The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at American Career College (ACC) offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare. This program provides a strong foundation in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients across various settings.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Practice Areas
ACC’s OTA program curriculum is designed to expose students to a wide range of practice areas. Students gain experience working with diverse populations, including:
- Children and Youth: Learn to provide occupational therapy services in clinical inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as within school environments, addressing the unique developmental needs of younger populations.
- Adults: Develop skills to support adults in clinical inpatient and outpatient services and specialized work hardening programs, focusing on rehabilitation and regaining functional abilities.
- Older Adults: Gain expertise in assisting older adults in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and day care centers, addressing age-related conditions and promoting independence.
- Mental Health and Behavioral Challenges: Understand how to deliver occupational therapy services to adults facing mental health and behavioral challenges in behavioral clinics, acute care community hospitals, and state hospitals, emphasizing holistic and patient-centered care.
Beyond these core areas, the OTA program at American Career College also offers direct exposure to emerging practice areas, notably in driver rehabilitation. This forward-thinking approach ensures graduates are prepared for the evolving landscape of occupational therapy.
Hands-on Learning and Patient-Centered Approach
A hallmark of the American Career College OTA program is its emphasis on practical application and patient-centered care. Students learn to:
- Implement Care Plans: Gain hands-on experience in putting individualized care plans into action, ensuring effective and targeted therapy interventions.
- Educate Patients and Caregivers: Develop crucial communication skills to educate patients and their families, empowering them to actively participate in the therapy process and achieve optimal outcomes.
- Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity: Learn to appreciate and respect patients’ diverse cultural backgrounds, tailoring therapy approaches to meet individual needs and preferences.
- Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals: Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and develop skills to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, providing holistic and coordinated patient care.
Furthermore, recognizing the significance of personal attributes in healthcare delivery, the program incorporates elements to enhance students’ self-awareness. The OTA school emphasizes the development of students’ understanding of their own behavioral strengths and areas for growth, utilizing tools like a modified form of the Generic Abilities Assessment tool.
Accreditation and Certification
The American Career College Occupational Therapy Assistant program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This accreditation signifies the program’s commitment to high educational standards and quality. ACOTE is located at:
ACOTE
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org
Graduation from this ACOTE-accredited program makes students eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Successful completion of this exam is a crucial step towards becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and pursuing state licensure. More information on NBCOT and program performance data can be found at:
ACC’s ACOTE accreditation ensures graduates meet the educational requirements for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For detailed information regarding state qualifications and licensure, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage:
https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/supervision-requirements
Tuition and Financial Aid
American Career College is committed to making quality education accessible. Dedicated admissions and financial aid advisors are available to guide prospective students through understanding the cost of OTA school and exploring various financial aid options.
For detailed information on the Occupational Therapy Assistant program cost, please visit ACC’s tuition information page:
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to those who qualify, further supporting students in achieving their career goals.
Program Outcomes and Graduation Rates
The American Career College OTA program demonstrates strong student success, as reflected in its graduation rates. The following table highlights the program’s graduation performance:
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36/27 | 75% |
| 2023 | 38/28 | 73% |
| 2024 | 32/32 | 100% |
| TOTAL | 106/87 | 82% |
These graduation rates are a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of American Career College to student success in the Occupational Therapy Assistant field.
