Occupational Therapy Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
- Academic Year: 2023-2024
- Division / Department: Health Professions / Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Degree Code: OTHA.AAS
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449.
ACOTEs telephone number c/o AOTA is 301.652.6611 and Web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program prepares practitioners who contribute to occupational therapy by performing a variety of functions under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. The curriculum provides theory, lab practice, and clinical experiences to produce competency to provide quality patient care.
Upon graduation, the graduate will be eligible to become a licensed occupational therapy assistant by successfully passing the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
The State of Texas also requires the OTA to be licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
A student has five years to complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum after official acceptance and enrollment in the first occupational therapy (OTHA) course.
Contact the program director for more information.
Marketable Skills
As an entry-level occupational therapy assistant, graduates will demonstrate:
1. Ability to use critical thinking, clinical reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving skills to apply evidence-based occupational therapy interventions
2. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and work both intra- and
inter-professionally with all who provide services and programs for persons, groups, and populations.
3. Ability to be a lifelong learner to keep current with evidence-based professional practice
4. Active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy
5. Reliability and responsibility as part of the healthcare team.
ENGL 1301 Composition I
Course Description× ENGL 1301 Composition I Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis is on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus is on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communication, and critical analysis. Note: ENGL 1301 is a pre-requisite for all 2000-level literature courses. Prerequisite: TSI complete in Writing or the equivalent. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) ENGL 2311 Technical & Business Writing Course Description× ENGL 2311 Technical & Business Writing Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job, such as proposals, reports, instructions, policies and procedures, e-mail messages, letters, and descriptions of products and services. Practice of individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents. Prerequisite: TSI complete in Writing or the equivalent. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
PSYC 2301 General Psychology
Course Description× PSYC 2301 General Psychology General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. NOTE: Must have passed the reading portion of the TSI Assessment or have credit for INRW 0302 or INRW 0402. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
Course Description× BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. NOTE: Must have passed the reading and writing portion of the TSI Assessment or have credit for INRW 0302 or INRW 0402. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
HPRS 1206 Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Description× HPRS 1206 Essentials of Medical Terminology A study of medical terminology, word origin, structure, and application. Semester Hours 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
Total hours: | 12 hours |
Semester I
OTHA 1305 Principles of Occupational Therapy
Course Description× OTHA 1305 Principles of Occupational Therapy Lab Fee: $25.00 Special Fee: $250.00 Introduction to occupational therapy including the historical development and philosophy. Emphasis on the roles of the occupational therapy assistant. Topics include areas of occupation, occupational therapy personnel, current health care environment, and moral, legal, and ethical issues. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
OTHA 1341 Occupational Performance
Course Description× OTHA 1341 Occupational Performance Lab Fee: $30.00 Occupational performance of newborns through adolescence. Includes frames of reference, evaluation tools and techniques, and intervention strategies. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec/2 lab) |
3 hours |
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II
Course Description× BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab Fee: $15.00 Anatomy and Physiology II is the second part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive (including nutrition), urinary (including fluid and electrolyte balance), and reproductive (including human development and genetics). Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 2401 with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 4(3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development
Course Description× PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing human from conception to death. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or consent of instructor. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
OTHA 2201 Pathophysiology in Occupational Therapy
Course Description× OTHA 2201 Pathophysiology in Occupational Therapy Pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the lifespan encountered in occupational therapy treatment settings. Includes etiology, symptoms, and the client's physical and psychological reactions to disease and injury. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first semester of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours: 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
15 hours |
Semester II
OTHA 1309 Human Structure & Function in OT
Course Description× OTHA 1309 Human Structure & Function in OT Lab Fee: $15.00 Study of the biomechanics of human motion. Emphasis on the musculoskeletal system including skeletal structure, muscles and nerves, and biomechanical assessment procedures. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Occupational Therapy program. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/3 lab) |
3 hours |
OTHA 2209 Mental Health in Occupational Therapy
Course Description× OTHA 2209 Mental Health in Occupational Therapy Promotion of mental health and wellness through occupational therapy. Topics include theory and intervention strategies to enhance occupational performance. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first and second semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours 2 (1 lec/2 lab) |
2 hours |
Language, Philosophy, & Culture elective
or Creative Arts elective |
3 hours |
OTHA 1315 Therapeutic Use of Occupation
Course Description× OTHA 1315 Therapeutic Use of Occupation Lab Fee: $50.00 Various occupations or activities used as therapeutic interventions in occupational therapy. Emphasis on awareness of activity demands, contexts, adapting, grading and safe implementation of occupations or activities. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec/1 lab) |
3 hours |
11 hours |
Summer Semester
OTHA 1161 Clinical I (Level I Fieldwork)
Course Description× OTHA 1161 Clinical I (Level I Fieldwork) Special Fee: $45.00 A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct Supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Occupational performance of newborns through adolescents. Includes frames of reference, evaluation tools and techniques, and intervention strategies. Semester Hours 1 (5 clinical hours per week) |
1 hours |
OTHA 1253 Occupational Performance for Elders
Course Description× OTHA 1253 Occupational Performance for Elders Occupational performance of elders. Includes frames of reference, evaluation tools and techniques, and intervention strategies. Semester Hours 2 (2 lec/1 lab) |
2 hours |
OTHA 2211 Abnormal Psychology in OT
Course Description× OTHA 2211 Abnormal Psychology in OT Fundamental principles and techniques of psychological diagnosis with emphasis on mental health issues including theories, etiology, and treatment intervention. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours: 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
5 hours |
Semester III
OTHA 1319 Therapeutic Interventions I
Course Description× OTHA 1319 Therapeutic Interventions I Lab Fee: $65.00 Concepts, techniques, and assessments leading to proficiency in skills and activities used as treatment interventions in occupational therapy (OT). Emphasizes the occupational therapy assistant's role in the OT process. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec/2 lab) |
3 hours |
OTHA 2231 Physical Function in OT
Course Description× OTHA 2231 Physical Function in OT Physical function to promote occupational performance. Includes frames of reference, evaluative tools, intervention strategies, and consumer education. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first year of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours: 2 (2 lec/3 lab) |
2 hours |
OTHA 1162 Clinical II (Level I Fieldwork)
Course Description× OTHA 1162 Clinical II (Level I Fieldwork) Special Fee: $110.00 A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Occupational performance of newborns through adolescents. Includes frames of reference, evaluation tools and techniques, and intervention strategies. Semester Hours 1 (6 clinical hours per week) |
1 hours |
OTHA 2302 Therapeutic Use of Occupations/Act II
Course Description× OTHA 2302 Therapeutic Use of Occupations/Act II Continuation of OTHA 1315: Therapeutic Use of Occupations or Activities I. Emphasis on advanced techniques and applications used in traditional and non-traditional practice settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first and second semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/4 lab) |
3 hours |
9 hours |
Semester IV
OTHA 2266 Fieldwork Experience Level II
Course Description× OTHA 2266 Fieldwork Experience Level II Special Fee: $16.00 Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first five semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program; Concurrent enrollment in OTHA 2230. Semester Hours: 2 (20 clinical hrs/wk) |
2 hours |
OTHA 2235 Healthcare Management in OT
Course Description× OTHA 2235 Healthcare Management in OT Explores the roles of the occupational therapy assistant in health care delivery. Topics include documentation, reimbursement, credentialing, ethical standards, health care team role delineation, and management. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first four semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Semester Hours 2 (2 lec) |
2 hours |
4 hours |
Summer Semester
OTHA 2230 Workplace Skills for OTA
Course Description× OTHA 2230 Workplace Skills for OTA Special Fee: $100.00 Seminar-based course designed to complement Level II fieldwork by creating a discussion forum addressing events, skills, knowledge, and/or behaviors related to the practice environment. Application of didactic coursework to the clinic and test-taking strategies for certification exams. Capstone course. A Distant Education course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first five semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program; concurrent enrollment in OTHA 2266 and 2267. Semester Hours: 2 (1 lec/4 lab) |
2 hours |
OTHA 2267 Fieldwork Experience Level II
Course Description× OTHA 2267 Fieldwork Experience Level II Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first five semesters of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program; concurrent enrollment in OTHA 2230. Semester Hours: 2 (20 clinical hrs/wk) |
2 hours |
4 hours |
Total hours: | 48 hours |
Creative Arts
ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation
Course Description× ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century)
Course Description× ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century) A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ARTS 1304 Art History II (14th Century to the Present)
Course Description× ARTS 1304 Art History II (14th Century to the Present) A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from the 14th century to the present day. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
DRAM 1310 Theater Appreciation
Course Description× DRAM 1310 Theater Appreciation Survey of theater including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures, and relation to other art forms. Participation in major productions may be required. Applies as a required Humanities or Visual & Performing Arts course for all students. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
DRAM 2361 History of Theater I
Course Description× DRAM 2361 History of Theater I Study of the history of the theater from primitive times through the Renaissance. Required of theatre majors; open to non-theatre majors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
DRAM 2362 History of Theater II
Course Description× DRAM 2362 History of Theater II Study of the history of the theater from the Renaissance through today. Required of theatre majors; open to non-theatre majors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
DRAM 2366 Film Appreciation
Course Description× DRAM 2366 Film Appreciation Survey and analyze cinema including history, film techniques, production procedures, selected motion pictures, and cinemas impact on and reflection of society. (Cross - listed as COMM 2366) Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
HUMA 1315 Fine Arts Appreciation
Course Description× HUMA 1315 Fine Arts Appreciation This course is an exploration of the purposes and processes in the visual and performing arts (such as music, painting, architecture, drama, and dance) and the ways in which they express the values of cultures and human experience. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
MUSI 1306 Music Appreciation
Course Description× MUSI 1306 Music Appreciation Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements. Illustrated with audio recordings and live performances. (Does not apply to a music major degree.) Applies as a required humanities or fine arts course for all students. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
MUSI 1307 Music Literature
Course Description× MUSI 1307 Music Literature A survey of the styles and forms of music as it developed from the middle ages to the present. This course will familiarize the student with cultural context, terminology, genres, and notation. Semester hours: 3 |
3 hours |
MUSI 1310 American Music
Course Description× MUSI 1310 American Music A general survey of various styles of music of the Americas, including but not limited to jazz, folk, rock, and contemporary music. Satisfies general humanities elective requirements. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
Language, Philosophy, & Culture
ENGL 2321 British Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2321 British Literature A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2322 British Literature I
Course Description× ENGL 2322 British Literature I A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Eighteenth Century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2323 British Literature II
Course Description× ENGL 2323 British Literature II A survey of the development of British literature from the Romantic period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2326 American Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2326 American Literature A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2327 American Literature I
Course Description× ENGL 2327 American Literature I A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement through the Civil War. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2328 American Literature II
Course Description× ENGL 2328 American Literature II A survey of American literature from the Civil War to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2331 World Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2331 World Literature A survey of world literature from the ancient world to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2332 World Literature I
Course Description× ENGL 2332 World Literature I A survey of world literature from the ancient world through the 16th century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2333 World Literature II
Course Description× ENGL 2333 World Literature II A survey of world literature from the 17th century to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
ENGL 2341 Forms of Literature
Course Description× ENGL 2341 Forms of Literature The study of one or more literary genres including, but not limited to, poetry, fiction, drama, and film. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 2311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
FREN 2311 Intermediate French I
Course Description× FREN 2311 Intermediate French I Review and application of skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasizes conversation, vocabulary acquisition, reading, composition, and culture. Prerequisite: FREN 1412, three years of high school French, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school French are encouraged to see a French instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
GERM 2311 Intermediate German I
Course Description× GERM 2311 Intermediate German I Review and application of skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasizes conversation, vocabulary acquisition, reading, composition, and culture. Prerequisite: GERM 1412, three years of high school German, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school German are encouraged to see a German instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
HUMA 1301 Introduction to Humanities I
Course Description× HUMA 1301 Introduction to Humanities I This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create. Team taught by faculty from diverse departments as a colloquium (academic seminar led by a different lecturer and on a different topic at each session). Works may include studies, journals, novels, poems, treatises, graphic novels, films, plays, paintings, musical compositions, etc. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
HUMA 1302 Introduction to Humanities II
Course Description× HUMA 1302 Introduction to Humanities II This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create. Team taught by faculty from diverse departments as a colloquium (academic seminar led by a different lecturer and on a different topic at each session). Works may include studies, journals, novels, poems, threatises, graphic novel films, plays, paintings, musical compositions, etc. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy
Course Description× PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
PHIL 1304 Introduction to World Religions
Course Description× PHIL 1304 Introduction to World Religions A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Semester hours 3 |
3 hours |
PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics
Course Description× PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and standards of value. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
SPAN 2311 Intermediate Spanish I
Course Description× SPAN 2311 Intermediate Spanish I The consolidation of skills acquired at the introductory level. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis is on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 1412, three years of high school Spanish, or consent of instructor or division chair. Students with three years of high school Spanish are encouraged to see a Spanish instructor prior to enrolling. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I
Course Description× SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I Review and application of conversational skills in American Sign Language and interpreting from signing to voice as well as from voice to signing. Introduction to American Sign Language literature and folklore. Prerequisite: SGNL 1402 with a grade of C or better or consent of the program director. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |