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).

Applicants who consider a career in occupational therapy 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. Students will be prepared to 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. Identify and explore opportunities for lifelong learning through continuing education and professional comptency as they relate to evidence practice and licensure requirements.
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)

The KVCC OTA program believes the following essential performance skills are necessary to ensure quality education for all OTA students and safety for prospective clients. It is important to note that Academic Skills vary from Lab and Fieldwork Skills.  The performance criteria are different in academic and lab/fieldwork arenas. These are explained within each syllabus/course activity.  Lab and FW skills are based on skill performance as determined in each course syllabi.

The following essential performance skills are required of ALL students in the OTA program. ALL students must possess these, and like abilities, and must be able to demonstrate them. Students using accommodations/compensatory techniques/tools must be able to demonstrate these skills safely, accurately, effectively, with competence, and professionalism.  This list is not intended to be exhaustive. 

All essential performance skills will be assessed on a P/F basis throughout the student’s tenure in the OTA program. If any student is unable to demonstrate competency in any of the above essential performance skills he/she may not progress in the program.

The KVCC OTA Faculty believes that the ability to:

• Think critically
• Use emotional/social intelligence and effective communication in all transactions
• Demonstrate persistence and resiliency
• Be ethical in behavior

are all required for success to fulfill the role of a competent occupational therapy practitioner.

Please note that each FW site determines the essential skills needed to keep their clients safe.  All students must demonstrate these required skills on FW I and II.

Cognitive Skills:

The student must:

1.    understand, conceptualize and apply information (academically, socially and clinically) in a timed and/or un-timed environment

2.    problem solve effectively as a situation demands

3.    prioritize information for proper decision making

4.    generalize information for effective use

5.    use critical thinking and reasoning when assessing/using information

6.    comprehend and follow instructions independently (both verbal and written)

7.    follow multiple step (4 or more) directions independently

8.    attend and focus for extended periods of time

9.    interpret information from varied sources independently (oral, written, diagrams, etc.)

10.   make well informed decisions

Sensory Skills:

The student must:

Use vision, hearing, touch/palpation and physical orientation to others for the purpose of demonstrating adequate safety skills, basic clinical skills (including observation, screening and assessment) and noting necessary supervisory needs.

Physical/Mobility:

The student must:

1.    use necessary functional mobility for required tasks, including FW travel

2.    use adequate strength/coordination to perform gross/fine motor tasks

3.    successfully perform and instruct various basic clinical techniques (transfers, ADLs, etc.)

4.    deliver information in a clear, concise, succinct, and consistent fashion

5.    perform simple and repetitive tasks as needed, independently

6.    perform complex and varied tasks as needed, independently

7.    move about the environment intentionally in the presence of others.

Interpersonal/Behavioral Communications:

The student must:

1.    consistently demonstrate emotional intelligence and therapeutic qualities with level of OTA learning

2.    demonstrate that they can manage their emotional health for full use of their intellectual abilities

3.    communicate effectively and clearly with others (i.e.-active listening, verbal, nonverbal, in writing)

4.    use therapeutic communication autonomously (attend, listen, clarify, explain, facilitate)

5.    adjust communication for intended audiences

6.    accept and carry out responsibility for detailed, complex tasks

7.    function independently and as part of a group/team

8.    perform all required lab skills in the presence of peers and faculty

9.    lead and follow, as required

10.   communicate effectively, in all contexts, using accurate verbal and written techniques for all necessary academic and clinical tasks

11.   relate to others beyond giving and receiving instruction

12.   explain self clearly and support personal/professional actions

13.   be confidential (use proprietary information properly)

14.   overtly convey respect and appreciation for diversity and differences

Professional Skills:

The student must:

1.    continuously conduct self in accordance with all KVCC Standards, Student Code of Conduct, and the AOTA Code of Ethics

2.    maintain poise and flexibility with spontaneous changes and in stressful or changing conditions

3.    maintain composure in time compressed and performance-based situations

4.    identify personal learning needs

5.    use effective personal management (including time and resources) and organizational skills

6.    demonstrate effective self- awareness and control

7.    discuss suitable topics in class/lab and at breaks

8.    be on time with attendance, assignments, and projects

9.    manage personal issues

10.   maintain a work pace suitable to a given workload

11.   assume responsibility for own actions, without assistance

12.   assume initiative and responsibility for learning in all learning environments

13.   modify behavior in response to feedback from peers/instructors

14.   participate in the OTA Program as an adult learner

Environmental Context:

The student must:

1.    work around and with others effectively

2.    use technology functionally

3.    manage exposure to environmental demands (including dust, fumes, odors, allergies, human and non-human factors) etc.

4.    understand and apply knowledge regarding the risk of exposure to infectious agents, secretions, and bodily fluids in all environments

5.    comply with KVCC policies/OTA lab policies regarding workplace safety

6.    use proper techniques (as stated in OTA lab policy manual) when using supplies, equipment, and technology

7.    understand and follow all environmental patterns and changes

All Essential Performance Skills will be assessed through student self- assessment, peer assessment and/or OTA Faculty assessment throughout each semester.  P/F criteria are used.  If Faculty determines that a student is not demonstrating performance in any of the above Essential Performance Skills, they may not be able to progress in the OTA program.

OTA Student Handbook 2023

For more information, please contact:

KVCC Admissions

(207) 453-5822

kvccadmissions@mainecc.edu

Kara Weisher, MOT, OTR/L
OTA Program Director
(207) 453-5023
kweisher@mainecc.edu

John Krasnavage, COTA/L, MHRT/C, BA
OTA Faculty, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
(207) 453-5172
jkrasnavage@mainecc.edu