Are you looking for a rewarding healthcare career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives? The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at American Career College (ACC) in Anaheim, CA, offers comprehensive training to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this growing field. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of occupational therapy principles and their practical application across diverse settings.
Comprehensive OTA Curriculum at ACC Anaheim
The curriculum of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at ACC Anaheim is meticulously structured to expose students to a broad spectrum of traditional and emerging practice areas. You will gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in settings such as:
- Pediatrics: Working with children and adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient clinical environments, as well as within school systems, to help them achieve developmental milestones and overcome physical or cognitive challenges.
- Adult Rehabilitation: Assisting adults in regaining their functional abilities through inpatient and outpatient services, including specialized work hardening programs designed to return individuals to the workforce.
- Geriatrics: Providing essential support to older adults in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and adult day care centers, focusing on maintaining their independence and quality of life.
- Mental Health: Supporting adults facing mental health and behavioral health challenges in various settings, including behavioral clinics, acute care community hospitals, and state hospitals, using occupational therapy to promote well-being and recovery.
Beyond these core areas, the ACC Anaheim OTA program distinguishes itself by offering 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.
Throughout the program, you will learn to develop and implement patient care plans, educate patients and their caregivers, and cultivate sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds – crucial skills in today’s healthcare environment. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is also a key focus, ensuring you are ready to contribute effectively within interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic patient care.
Recognizing the importance of personal attributes in healthcare, the OTA program at ACC Anaheim incorporates a focus on self-awareness. Students are encouraged to understand their behavioral strengths and areas for development using tools like a modified Generic Abilities Assessment, fostering personal and professional growth.
Accreditation and Certification: Ensuring Quality Education
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at American Career College (Associate of Occupational Science degree) holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). ACOTE is a nationally recognized accreditation agency within the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), ensuring the program meets rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness. You can verify ACOTE accreditation and learn more about their standards at www.acoteonline.org or by contacting them directly.
Graduation from this ACOTE-accredited OTA program makes you 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 critical step towards becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and practicing professionally. For further details on the NBCOT certification process and program performance data, please visit https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. It is important to note that certain factors, such as a felony conviction, may affect eligibility for fieldwork placements, the NBCOT exam, and state licensure.
Because ACC Anaheim’s OTA program is ACOTE® accredited, graduates meet the educational requirements for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This accreditation provides a seamless pathway to professional practice across the United States. For detailed information about specific state qualifications and licensure requirements, please consult the AOTA State Licensure webpage: https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/supervision-requirements.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Understanding the financial aspects of your education is crucial. American Career College in Anaheim offers dedicated admissions and financial aid advisors to guide you through the process. They can provide detailed information about the cost of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and help you explore various financial aid options, including scholarships and federal aid, for those who qualify.
For comprehensive information on tuition and fees associated with the OTA program at ACC Anaheim, please refer to the tuition information section in the ACC catalog.
Graduation Success Rates
ACC Anaheim is committed to student success. The following table illustrates the graduation rates for recent cohorts of the OTA program:
| 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 reflect the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers as Occupational Therapy Assistants.
The American Career College Anaheim OTA program offers a robust and accredited pathway to a fulfilling career in occupational therapy. With a comprehensive curriculum, focus on practical skills, and dedication to student support, ACC Anaheim is an excellent choice for your OTA education.
