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. Occupational therapy involves the application of purposeful, goal-oriented activity in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose abilities to perform and cope with the tasks of living are impaired. Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public schools and schools for the handicapped, private clinics and even patients’ homes.

An 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 assisting the OT in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in activities of daily living, reporting to the OT on the patient’s response, and documenting patient treatment and response.

Delgado's Occupational Therapist Assistant Program is a new two-year Associate of Science degree program. The program has been approved for accreditation with 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). When accreditation is granted and the student has successfully completed the program, the student will then be 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.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Delgado Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to provide students an opportunity to earn an associate degree in a field that will allow for immediate employment.  Both the didactic and practical education is provided that, upon completion of the program, will allow the student to be able to perform as an entry-level COTA in a variety of clinical environments.  Students completing the OTA Program will have the information and resources to potentially be successful at passing the certification examination provided by NBCOT, which will allow them to be eligible to practice in the profession.  Skills learned in the OTA Program will provide students with the competence to provide service in the community that will promote and enhance occupations to a variety of challenged individuals.