Occupational Therapy Assistant - AAS
If you are searching for a career that is meaningful, health related, and provides a range of study opportunities with diverse work settings to choose from, occupational therapy might be a perfect fit for you.
Occupational therapy is an exciting and growing profession that enables people to develop or retain independence when disability, illness, or other barriers create difficulty in living life to the fullest. Occupational therapy is set apart from other professions in health care because of its holistic nature. OT values the whole person and enables people of all ages and abilities to engage in the activities - the occupations - that are meaningful to their lives.
Indian Hills Community College will offer the award. This is a shared program between Indian Hills Community College and Southeastern Community College.
West Burlington campus and Indian Hills Community College (Keokuk campus offers select courses)
Occupational Therapy Assistant- AAS
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a 21-month (seven-term) program that prepares the student to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). The occupational therapy assistant works with, and under the supervision of an occupational therapist, to improve and support functional performance in daily activities. OTAs, within their scope of practice, assist with the process of client evaluation, goal setting, implementation of care and documentation of occupational therapy services. Upon completion of the program, the associate degree graduate will be educationally prepared to provide service throughout the lifespan to individuals who have difficulties due to developmental, physical, cognitive and emotional impairments. After program completion, you will be eligible to take the national certification examination for occupational therapy assistants administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Indian Hills Community College will offer the award. This is a shared program between SCC and IHCC.
Summary Sheet
The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.
Curriculum Sequence |
||
Term 1 | Course Title | Credit |
BIO-168 | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I | 4 |
CSC-110 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS | 3 |
HSC-114 | MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY | 3 |
OTA-106 | TRENDS IN OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
PSY-111 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Semester Total: | 16 | |
Term 2 | Course Title | Credit |
BIO-173 | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II | 4 |
ENG-105 | COMPOSITION I | 3 |
OTA-121 | PRINCIPLES OF OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 4 |
PSY-121 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Semester Total: | 14 | |
Term 3 | Course Title | Credit |
OTA-131 | PEDIATRIC PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 4 |
OTA-141 | THERAPEUTIC MEDIA IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
OTA-212 | FUNCTIONAL KINESIOLOGY (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
OTA-801 | OTA LEVEL IA FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 1 |
Semester Total: | 11 | |
Term 4 | Course Title | Credit |
HSC-212 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
OTA-151 | ADULT PHYSICAL DISABILITY PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 4 |
OTA-161 | TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING PRACTICE IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 2 |
OTA-811 | OTA LEVEL 1B FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 1 |
SPC-112 | PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 |
Semester Total: | 13 | |
Term 5 | Course Title | Credit |
OTA-171 | PSYCHOSOCIAL PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
OTA-821 | OTA LEVEL 1C FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 1 |
SOC-110 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY | 3 |
HSC-226 | HEALTH SOCIETY AND AGING (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 3 |
Take 1 of these courses: | ||
MAT-110 | MATH FOR LIBERAL ARTS | 3 |
MAT-128 | PRECALCULUS | 4 |
MAT-140 | FINITE MATH | 3 |
MAT-156 | STATISTICS | 3 |
MAT-210 | CALCULUS I | 4 |
MAT-216 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
MAT-219 | CALCULUS III | 4 |
Semester Total: | 13-14 | |
Term 6 | Course Title | Credit |
OTA-210 | PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 2 |
OTA-831 | OTA LEVEL IIA FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 6 |
Semester Total: | 8 | |
Term 7 | Course Title | Credit |
OTA-220 | CLINICAL REASONING FOR OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 2 |
OTA-841 | OTA LEVEL IIB FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) | 6 |
Semester Total: | 8 | |
PROGRAM TOTAL: | 83-84 |
BIO-168 - HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
||
The first of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. It is highly recommended that a student complete this series (BIO-168 and BIO-173) at SCC in order to maintain transferability to four-year institutions. |
||||
CSC-110 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course provides an introduction to computer concepts. The student will use the Windows operating system, presentation software, electronic spreadsheet software, database management software and word processing software. Microcomputer hardware and software as well as the processing concepts associated with each will be discussed. The course will also include information on file management, the Internet, virus protection, and e-mail basics as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment. Lab time outside class is required to complete projects. |
||||
HSC-114 - MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY |
||||
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
||
This course is designed to study the basic language related to medical science with emphasis on word analysis, construction, definitions, pronunciations, spelling and standard abbreviations. |
||||
OTA-106 - TRENDS IN OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course is an introduction to and investigation of a career choice in Occupational Therapy. A foundational overview of the history, philosophy, ethics, and role of occupational therapy in the health care environment is provided. The roles and functions of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in traditional and emerging practice areas, as well as the role of the AOTA will be explored. Models of care and the essentials of success in the OTA program will be discussed. Students will complete required HIPPA, Infection Control and Mandatory Reporting for child/adult training for Health Care Providers. |
||||
PSY-111 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology. |
||||
BIO-173 - HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
||
Second of a two-semester sequence continuing the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Includes the study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Prerequisite: BIO-168 with a minimum grade of C. |
||||
ENG-105 - COMPOSITION I |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics, and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process, and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisites: Meet minimum placement test score requirement. |
||||
OTA-121 - PRINCIPLES OF OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
||
This course provides an introduction to skilled observation of identified performance areas in occupational therapy, activity analysis, goal setting, oral and written reporting skills, professional documentation formats and the use of the OT Practice Framework. Basic patient handling techniques and functional transfers will be practiced. Specific theory and philosophy with regard to physical, psychological, and developmental diagnosis will be addressed. Current issues relating to the field, the framework of occupational therapy practice and process, and intervention approaches will be examined. |
||||
PSY-121 - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
A systematic study of life-span development. Individual differences in behavior as well as cultural norms are considered in relation to heredity and environment. |
||||
OTA-131 - PEDIATRIC PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
||
This course introduces students to entry-level pediatric occupational therapy skills by examining theoretical practice frameworks for individuals ages birth through twenty-one. Focuses of this course include: typical and atypical development, physical disabilities, neurological impairments, developmental dysfunction and their effects on childhood occupation. The role of the OTA in a variety of pediatric settings will be explored. Childhood conditions, evaluation, program planning and program implementation will be discussed. Family, sociocultural and socioeconomic conditions, legal issues and support services for the pediatric population will be explored. |
||||
OTA-141 - THERAPEUTIC MEDIA IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
||
This course addresses the knowledge and skills required to recognize the value of and link between life role occupations as applied to therapeutic interventions. Topics include the use of crafts and games, splinting, therapeutic exercises and application to various diagnoses. Activity analysis and methods of determining and selecting age appropriate and culturally meaningful activities for OT consumers will be examined. Approaches to teaching, learning, and professional communication will be explored through individual and group treatment role plays. |
||||
OTA-212 - FUNCTIONAL KINESIOLOGY (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 2 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3 |
||
This course introduces human movement within the context of occupational performance. Principles from the biological sciences will be applied to the biomechanical principles of human movement. Topics include survey of the skeletal system, articular system and muscular system. Exercise principles are explored from the perspective of the occupational therapy practitioner. Movement within the context of activities will be analyzed. Laboratory practice addresses basic biomechanics, manual muscle testing, goniometric measurement, range of motion techniques, and activities of daily living motion analysis. |
||||
OTA-801 - OTA LEVEL IA FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 0 |
Clinical: 3 |
Credit: 1 |
||
this course introduces students to clinical practice for individuals with pediatric or developmental conditions that limit or affect engagement in occupations. As participant observers, students will integrate academic experiences with occupational therapy process in settings serving clients with a variety of developmental challenges and disability. Through interactions with clients and staff, students will develop skills in observation of occupational performance, clinical safety, therapeutic communication, clinical relationships, professional behavior, and boundary setting. |
||||
HSC-212 - PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
The nature, cause, and treatment of disease are the focus of pathophysiology. The characteristics and etiology of diseases are presented using appropriate medical terminology to help students understand the relationship between clinical signs and disease processes. |
||||
OTA-151 - ADULT PHYSICAL DISABILITY PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
||
This course examines occupational therapy theoretical practice frameworks in adult physical and neurological dysfunction. Common problems seen in medical and orthopedic diseases and disabilities that affect occupational performance in the adult will be addressed, and the method of treatment will be investigated. Treatment methods and activities such as splinting, exercises and physical agent modalities will be explored. Models of service delivery, motor control theories, daily living skills, work, leisure, education and social participation will be presented. Client-centered, meaningful occupation for the purposes of rehabilitation, skill maintenance and wellness, and prevention of decline in occupational performance will be emphasized. |
||||
OTA-161 - TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING PRACTICE IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 1.5 |
Lab: 0.5 |
Credit: 2 |
||
This course explores traditional, specialized and emerging practice areas in occupational therapy. Topics to be addressed may include: hand injuries, assistive technology, wheelchair assessment, low vision rehabilitation, lymphedema, vocational rehabilitation, work hardening and workplace assessments. |
||||
OTA-811 - OTA LEVEL 1B FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 0 |
Clinical: 3 |
Credit: 1 |
||
This course introduces students to clinical practice for individuals with primary physical disabilities that limit or affect engagement in occupations. As participant observers, students will integrate academic experiences with occupational therapy process in settings serving clients with a variety of physical challenges and degrees of disability. Through interactions with clients and staff, students will develop skills in observation of occupational performance, clinical safety, therapeutic communication, clinical relationships, professional behavior, and boundary setting. |
||||
SPC-112 - PUBLIC SPEAKING |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis. |
||||
OTA-171 - PSYCHOSOCIAL PRACTICE FOR THE OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 2.5 |
Lab: 0.5 |
Credit: 3 |
||
This course focuses on the role of the occupational therapy assistant in providing services in both medical and community-based settings. The relevance of occupation and goal-directed activity will be explained. A survey of conditions which may cause emotional, mental, and social disability will be explored. Normal and pathological conditions associated with aging will be discussed. An overview of group process, group leadership and facilitation, types of therapeutic groups and development of communication and observation skills will be included. |
||||
OTA-821 - OTA LEVEL 1C FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 0 |
Clinical: 3 |
Credit: 1 |
||
This course introduces students to clinical practice for individuals with mental health conditions and disregulated behaviors that limit or affect engagement in occupation. As participant observers, students will integrate academic experiences with occupational therapy process in settings serving clients with a variety of psychosocial challenges and degrees of disability. Through interactions with clients and staff, students will develop skills in observation of occupational performance, clinical safety, therapeutic communication, clinical relationships, professional behavior, and boundary setting. |
||||
SOC-110 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns. |
||||
HSC-226 - HEALTH SOCIETY AND AGING (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course provides a multidisciplinary perspective of aging. Biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging are explored. The impact of an aging population on societal issues such as politics, education, public policy, religions and health care will be considered. |
||||
MAT-110 - MATH FOR LIBERAL ARTS |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
Math for Liberal Arts is a survey course for students who have little background in mathematics. Topics include survey of sets, numbers, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. This course is not intended for Mathematics and Science majors. Prerequisites: MAT-062 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum placement testing requirements. |
||||
MAT-128 - PRECALCULUS |
||||
Lecture: 4 |
Credit: 4 |
|||
This course is an in-depth review of mathematical concepts necessary in preparing students for calculus. Problem solving is emphasized. Topics from algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry essential in calculus are covered in this course. Topics include: properties of lines and quadratics, absolute value equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, vectors, conics in both the rectangular and polar coordinate systems, parametric equations, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, three-dimensional coordinate geometry, partial fractions, sequences and mathematical induction. Prerequisite: MAT-120 and MAT-134 with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum testing requirements. |
||||
MAT-140 - FINITE MATH |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course is designed for Business and Social Science majors. It introduces them to matrix solutions, to linear equations, linear programming, matrix algebra, mathematics of finance, computer applications, value of slope of a line, and exponential/logarithmic functions. Application problems are taken from Business Management and Social Science areas. Prerequisite: MAT-120 with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum placement testing requirements. |
||||
MAT-156 - STATISTICS |
||||
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
|||
This course is an applied course in statistics, designed to introduce students to some of the concepts, symbols, procedures, and vocabulary used in the field of statistics. Topics covered in this course include: organizing and graphing data, descriptive statistics, probability, various distributions, the sampling distribution of the mean, estimating a population mean, confidence intervals, inferential statistics (hypothesis testing), comparing two population parameters, analysis of variance, correlation, simple linear and multiple regression, contingency tables, and nonparametric statistics, (time permitting). Prerequisites: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum placement testing requirements. |
||||
MAT-210 - CALCULUS I |
||||
Lecture: 4 |
Credit: 4 |
|||
This course includes the study of limits and continuity, derivatives and differentiation, differentials, maximum and minimum function values and techniques of graphing, applications, and an introduction to integration. Prerequisites: MAT-120 AND MAT-134 with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum placement testing requirements. |
||||
MAT-216 - CALCULUS II |
||||
Lecture: 4 |
Credit: 4 |
|||
This course is a study of integration, techniques of integration, applications and accompanying mathematical structure. Prerequisite: MAT-210 with a minimum grade of C-. |
||||
MAT-219 - CALCULUS III |
||||
Lecture: 4 |
Credit: 4 |
|||
This is a course on multivariable calculus which covers topics from the functions of several variable and vector valued functions. The course includes directional derivative, gradients, the curl, the divergence, multiple integrals over regions and volumes. Line and surface integrals will be covered. Double integral in the polar coordinates will be covered. Prerequisite: MAT-216 with a minimum grade of C-. |
||||
OTA-210 - PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN OT (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
|||
This course reinforces the concepts and principles of professionalism for the occupational therapy assistant in the delivery of services. Basic tenets of professional behavior, values, and ethics will be discussed. Topics addressed include: ethical and legal aspects, cultural competence, structure and function of institutions, reimbursement issues, and the roles of key professional organizations. Job seeking techniques including interview skills, and resume and letter writing will be addressed. Resources for life-long learning and professional support will be provided. |
||||
OTA-831 - OTA LEVEL IIA FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 0 |
Clinical: 18 |
Credit: 6 |
||
This is the first of two capstone experiences which provide an opportunity for students to integrate and apply specialized occupational therapy theory, skills, and concepts to practice. Students will engage in this learning experience in a supervised clinical or community setting serving individuals with developmental, physical, or emotional challenges. |
||||
OTA-220 - CLINICAL REASONING FOR OTA (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
|||
This course introduces the clinical reasoning process with a focus on analyzing functional status and occupational performance of a client, identifying problems and goals, and determining an appropriate plan of action. Aspects of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice are explored. |
||||
OTA-841 - OTA LEVEL IIB FIELDWORK (INDIAN HILLS CC COURSE) |
||||
Lecture: 0 |
Clinical: 18 |
Credit: 6 |
||
This is the second of two capstone experiences which provide an opportunity for students to integrate and apply specialized occupational therapy theory, skills, and concepts to practice. Students will engage in this learning experience in a supervised clinical or community setting serving individuals with developmental, physical, or emotional challenges. |
Deb Shaffer - Instructor/Coordinator, (319) 208-5213
Email: dshaffer@scciowa.edu
AAS, Mt. St. Clare College
ADN, Southeastern Community College
Learn more about where this degree can take you. Cruise SCC's Career Coach.
- Real-Time, Local Job Listings
- Salary Projections
- Job Demand
- Related Degrees