Occupational Therapy Assistant

Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check will be required while they are enrolled in the program or as a condition of employment in the field. Certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s).

Applicants to the OTA program should be aware that a criminal background check and Department of Education fingerprinting  is required while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition of employment in the field.  Felony convictions may affect a candidate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT National Certification Exam, obtain State OTA licensure and complete academic coursework (Level I and II fieldwork requirements and service learning).

For students to successfully complete the OTA program, they must be capable of performing the essential skills of the OTA student at KVCC, including professional and critical thinking skills with or without reasonable accommodations.

Applicants who consider a career in Nursing or any of the allied health professions should be aware that during the course of their education and subsequent employment, they will be working in situations where exposure to infectious diseases is probable. This is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well-established infection control guidelines, however, can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in infection control procedures is an integral part of each health care program.

Additionally, applicants should be aware that exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) is possible. Individuals exposed to NRL products may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes; hives; nasal, eyes, or sinus symptoms; and, rarely, shock.

Upon successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, a graduate is expected to:

1. Successfully pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
2. Demonstrate the use of professional values consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association Core Values and Ethics Statements, that allow them to function ethically and responsibly by demonstrating tolerance and respect for diversity of culture, age, gender, and ability.
3. Demonstrate effective communication with clients, families, supervisors, and other members of their work environment using cultural competence.
4. Employ critical thinking, logic, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity within their scope of professional practice.
5. Participate in lifelong learning and professional competency activities as they relate to occupational therapy practice and professional choices.
6. Demonstrate entry level competence as an Occupational Therapy assistant.

Curriculum Goals

The OTA program at KVCC provides students with technical knowledge and skills and promotes the facilitation of professionalism in order that graduates may be competent OT professionals. These outcomes will be evidenced as graduates:

1. Enter the Occupational Therapy profession prepared to work competently at entry level of practice.
2. Are eligible for certification by the NBCOT.
3. Are eligible for licensure by the State of Maine and/or chosen state of practice.
4. Incorporate values and attitudes congruent with the profession’s standards and ethics into practice.
5. Provide occupational therapy services with necessary supervision in collaboration with occupational therapists and members of the health care community.
6. Implement a variety of effective communication skills when interacting with peers, clients, family members, and other health care providers.
7. Utilize individual creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in all OT transactions and interventions.
8. Employ meaningful, culturally relevant, age suitable occupation as the focus of practice.
9. Articulate and promote awareness and understanding of the profession of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Assistant’s role within the profession to individuals with varied knowledge of the profession.
10. Assume responsibility for continued learning and skills development in Occupational Therapy practice to maintain service competency & currency with best practice.
11. Participate in the evaluation, planning, and implementation and outcome satisfaction under the supervision of an OT.
12. Participate in a systematic, ongoing evaluation of the OTA program to ensure quality of education.
13. Promote health, wellbeing, and participation in life through engagement in occupation for all people who have or are at risk of developing an illness, disability, condition or restriction in occupational performance.

National Board of Certification (NBCOT) Pass Rates

School Performance (nbcot.org)

OTA Student Handbook 2023

For more information, please contact:

Enrollment Services

(207) 453-5822

Enrollment@kvcc.me.edu

Kara Weisher, MS, OTR/L
OTA Program Director
(207) 453-5023
KWeisher@kvcc.me.edu

John Krasnavage, OTA Faculty
(207) 453-5172
jkrasnavage@kvcc.me.edu