Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is new to Hawkeye and has recently been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). As a result of this action, Hawkeye Community College may now admit students into Phase II of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Occupational Therapy Assistant courses  will begin Fall Semester 2011.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students with entry-level skills and knowledge to provide treatments that improve comsumers' ability to achieve independence in everyday activities and to enjoy life to its fullest. Students will learn how to provide occupational therapy interventions for clients with various impairments and monitor their progress while following an occupational therapy plan of care. They will also learn to effectively educate and communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction and supervison of an occupational therapist. Duties may include instructing patients in performance of activities of daily living, teaching clients to use adaptive equipment or modifying tasks to increase successful participation in meaningful occupations, and educating consumers in health and wellness.

Due to the nature of the work environment and the physical exertion often required to assist patients, you will need to have a moderate degree of strength. For example, you will need to be able to lift patients, kneel, stoop, and stand for long periods of time.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Hawkeye Community College has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Once accreditation of the program has been obtained, its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Ooccupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Hawkeye Community College Accreditation

College Catalog | Next Page >