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Allied Health

 Occupational Therapy Assistant

Program Home / Admissions / Curriculum / Careers

About the Program

^{Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health profession where "occupational" activities (activities with specific goals) are used for physical and psychological rehabilitation of individuals of all ages. The goal of intervention is to engage patients in various occupations, chosen by the patients or clients, to allow participation in life to the fullest of their abilities.  Occupational therapy involves the application of purposeful, goal-oriented activities in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose abilities to perform and cope with the tasks of daily living are impaired. Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and specialized schools, private clinics, and even patients' homes.}

^{A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, is a graduate of an accredited OTA Program, and is licensed to practice occupational therapy in the state. The duties of a COTA include collaborating with the OT in gathering data, planning goals and strategies, implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, reporting to the OT on the patient's response, and documenting patient treatment and response.}

^{Delgado's Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a new two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda MD 20824-1220, (301) 652-AOTA (or 2682), www.aota.org.}

^{When the student has successfully completed the program, the graduate is eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) for Occupational Therapy Assistants. Successful completion of this exam is necessary before state licensure is granted in Louisiana. Licensure is required before practicing in Louisiana.}

^{The licensing boards of Louisiana and other states may refuse to grant licensure to persons who have been convicted of a felony. Conviction of a felony may also prohibit sitting for the certification examination administered by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).} 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 

Graduate Employment and NBCOT Exam Success Rate

Mission Statement

^{The mission of the Delgado Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to provide students an opportunity to earn an associate degree that allows for immediate employment in the field.  Both the didactic and the practical education are provided that, upon completion of the program, will allow the graduate to perform as an entry-level COTA in a variety of clinical environments. Graduates of the OTA Program will have the information and resources that prepare them to succeed on the certification examination provided by NBCOT, which will allow them to be eligible to practice in the profession.  Skills learned in the OTA Program provide graduates with the competence to serve the community in a profession that promotes and enhances occupations for a variety of challenged individuals.}

 NBCOT Certification Results:  For the three most recent calendar years ( 2009, 2010, and 2011), the performance of the graduates of the occupational therapy assistant program on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination was as follows:

 Of 14 graduates 2011 9 passed with 1 year of completion =64%