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Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS Degree Courses

Award: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Required number of credits: 75

Program Start: Spring

2021–2022 Suggested Sequence of Study

The following suggested sequence of study is for new full-time students starting the program Spring 2022. Part-time students should visit with a program advisor for a modified sequence of study.

When registering for classes refer to your Academic Evaluation to see your specific program requirements and ensure proper registration.

Courses and course cost calculations are subject to change.

Legend
◆	General education course.
►	Course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite.
O	Course meets 100% online.
E	Course meets face-to-face after 5:00pm.
8WK1	Course meets the first 8 weeks of the semester.
8KW2	Course meets the second 8 weeks of the semester.

Program Technology Requirements

The prerequisite courses for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program consists of online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. Students need to have a working computer, preferably a laptop, and internet service to complete assignments and assessments in the prerequisite and Occupational Therapy Assistant professional courses.

Computer requirements:

Processor: i3 or i5
RAM: 8 – 16 GB
Hard drive: 256 – 512 GB SSD. No hybrid drives.

Prerequisite Coursework

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for prerequisite courses with no lower than a "C" grade in any individual prerequisite course except BIO-168 and BIO-173 which require a minimum grade of "B".

BIO-168 and BIO-173 must have been completed within the five years of starting the Occupational Therapy Assistant program coursework unless waived by the program chair.

All coursework must be scheduled to be completed no later than the end of the spring semester prior to the program's summer start.

You are not eligible for the Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant while taking prerequisite courses.

Course Descriptions: Show All | Hide All

Pre-Program Prerequisites
BIO-168	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	E	4	◆	$846.00
The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions. Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32
BIO-173	Human Anatomy and Physiology II ►	E	4	◆	$878.00
The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions. Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in BIO-168.
ENG-105	Composition I ►	O E	3	◆	$622.50
Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material. Lecture Hours: 48 Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.
HSC-108	Introduction to Health Professions		2		$415.00
This course introduces the student to the healthcare system and provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of health careers/professions. Students will explore ethical and legal responsibilities within the healthcare system including expectations for professional behavior. This course will allow for certification in common healthcare requirements. Lecture Hours: 32
PSY-111	Introduction to Psychology	O E	3	◆	$622.50
This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior. Lecture Hours: 48
Total Credits 16

Semester 1 — Spring 2022
HSC-113	Medical Terminology		2		$415.00
This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system. Lecture Hours: 32
MAT-110	Math for Liberal Arts ►	O E	3	◆	$622.50
This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included. Lecture Hours: 48 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or appropriate placement score.
OTA-101	Introduction to OT		3		$622.50
This course introduces the key concepts of occupational therapy as a health and wellness profession. The roles of occupational therapists are explored, including in traditional and emerging health care, community-based, and education settings. The course will introduce foundational and philosophical concepts, professional ethics, and the emergence of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the profession. Students will participate in activities to developing an understanding of the occupational therapy process and the skills needed by a healthcare professional. Lecture Hours: 48
OTA-120	Neuroanatomy for the OTA ►		3		$622.50
This course provides a comprehensive study and in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the central, peripheral, somatosensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the functions of the nervous system and the neurological basis of dysfunction related to occupational performance. Lecture Hours: 48 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, and ENG-105.
SPC-101	Fundamentals of Oral Communication	O E	3	◆	$622.50
This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills. Lecture Hours: 48
Total Credits 14

Occupational Therapist Assistant Program Coursework

Program coursework must be completed at full-time status and will take approximately 20 months to complete.
Before you can begin program coursework, you must complete the Phase II admissions process.
You must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all program coursework; less than a "C" is considered failing. You may not progress with other coursework until a failed course is retaken.
You may only fail one program course; failing more than one course will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Personal life can disrupt one’s ability to complete the program. If this is occurring, please see the program director.

Clinical Experience Requirements

Clinical experiences are completed off-campus. Sites may be local, in-state, or out-of-state. You are very likely to travel at least 2-3 hours away from campus for at least one placement to complete your fieldwork requirement. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from clinical education, as well as any associated uniform and housing costs. You will not be allowed to select specific sites for clinical education, but may make requests for special needs or geographical locations. Placement at sites will be dependent up the availability of supervisors.

Participation in clinical education requires:

Passing a criminal background, urinalysis testing, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, sex offender, and adult/dependent abuse background checks prior to the first day of program courses. A negative finding of the background check may limit and/or exclude you from participation in clinical education (fieldwork) component, thus your eligibility for program completion/graduation would be compromised. If you have a negative finding, you can go through the NBCOT Early Determination Review. NBCOT states “To ensure that occupational therapy practitioners meet standards of professional conduct prior to entering the profession, all applicants for certification are required to provide information and documentation related to affirmative responses to character questions on the examination application.
Completing CPR, HIPAA, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, and OSHA training prior to the first day of clinical coursework. This training is part of HSC-108.
Current physical exam and updated immunizations are required, including current hepatitis B series (unless signs waiver), MMR, and current tetanus. Polio and meningitis are also recommended. Current two-step TB test results are required. Students will receive a copy of this form in the spring. Students are recommended to be proactive and begin to gather information regarding past immunizations.

Physical and immunizations must be up to date and maintained until the following August and/or completion of all fieldwork. Failure to do so will disrupt fieldwork placement and jeopardize your position in the program.

A dress code for clinical education exists and may be required by the clinical site. Students will find this information in the OTA Program Handbook.

OTA Professional Courses

Semester 2 — Summer 2022
OTA-102	Human Movement and Occupation ► *	3		$1121.50
This course studies the interrelationship between the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and musculoskeletal system and analysis of functional movement required for engagement in occupation. Formal and informal biomechanical assessment methodologies are presented. Students will utilize assessment data for the occupational therapy process in collaboration with the occupational therapist to plan client-centered treatment sessions. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 64 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, ENG-105, MAT-110, HSC-108, HSC-113, OTA-101, and OTA-120.
OTA-103	Task Analysis ► *	3		$837.50
The course will introduce the development and emergence of human occupational performance throughout the lifespan by exploring areas of occupation, occupational roles, habits and routines. Students will learn to analyze occupational tasks and functional activity demands, grade and adapt activities, and build the basic skills necessary for teaching therapeutic activities to meet the needs of occupational therapy consumers, either individually or in groups. Emphasis will be placed on the use of occupation-based media as a means of understanding a client’s cognitive and functional performance. The significance of context and environment will also be explored in relationship to program planning and implementation of therapeutic interventions. Additional topics include an introduction to note writing and goal development. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 64 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, ENG-105, MAT-110, HSC-108, HSC-113, OTA-101, and OTA 120.
OTA-105	OTA and Professional Issues I ►	2	◆	$415.00
This is the first of three courses that focuses on the various aspects of professional issues which will allow the student increase their skills as they transition to a clinician. The course will focus on various types of documentation, advocacy, types of research, and locating, selecting, and comprehending scholarly reports. Lecture Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in SPC-101, MAT-110, HSC-113
Total Credits 8

* OTA-102 and OTA-103 are hybrid classes. Lectures are online and labs are on campus.

Semester 3 — Fall 2022
OTA-201	Pediatrics and Occupation ►	8WK1	3		$622.50
The first in a sequence of courses addressing conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents occupational and developmental frameworks for understanding the occupational nature of infants and children through the adolescent period, their families and caregivers. Means of applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development. Lecture Hours: 48 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.
OTA-202	Pediatric OTA Skills ►	8WK1	3		$716.50
Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process with infants and children through the adolescent period and their families in a variety of settings. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 64 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.
OTA-204	Pediatric Psychosocial Conditions and Occupations ►	8WK1	1		$207.50
The first in a sequence of courses addressing psychosocial conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents occupational and developmental frameworks for understanding the occupational nature of infants and children through the adolescent period, their families and caregivers. Means of applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of mental health disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development. Lecture Hours: 16 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.
OTA-221	Level I Fieldwork Pediatrics ►	8WK1	1	◆	$207.50
Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to children and/or adolescents. Emphasis will be placed on development of professional work habits and supervisory collaboration. Co-op Hours: 64 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, OTA-105
OTA-222	OTA and Professional Issues II ►	8WK1	1	◆	$207.50
This is the second of three courses that focuses on the various aspects of professional issues which will allow the student increase their skills as they transition to a clinician. This course will concentrate on principles of teaching and learning process in various settings, health literacy, advocacy, billing, measuring outcomes and documentation, supervision, communication, health and wellness for the client and occupational therapy practitioner, managing one’s career, and intraprofessional role of occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant. Lecture Hours: 16 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105
OTA-311	Adult Psychosocial Conditions and Occupations ►	8WK2	2		$415.00
The second in a sequence of courses addressing psychosocial conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models for understanding the occupational nature of early to middle adulthood at home, at work, and in the community. Approaches to applying the occupational process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of psychosocial disorders and conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development. Lecture Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.
OTA-312	Adult Psychosocial OTA Skills ►	8WK2	2		$415.00
Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process for individuals experiencing disruption in social, emotional and interactional abilities needed for adaptive occupational performance. Both individual and group intervention strategies are explored. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.
OTA-313	Level I Fieldwork Psychosocial ►	8WK2	1		$207.50
Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to adult consumers with psychosocial conditions. Emphasis will be placed on application of didactic information, development of professional work habits, and supervisory collaboration. Co-op Hours: 64 Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.
OTA-314	Management and the OTA ►	8WK2	3	◆	$622.50
This course will investigate the business and management issues as well as the role and responsibility of the occupational therapy assistant. Topics include literacy education, teaching and learning process for educational settings, evidence-based practice, leadership and management in occupational therapy, organizational planning, culture in the work place, changes that occur, management and supervision, financing and budgeting, professional standards, ethical and legal considerations, interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships. Lecture Hours: 48 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222
Total Credits 17

Semester 4 — Spring 2023
OTA-315	Adult Physical Conditions and Occupations ►	8WK1	2	◆	$415.00
The second in a sequence of courses addressing physical conditions causing disruption of occupational skills and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models of practice for understanding the occupational nature of early to middle adulthood at home, work and in the community. Approaches for applying the occupational process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of physical disorders including conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development. Lecture Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314
OTA-316	Physical OTA Skills ►	8WK1	2	◆	$415.00
Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process for individuals experiencing disruption in motor and sensory-perceptual abilities needed for adaptive occupational performance. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314
OTA-401	Elders and Occupation ►	8WK1	2		$415.00
The third in a sequence of courses addressing conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models for understanding the occupational nature of late adulthood at home, at work, and in the community. Approaches to applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the context of a variety of disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development. Lecture Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.
OTA-402	OTA Skills for Elders ►	8WK1	2		$415.00
Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process with elder consumers in a variety of settings. Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 32 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.
OTA-403	Level I Fieldwork Physical Dysfunction ►	8WK1	1		$207.50
Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to adult consumers with physical dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on development of profesional work habits and supervisory collaboration. Co-op Hours: 64 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.
OTA-502	Level II Fieldwork A ►	8WK2	5		$1037.50
The first of two courses consisting of 8 weeks of full-time community-based clinical education. Students will participate in the delivery of occupational therapy services, in collaboration and with supervision from a currently licensed or credentialed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. They will work with individuals at different point of the lifespan, experiencing disruption of occupational performance. Co-op Hours: 320 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-315, OTA-316, OTA-401, OTA-402, and OTA-403.
Total Credits 14

Semester 5 — Summer 2023
OTA-503	Level II Fieldwork B ►	5		$1037.50
The second of two courses consisting of 8 weeks of full time community-based clinical education. Students will participate in the delivery of occupational therapy services, in collaboration and with supervision from a currently licensed or credentialed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. They will work with individuals at different points of the lifespan, experiencing disruption of occupational performance. Co-op Hours: 320 Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-502 including a passing score of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
OTA-504	Student to Clinician ►	1	◆	$207.50
This course is the final course of three for aspects of professionalism which focuses on the various topics as a student increases their skills with transitioning to a clinician. The course will concentrate communicating the distinct nature of occupational therapy to variety of individuals, increasing knowledge of the occupational therapy practice’s aspect of business management, process of the requirements credentialing for and licensure, competency-based supervisory process, scholarly activity and communication of information, strategies for ongoing professional development in practice and academic settings, and professional responsibility in regards to liability. Lecture Hours: 16 Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-502. Passing score of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Total Credits 6

Course Cost Calculation

Resident tuition and fees x course credits + course fee if applicable.

Course calculations are based on 2021–2022 tuition and fees and course fees.

The course cost calculation does not include:

The cost of books. Visit the Hawkeye Bookstore to determine the cost of books.
Tools, supplies, and background screenings. Some programs may have additional cost of tools, supplies, and background screenings. Check with a program advisor for more information.
Non-resident tuition and fees or international student costs.

Course Tracking Sheet

2021–2022 [pdf]

2020–2021 [pdf]

2019–2020 [pdf]

Contact Information

Dean

Science and Health Sciences

Dr. Gene Leutzinger, DNP
Grundy Hall 135
319-296-4457
Email Dr. Gene Leutzinger

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