdrewfromitorhadaKeyCourseGPAlower than2.5. 12. Ifyourcandidacyisnotsuccessful,youmayrepeattheregistrationforOTA000 Intent tootacandidacyonlyonce. 14
CLINICALOTAPROGRESSIONSTANDARDS A student must complete each OTA course with a minimum grade of C. If not, thestudentmustapplyforpermissiontoredregisterforthecourse. A student will be allowed to redregister for only one OTA course in the OTA program. AminimumGPAof2.0mustbemaintainedthroughouttheclinicalphaseofthe program. Failureofeithertheclinicalortheoreticalcomponentofanycourserequiresthat theentirecourseberepeated. PermissiontorepeatacourseisatthediscretionoftheProgramDirectorandon aspaceavailablebasis. Students who do not successfully complete an OTA course for any of the following reasons must achieve a passing grade on the second registration attemptofthatcourse.secondregistrationmustbemadewithinoneyearofthe dateoriginallyattemptedd o Failureofthecourse o Withdrawalfromthecourse(officialorunofficial) o Medicalleave Students who fail one occupational therapy course may not continue to take otheroccupationaltherapycoursesuntilthatcourseissuccessfullycompleted. Students who fail two occupational therapy courses may no longer continue in theoccupationaltherapyassistantprogram Students who take a leave of absence for more than one year must request specialpermissiontoreentertheprogram. Professional behavior is an important expectation for clinical success in occupational therapy and has an important impact on licensure requirements relatedtoprofessionalethicsandcompetencies. 15
GENERALOTAPROGRAMINFORMATIONANDPOLICIES ACADEMICADVISEMENTANDCAREERINFORMATIONATLAGUARDIA AdvisingatLaGuardiaisateameffortdesignedtosupportyouinyourmajorfromorientation throughgraduation. Youradvisementteam,madeupoffacultyandprofessionaladvisors,willguideyouatevery stepduringyourcollegecareer.theyarereadytohelpyou: Exploreyourmajor Selectintroductoryandadvancedcourses Connectyouwithcampussupportservices Prepareaneducationalandcareerplan PreparingforAdvisement Eachsemesteryouwilltakepartinadvisinginseveraldifferentways.Therewillbetimeswhen youmeetwithanadvisorindividuallyorinagroupwithotherstudentsinyourmajor.tomake themostofyouradvisingappointmentprepareinadvance;takethefollowingsteps. 1. LogintoyourStudentAdvisementDegreeAudit(accessthroughtheCUNYPortal, https://cunypotal.cuny.edu)andlookitover. a. Review&the&courses&you&have&completed&and&how&they&fit&into&your& curriculum.# b. Make&a&list&of&the&courses&you&are&ready&to&take&in&the&upcoming&semester.&# 2. ReviewyourunofficialtranscriptonCUNYFirst& (http://laguardia.edu/cunyfirst/cunydfirstdstudents/)# - If&your&GPA&is&3.0&or&higher&you re&doing&very&well.youcanaskyouradvisorabout takinganhonor sclass(gpaof3.2needed),joininglaguardia shonorsociety; applyingforscholarshipstohelpyoufundyourstudiesatlaguardiaandupon transfertoaseniorcollege.# - If&your&GPA&is&a&2.9&or&lowerdiscusswaystoimproveyourgradeswithyouradvisor.# 3. Fewerthan30credits?Discussyourcareerplanwithyouradvisor.Ifyou renotsure whatcareeryouwanttopursueyoucanstartyourecareerplanat www.lagcc.cuny.edu/ecareerandcompletetabs3and4beforeseeingyouradvisor. Youcanalsoattendacareerplanninggroup. 4. Morethan30credits?Discussyourtransferplanswithanadvisor.Youcanalsovisit TransferServicesinBD215. 5. Preparingforgraduation?Ifyouhave45creditsaskyouradvisorfora graduation check tobesureyouareontrackforgraduation. 16
6. Areyouconcernedaboutfinancingyoureducation?Youcantalktostaffinthe SingleStopofficeinCD104.IfyouarelookingforemploymentyoucangotoCareer PlanningandEmploymentServices. 7. Whatelseisonyourmind?Makealistofquestionsyouwanttoaskyouradvisor. Youradvisormayreferyoutootherresourcesoncampus,soaskanythingyou d like LaGuardia secareerplanoffersyoutwogreattoolstohelpyoufindyourway.youcanbuild yourownpersonalizedcareerpaththroughtheecareerplan.atecareercentralyouwillfind valuablewebsitesandguidanceonthreeimportantquestions. 1. Whatcareerisrightforme? 2. HowdoIprepareformycareer? 3. HowdoIgetajob? Clickonwww.lagcc.cuny.edu/ecareer StudentswhowanttoworkwithanadvisorcancometoroomCb239W TransferAdvisementSupport TransferServices transfer@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D5185 Room:B215 DeemaBayraker(ACE/CUNYStart) dbayrakdar@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D5137 Room:MB08 AdvisementSupport CaroleJulien cjulien@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D6006 Room:B100 JillJanofsky jjanofsky@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D5249 Room:B100 JeanBuckleyDLockhart jeanb@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D5258 Room:B100 Onlystudentsenrolledinthecollegeshouldcontactadvisementsupportstaff.Ifyouarenot enrolledatlaguardiacommunitycollegepleasecontactadmissionoffice. 17
AcademicAdvisementforStudentsintheOccupationalTherapyAssistantProgram Advisement for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is available during faculty office hours, orientation events, and Information Sessions during the academic year. The Health SciencesDepartmentwillholdAdvisingEventsduringtheacademicyearaswell.Youcanfind more information about OTA Information Sessions and Advising events by contacting the ProgramAssistant,FrancescaRojas. Occupational therapy assistant students desiring seats in SCO courses MUST participate in occupationaltherapyadvisement.advisementisgenerallyscheduledinprerequisitescourses. Students not in SCO courses should see an occupational therapy faculty member by May or Novemberforcandidacyinformation/applicationforthefollowingsemester.Onlystudentswho have met the prerequisites listed in this handbook and in the catalog will be considered for admissiontoanscocourse. Each entering LaGuardia Community College student should consult an academic advisor to planaprogramofstudybasedonthecurriculumasoutlinedinthecollegecatalog.students should register only for those courses required for the program. Registering for unneeded coursesmaydepletefinancialaidresources. Anacademicadvisororotherfacultyandstaffmaysuggestthatstudentswithweakskillsinoral orwrittencommunicationtakeparticularcoursesdesignedtocultivatetheseskills.thismay beparticularlyimportantforastudentforwhomenglishisasecondlanguage. All faculty advisors have posted office hours when they are available to meet with students. Times other than those posted may be arranged by mutual agreement. It is the student s responsibility to make and keep the appointment. If unable to keep an appointment, the student is expected to call or edmail to cancel the appointment. Regular contact should be maintainedwithafacultyadvisoruntilgraduation. Attendance AttendancepoliciesforclassandcampuslaboratorysessionsarethosestatedintheLaGuardia Community College Catalog. During clinical affiliations students are expected to meet the attendance requirements of the fieldwork site. Students who are too ill to report for clinical assignmentsmustnotifytheclinicalsupervisoraswellasthecollegefieldworkcoordinatoras well.studentsmaysubsequentlyberequiredtosubmitadoctor snoteinordertoreturnto theclinicalsetting.alltimemissedfromfieldworkmustbemadeuppertherequirementsof thefacilityandtheotaprogramacoteaccreditationstandards. 18
BulletinBoards ThebulletinboardsoutsideED300DG,I,&Pcontainpostedinformationabouttheprogramitself, job openings, and local and regional occupational therapy events. Fieldwork information is locatedontheboardoutsideed300dp. CareerInvolvement Students are required to participate in the Student Occupational Therapy Association Club (SOTA).Thereisnoseparatechargeformembershipasstudentactivityfeespaidatthetimeof registrationcoverallcostsforthesotaclub.studentactivityfundshaveprovidedsupportfor occupationaltherapystudentattendanceatconferences,forpinningceremoniesforgraduating students and other activities planned by students. SOTA serves as the hub for the NYSOTA& LAGCCStudentServiceLearningInitiative. Costs The following information will help students entering the Occupational Therapy Assistant Programtocalculatethecostofattendingandcompletingtheprogram. Generally,astudentbudgetconsistsofthedirecteducationalcostsoftuition,fees,books, transportation,mealsandsupplies.studentsmustalsobudgetformembershipduesinthe AmericanOccupationalTherapyAssociation,andtestingfeesfortheTEASV,theOccupational TherapyKnowledgeexamination(OTKE)andNBCOTPracticeexaminations.Allarerequiredfor theotaprogram.studentmembershipinthenewyorkstateoccupationaltherapy Association(NYDSOTA)isalsorequired.Asastudent,thereisnomembershipfeetojoin NYSOTA. Inaddition,theOTAstudentwillencounteraddedcostsoftransportationtoandfromclinical centers. Note that the OTA student is required to complete two full time unpaid internships andtwoparttimefieldworkexperiences.inaddition,allstudentsarerequiredtocompletea comprehensivephysicalexamandpurchaseprofessionalliabilityinsurancepriortotheclinical internship.studentsareresponsibleforkeepingthesedocumentsannually.atthecompletion of the OTA Program, additional costs will include certification fees, the cost of taking the National Board for Certification in Occupational therapy (NBCOT) Examination, practice authorization fees, and registration fees with the NYS Office of the Professions. At the completionoftheprogramadditionalcostswillincludecertificationfeesandcostsoftakingthe NationalBoardforCertificationinOccupationalTherapy(NBCOT). Students are expected to keep their required occupational therapy textbooks rather than resellingthem.thetextshavebeencarefullyselectedbythefacultytoserveasthefoundation ofapersonalprofessionallibraryforthepracticeofoccupationaltherapy.itisrecommended thatstudentskeepallhandoutsandotherstudymaterials.thesebooksandmaterialswillbe 19
essentialforpreparationforthenbcotexaminationwhichisnowrequiredforauthorizationto practiceinnewyork. EmploymentandFinances ManystudentsholdpartDtimeorfullDtimejobswhileattendingtheOTAprogram.Othersmay betheparentsofsmallchildrenorprovideextensivecaretofamilymembers.theprogrammay be taken during the day or the extended day schedule(evenings and Saturdays) and may be takenpartdtimeoverseveralyearsprovidedallotherrequirementsaremetandthecourseof study is approved by the Program Director. Students who may require partdtime schedule consideration should notify the faculty advisor at the time of academic advisement. Final approval of the projected schedule of courses must be approved by the Program Director. Variousformsoffinancialassistance(loansandscholarships)areavailablethroughtheFinancial Aid Office at the college. Additional information may be researched through the Career and TransferCenterandtheCollegiateScience&TechnologyEntryProgram(CDSTEP). eportfolios TheOTAprogramisdedicatedtoyourcontinuingwithyourePortfolioworkstartedinthepre clinicalphaseyouwilldevelopaprofessionaleportfolioasarequiredcomponentforthe successfulcompletionoftheotaprogram.studentswillbeprovidedwithtechnicalsupport throughoutthecurriculumindepositingworkintoboththepresentationandassessment sectionsoftheeportfolio. EnrichmentOpportunities Studentsareencouragedtotakeadvantageofthefollowingfreeservices: Contact#forSchedule CommunicationSkillsLabED114D 482D5628 WritingCenterBD200 482D5688 ScienceStudyCenter/NASM238 482D5738 MathLabED215 482D5736 eportfoliostudioed121 http://eportfolio.lagcc.cuny.edu/students/& ESLOfficeCD352 482D5360 CounselingDepartmentBD100 482D5250 TransferCreditEvaluationDAdmissionsOfficeCD102 482D5106 FinancialAidOfficeCD109 482D7218 CSTEPED342 482D5261 20
FinancialAid Student Financial Services is committed to removing financial barriers by ensuring that all eligible students receive aid in a timely manner, in accordance with federal, state, and CUNY policies and regulations.professionalfinancialaidadvisorsareavailabletoassiststudentsinsuccessfullyfinancing the cost of their education. Over fifty percent oflaguardia students are awarded approximately $50 millioninfederal,stateandinstitutionalgrantsannually. ToviewthePayingforCollegeBrochure/FinancialAidBrochure: www.lagcc.cuny.edu/uploaded/files/main_site/comtemt/financial/docs/financialaidbrochure20132014.pdf Please&direct&student&inquires&to&C?107,&718?482?7218,www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialDaid/contactDus SatisfactoryAcademicProgressandEligibilityforFinancialAid InordertoremaineligibleforfederalandNYStatefinancialaid,youmustearnitbymakingsatisfactory academicprogress(sap)towardsthecompletionofyourdegree.sapismeasuredbythenumberand typeofclassesyoutakeaswellasyourgradepointaverage.sapvarieswitheachfinancialaidprogram thatyoumaybereceiving. www.lagcc.cuny.edu/uploadedfiles/main_site/content/financial_services/docs/sap%20brochure.pd f FederalFinancialAid FederalregulationsstipulatethatastudentatLaGuardiaCommunityCollegemayremaineligibleto receivefederalaid(titleiv)assistanceuponachievingatleasta C average,oritsequivalentaccording tothecollege sretentionpolicy,andaccumulatingcreditstowardsthedegreeaccordingtothe followingstandards. AstudentsearnedcreditsareequaltoorgreaterthantwoDthirdsofthecreditsthestudenthas attemptedattheinstitution.thecreditsastudenthasattemptedarenotmorethan150%ofthecredits normallyrequiredforcompleteofthedegree.iftheabovestandardsarenotmet,eligibilitymaybe retainedbymeetingthefollowingconditionalstandard:thecreditsthestudenthasearnedareequalto orgreaterthan.875ofthetotalamountofcreditsattemptedminus21. StudentswhofailtomeettheconditionalstatuswillloseTitleIVeligibility.TheymayfileaFinancialAid WaiverAppealthroughtheAcademicStandingCommittee.Thedecisionofthecommitteeisfinal. NewYorkStateAid(TAP) InordertobeeligibleforTAP,thefollowingmajorrequirementsmustbemet: StudentsmustberegisteredasfullDtime.Studentsshouldcheckeachsemesteratregistrationto besuretheyareregisteringforafulldtimeprogram.amajormustbedeclaredthefirstsemester whenthestudentregisters. 21
Studentsmustbemakingsatisfactoryacademicprogresstowardstheirdegree.Ineachsemester thattheywishtoreceiveanaward,theymustsuccessfullypassaspecifiednumberofcredits andachieveagradepointaverageataspecifiedminimumlevel. Studentsmustpursuetheircoursesataspecifiedlevelofcompletion.Completionmeans receivinganylaguardiagradeexceptwa,worwu(gradesofrandfareacceptable). In&addition&to&the&academic&requirements&described,&students&must&also&meet&certain&residency& requirements,&citizenship&requirements,&and&financial&program&criteria.&for&a&full&explanation&of&these& regulations,&students&should&contact&the&financial&aid&office.&& Single#Stop#USAhaspartneredwithLaGuardiaCommunitycollegetoprovidestudentsandtheirfamilies withaccesstobenefitsandservicesneededtohelpstudentsstayinschoolandgraduate. FreeBenefitsScreening FreeTaxPreparationONCAMPUS FreeFinancialServices FreeLegalServices TheSingleStopUSAprogramislocatedintheEnrollmentServicesCenter,RoomCD107intheCDbuilding. Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9AMD5PM and Friday s by appointment only. ContactGinaRios@718D482D5135orRhondaMouton@718D482D5129. Theirservicesarefreetostudentsandtheirfamilies.http://laguardia.edu/singlestop/ TheOfficeofStudentswithDisabilities TheOfficeofStudentswithDisabilities(OSD)providesservicesforstudentswithdisabilitiestoensure accesstocollegeprograms.weofferpersonal,academic,career,andaccommodationscounseling, evaluationreferrals,testingforlearningdisabilities,andadaptive/assistivetechnology. M102MDTh,9amD8pm;F,9amD5pn OSD@lagcc.cuny.edu 718D482D5279 www.lagcc.cuny.edu/osd/ 22
COLLEGERESOURCES MyLaGuardiaHomepage MyLaGuardiaisthe onedstopdshop onlinetooljustforyouitisasecuredsitethatintroducessingle signdonaccesstoallyourlaguardiaapplications.italsooffersavarietyofcustomizedinformationand resourcestohelpyoumanageandgetthemostoutofyourcollegeexperience.accessthefollowinged toolsandresources:student&email,&eportfolio,&ecareer,&cunyfirst,&cuny&portal,°ree&audit,&black& Board,&Library,andLaGuardia&VIPusingthefollowinglink: http://mail.lagcc.cuny.edu/vip/login/default.aspx AcademicCalendar LaGuardia sacademiccalendarconsistsoftwoenhanced18weeksemesters.eachsemesterissplitinto a12dweeksession(falliandspringi)anda6weeksession(falliiandspringii).classesarenolonger and/ormeetmorefrequentlyinfalliiandspringii,sincestudentshavetocompletesessioni courseworkinhalfthetime.thisstructureprovidesstudentswiththeoptionofearningmorecredits persemesterthanatraditionalacademiccalendar.italsoallowsgreaterflexibilityandchoicein designinganewprogramofstudy.http://laguardia.edu/academics/academicdcalendar/ LaGuardiaCourseCatalog TheCollegecatalogisyourcourseforacademicprogramsandcoursedescriptions:admission,tuition andfinancialaidinformation,rulesandregulationsandmore.anewversionofthecollegecatalog comesouteachyear:http://laguardia.edu/academics/catalog/ Scholarships Don tletfinancesgetinthewayofyoureducation.laguardiacommunitycollegeisproudtooffera widerangeofscholarshipstoassistyouwiththerisingcostoftuition,textbooks,andfeesassociated withattendingcollege.scholarshipsareanexcellentoptiontohelppayforcollegebecausetheydonot requirerepayment.manyofthescholarshipsavailablearebasedonyourfinancialneed,academic performance,communityinvolvement,andextracurricularactivities:http://laguardia.edu/financiald Aid/Scholarships/ Registrar soffice TheOfficeoftheRegistrarcoordinatesregistrationforallLaGuardiaCommunityCollegestudents. http://laguardia.edu/registrar/home/ Email(forallregistrationinquiries):onlinereg@lagcc.cuny.edu Email(forallotherinquiries):callcenter@lagcc.cuny.edu 23
Bursar soffice Hereyouwillfindclear,concise,informationaboutyourcharges,billandpaymentinformation. HoursofOperation:Mon.,9amD7pm,Tues.&Wed.,9amD5pm,Thur.,9amD7pm,Fri.9amD4:30pm. www.lagcc.cuny.edu/bursars/home/ Email:bursar@lagcc.cuny.edu ComputerLabs Allstudents currentlytakingclassesatlaguardiacommunitycollegehaveaccesstotheseopenlabs. Toaccessthem,youmustloginusingyourLive@LaGuardiausername(FirstName.LastName)and password.yourpasswordisyourcunyfirstid(emplid)andthelasttwodigitsoftheyearyouwere born.forexample,ifyourcunyfirstidis01234567andyouwerebornin1993,thenyourcampus Passwordis0123456793.Ifyouarehavingtroubleloggingonpleasespeaktoatechnicianinthearea: www.laguardia.edu/ismd/technology/computer_labs/ DToobtainalistofallSmart&Classrooms: www.laguardia.edu/ismd/technology/smart_classrooms/ DToobtainalistofalltheComputer&Classrooms: www.laguardia.edu/ismd/technology/smart_classrooms/ GRADPATH(45+CREDITS) CongratulationsYou veearned45creditsormoreatlaguardiaandgraduationisclose.gradpath providesyouwiththemilestonesyouneedtomakesureyou reontherightpathtograduation,orto yourchosencareer.itwillhelpyouunderstandwhatyouneedtodoandwhenyouneedtodoit: http://laguardia.edu/gradpath/ TransferServicesOffice The&Office&of&Transfer&Services&is&a&one?stop&source&of&information&on&transfer&within&CUNY&or&to&other& public&and&private&four?year&colleges&and&programs.&this&office&sponsors&many&transfer&events&and& information&sessions&with&many&area&colleges&and&universities&throughout&the&year.& http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/transfercenter/ Room:BD215 718D482D5185 Email:transfer@lagcc.cuny.edu OfficeofStudentDevelopment(STUDENTLIFE) Studentlieworkswiththestudentsinbothaformalandinformalsetting.Weofferformalleadership developmentopportunitiesthathelppreparestudentsforacademicandprofessionalsuccess; familiarizingstudentswithcurrentcommunicationskills&technology;andassistingstudentsin appreciatingandpromotinganenvironmentofpluralism,throughengaging,outofclassactivities: www.laguardia.edu/studentlife/default.aspx 24
Health&Wellness AtLaGuardiaCommunityCollege,yourwellDbeingisimportanttous.Personalwellnessisabalanceof yourphysical,emotional,social,academic,environmentalandspirituallives;alloftheseworktogether tohelpyouachievesuccessasastudent.thefollowingresourceswillhelpyoudevelopyourpersonal wellness: www.laguardia.edu/studentdservices/healthdservices/ www.laguardia.edu/studentdservices/personaldwellness/ StudentServices TheOfficeofStudentServicesoffersavarietyofprogramsandservicestohelpyousetandachieve academicandpersonalgoals.becausewewantyoutohavethenestcollegeexperiencepossible,we worktoconnectyouwithcampusresources: www.laguardia.edu/studentdservices/home/ OmbudsOffice TheOmbudsOfficeoffersaconfidential,neutralresourceforstudentstoreceiveassistanceandvoice concernsandcomplaints.thestudentadvocate/ombudsofficerservesasamediatorwhostrivesto addressissuesandfacilitatescommunicationandresolutioninafairandequitablemanner. http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/studentdservices/ombuds/ RoomCD317 718D482D5180 Email:mariarig@lagcc.cuny.edu PublicSafetyOffice Ourmainconcernistohelpourcollegecommunityandvisitorsinanywaythatwecan.Feelfreetostop byorcontactusat718d482d5558,718d482d5555orwww.laguardia.edu/publicsafety/ 25
26 Tutoring LaGuardiaCommunityCollegeoffersmanyresourcestomeetwithyouracademicneeds.Checkthe LAGCCwebsiteformorecurrentupdatesandchangestothetutoringschedule, www.laguardia.cuny.edu/currentdstudents/academicsdhelpdtutoring/.whetheryouareseeking academichelpfromaprofessororfellowstudent,youhaveoptionstochoosefrom: Ifyouneedhelpinacourse,speaktoyourprofessor.Professorskeepweeklyofficehoursto answerstudentquestionsandcandirectyoutocoursespecifictutoringservicesorstudent groups. FormastudygroupwithyourclassmatesDmakenewfriendsandgetanewperspectiveon coursematerial. ManyacademicdepartmentshaveTutoringLabswhereyoucanreceiveoneDonDoneorgroup help.inaddition,informationtechnologyopenlabhoursareavailableforpcandmacusers. Writing:TheWritingCenter(BD200)willhelpyouimproveyourwritingforanyclassexceptESL andreadingdepartmentcourses,whichhavetheirowntutoringlabs.writingcentertutors canhelpyougetstartedonaresearchpaper,teachyouhowtoproofread,orhelpyoucorrect agradedessay.noadvanceappointmentsarenecessary.mdf,9:15amd9:00pm. www.lagcc.cuny.edu/english/writingcenter/ Math:TheMathematicsTutoringCenter(MathLab,MBD44)willhelpyouwithanylevelof math,includinghelpwithhomework,courses,andprojects.youcanworkaloneorinsmall groups,askingforassistance.mdth,9:15amd9:30pm. www.laguarida.cuny.edu/mec/student_resources/lab_215_math_tutoring/ Science:TheCollegiateScienceandTechnologyEntryProgram s(ed342)sciencestudent CenterprovidesfreetutoringinBiologicalChemistryandChemistry. www.lagurdia.cuny.edu/academic/collegiatedsciencedddtechnologydentrydprogramd %28CSTEP%29 TheAnatomyandPhysiologyStudyHall(ED312)isdedicatedtohelpingBiologystudents achieveexcellenceprovidingpeertutors,facultymembers,anatomicalmodels,videosand specimens,aswellasofferingoldexamsandpracticeboneexams. www.lagcc.cuny.edu/anatomyandphysiology/studyhall.html
NoticetoStudentsregardingCriminalBackgroundChecks Current laws generally permit a state licensing board or agency to deny a license to practice occupationaltherapyiftheapplicanthasbeenconvictedofafelonyorotherspecifiedcrime. Likemanystatelicensingboards,theOfficeoftheProfessionsoftheNewYorkStateEducation Department requires that a criminal background check be conducted prior to granting authorizationtopracticeoccupationaltherapyasanoccupationaltherapyassistant.questions shouldbedirectedtothenysofficeofprofessionsat:http://www.op.nysed.gov TheOccupationalTherapyAssistantProgramatLaGuardiaCommunityCollegedoesnotrequire a criminal background check, but the educational requirements include placement at one or morehospitalsorotheroffcampusclinicaltrainingsites,andthesesitesfrequentlyrequirea studenttoundergoacriminalbackgroundcheckbeforethestudentcanbeplacedforaclinical learning experience. If, based upon the results of a criminal background check, the site determines that a student s participation in its clinical training program would not be in the bestinterestofthesite,thesitemaydenythatstudentadmissiontothetrainingprogram.even if the student has already begun the placement when the results are received, the site may elect to dismiss the student, regardless of the student s performance while in the training program. Eachclinicaltrainingsitethatrequiresacriminalbackgroundchecksetsitsownstandardsand procedures, and you may be asked by the site to pay the cost of the background check. You mayalsohavetocompletemorethanonecriminalbackgroundcheckduringthecourseofthe Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at LaGuardia Community College, depending on the numberofsiteswhereyouareplacedandtherequirementsofeachsite. Pleasenotethatifaclinicaltrainingsitedeterminesthatyoumaynottakepartinitstraining programbasedontheresultsofacriminalbackgroundcheck,youmaybeunabletocomplete yourcourserequirementsandtocontinueintheoccupationaltherapyassistantprogram.itis important for you to consider this before you enroll in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.LaGuardiaCommunityCollegehasnoobligationtorefundyourtuitionorfeesorto otherwise accommodate you in the event you are ineligible to complete your course requirements based on the results of a criminal background check, or if you are denied authorizationtopracticeoccupationaltherapy. 27
OTAPROGRAMCURRICULUMDESIGN Educationoftheoccupationaltherapyassistantstudentmustleadtowardincreasedmasteryof abodyofknowledge.toachievethisgoal,educationstartsfromthestudent scapacities.for students whose basic skills are deficient, remedial courses are required before occupational therapycourseworkbegins.sincemanystudentswhopreviouslyhaveattainedmasteryofbasic writtenandorallanguageandmathematicsskillslosemasterywithoutfrequentpractice,these skillsarereinforcedduringoccupationaltherapycoursework. A knowledge base in the biological and social sciences enables the student to utilize careerd specificmaterialandintegrateitforapplicationinavarietyofsettings.instructionandpractice in occupation, goaldoriented activity, activity analysis and communication skills prepare the studenttoteach,motivateandrespondtopatients. Values and skills central to the practice of occupational therapy are promoted through group experiences,fieldworkandrolemodelingbyacademicclinicalfaculty.theseincludeawareness ofself,appreciationofdifferentlifeexperiencesandsociodculturalbackgrounds,andempathy towards others. Ethical principles and legal aspects of practice are introduced. Graded educational activities encourage development of independence, selfdexpression, flexibility, creativityandproblemsolving. Thecurriculumdesignprovidesforstudentstoexperienceanintensive(butbrief)introduction to health care in general in SCN195 and to occupational therapy in particular in SCO101 and SCO110 early in the first clinical year. Through exposure to basic concepts and activity processes, and to clinical experience through fieldwork observations, students acquire a beginningunderstandingofthefieldofoccupationaltherapy.theremainderofthefirstclinical yearisdevotedtofoundationcoursesincommunicationskills,socialandnaturalsciences.all ofthesecoursesareprerequisitetotheupperleveloccupationaltherapycoursesofthesecond year. BuildingonthefoundationcoursesandonthebasicsestablishedinSCN195,andSCO101and SCO110,thesecondyearstudentengagesinfourinterrelatedandmutuallyreinforcingcourses focused on the practice areas of mental health and geriatrics. Content includes the independent living/daily living skills and the process and communication skills related to all areasofoccupationalperformance,aswellasthefundamentalsofdocumentation.particular attentionisgiventotheoccupationalrolesofindividualsfromadolescencethroughlaterlife, includingdeathanddying.atheorycourse(sco204)ispairedwithaparttimefieldworkwith seminar (SCO284). Concurrently, students take a functional skills course (SCO214) and a documentation course(sco114); these may be taken separately by students in the partdtime extendeddayprogram.thegroupingofgeriatricsandmentalhealthtogetherencouragesthe student sappreciationofthepsychosocialaspectsofaging,andpresentsactivityprogramming andplanningforpopulationsinthecontextscommonlyappliedinthenewyorkmetropolitan area. 28
In the next term, many students take SCO200 Human Growth and Development and SCO230 Functional Pathology, courses that introduce normal physical development (SCO200) and medicalconditionscommonlyreferredtooccupationaltherapy(sco230).thesetwocourses maybetakenduringthefirstorsecondyear,andmustbecompletedbeforethephysicaland developmentaldisabilitiescourses. Upon completion of the four courses associated with mental health and geriatric practice, studentsareexpectedtoenterthefirstleveliifieldworkandseminar(sco294);werecognize that personal and financial realities may prevent some students from following this pattern. These students may defer this fieldwork until completion of all academic coursework the followingsemester. In the next semester, the student enters a group of four courses, this time focused on the practiceareasofphysicalanddevelopmentaldisabilities.heretheemphasisisonthemotor skills and physical body structures and functions, with particular attention on their effects on independent living/daily living skills and on occupational roles. The occupational roles of children are covered in this triad. The grouping of physical and developmental disabilities together is designed to maximize student understanding of physical modalities, and in particularthedevelopmentalbasisofmanytechniquesofphysicalrehabilitation. Academic coursework now completed, students engage in the second Level II fieldwork and seminar(sco295).asnotedabove,somestudentswillschedulethetwoleveliifieldworkand seminarunitssequentiallyatthispoint. Thisdesignprovidestheframeworkforcontentselection,scope,andplacement.Althoughthe practiceareasofmentalhealthandgeriatrics,andphysicalanddevelopmentaldisabilitiesare separated into pairs in two academic terms, they are seen and taught by the faculty as interrelatedratherthandiscreteareas.mentalhealthisplacedbeforephysicaldisabilitiesin the sequence so that students in the physical and developmental disabilities courses are preparedtoanticipate,understandandworkwiththepsychosocialaspectsofthesedisabilities. 29