Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS Degree

Program Information

The Anoka Technical College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant is a 71-credit program. Course work includes a combination of general education courses, occupational therapy theory and skill building courses, and on the job experiences at various fieldwork sites. Portions of the curriculum are delivered in hybrid format. All academic coursework must be completed before students are placed on Level II Fieldwork experience. Level II Fieldwork must be completed within 12 months of completing the required coursework. Enrollment in the fieldwork courses may be limited due to the availability of fieldwork sites. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the fieldwork sites.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Practice using innovative and evidence-based interventions within the role of the entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistant.
2. Demonstrate professional attributes, ethical standards, and values of the profession.
3. Deliver competent services/outcomes by using reflection, strengths, client centered and occupation based interventions, and critical and creative thinking.
4. Collaborate inter/intra professionally.
5. Work with people from diverse backgrounds in a variety of practice settings serving the community.

Industry and Career Outlook

Young or old, we all have a job to do - the job of living. Learning, growing, playing, working, managing our homes, and caring for our families and ourselves are among the occupations of life.

Sometimes physical, emotional, or other challenges prevent people from participating fully in the job of living. Stroke, injury, depression, and developmental disabilities, for example, can make it difficult for people to do everyday tasks or be as active and as independent as they’d like. Occupational therapy - a vibrant, growing profession - makes it possible for people to regain independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will make a difference. You will improve the lives of children, young people, and adults alike. Occupational therapy assistants work with the supervision of registered occupational therapists to provide hands-on services to children and adults who are learning new ways to succeed in the occupations of life.

Students today can look forward to dynamic careers working in varied settings with people of all ages. Many practitioners help children thrive in the “occupations” of childhood learning, playing, and growing. Some work in schools with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Others work with children who have cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and other disabilities.

Practitioners also work with individuals in their homes, community centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and nursing homes. In these settings, they may support people with traumatic injuries, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, or mental health problems.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Accreditation/Certification

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Anoka Technical College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, ACOTE’s phone number, C/O AOTA, is 301-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Most states require licensure in order to practice. However, state licenses are usually 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.

Admission Requirements

All required documentation must be submitted in person or email, or Us Postal. See OTA web page for details. Admission criteria:

Option 1

1. Apply to Anoka Technical College and be admitted to the college
2. Complete appropriate test scores and the Test of Essential Academic Skills for Allied Heath (ATI-TEAS).
3. Certificate of Attendance from Information Session

Option 2: Students who have bachelor’s or master’s degree

1. Apply to Anoka Technical College and be admitted to the college
2. Submit an official transcript of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
3. Certificate of Attendance from Information Session

Background Study

Minnesota state law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and/or residents at a health care facility have a background study conducted by the state.

Program Start Dates

Fall Semester: August

Graduation Requirements

All COTA courses and HLTH1005 must be completed with a grade of C or higher. All ENGL, PSYC, and SPCH courses must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Faculty Contact

Barbara Kloetzke: 763-576-4017
Becky Johnson: 763-576-4222

For more information about the Occupational Therapy program you can contact the Advisor’s or you can e-mail questions to FutureOTAStudent@anokatech.edu