Occupational Therapy is a health and wellness profession whose goal is to help people achieve independence and satisfaction in everyday life, no matter the barrier. Occupational Therapy helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of meaningful occupations. The Occupation Therapy practitioner provides “skills for the job of living”-those skills necessary to function where people live, learn, and play. KVCC has the only OTA program in the State of Maine.

Occupational Therapy is a skilled profession that enables people of any social circumstance, age, ability, injury and/or disease to engage in meaningful life activities—the OCCUPATIONS of life (MeOTA, 2010). Occupational Therapy practitioners (Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants) use therapeutic strategies to promote participation in life roles and improve life situations at home, school, workplace, community, and other settings.  Occupational Therapy practitioners promote health and wellness to those who are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction.

This two-year program prepares students to become entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants
in the Occupational Therapy profession. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA) provides comprehensive OT services under the supervision of an occupational therapist (OT/OTR). OTA’s are valued members of the health care team. They assist people of all ages and walks of life to maximize engagement and participation in desired and expected daily life activities through the use of occupations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Occupational Therapy Assistants must attain and maintain their own license in Maine.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Upon successful completion of the prerequisites and/or admission requirements, applicants are admitted to a specific program on a space available basis.

College Entrance Requirements

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has specific admission requirements.  Please refer to the following link for additional information:

OTA Admission Requirements

 

Criminal Background Check

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).

Exposure to Latex and Infectious Disease

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.

Program Information

Program Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814

Telephone: 301-652-2682

Website: www. acoteonline.org

Educational Outcomes

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.

Program Performance

National Board of Certification (NBCOT) Pass Rates

School Performance (nbcot.org)

 

Kennebec Valley Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Graduation Rates
Class of Number of Students Entering OTA Program Number of Students Graduating Graduation Rate*
2024 6 3 83.3%*
2023 6 3 83.3%*
2022 15 7 46.7 %
3-year total 36 20 71.1%

*Beginning in 2023, graduation rates are calculated based on a number of individuals who graduate on time (G1) plus the number of individuals who graduate within 150% of expected time (G2) divided by the number of students admitted in the original cohort (G3) minus the number of students who withdrew due to military, health, family issues, death, or other reasons not related to academic and clinical performance (G4). Calculation per calendar year is = (G1+G2)/(G3-G4).

Essential Performance Skills for Progression in the OTA Program

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.

Program Handbook

OTA Student Handbook 2023

Current Program Costs

 

In-state NERSP Non-Resident
Tuition $         6,720.00 $           10,080.00 $                 13,440.00
Comprehensive Fee $           672.00 $             1,008.00 $                   1,344.00
Course Fees $         1,263.30 $             1,887.30 $                   2,472.90
Activity Fee $           210.00 $                 210.00 $                       210.00
Student Accident Insurance $               32.00 $                   32.00 $                         32.00
AOTA Membership $           150.00 $                 150.00 $                       150.00
SIMUCases $               89.00 $                   89.00 $                         89.00
Splinting Lab Packs $               15.00 $                   15.00 $                         15.00
Ropes Course $               40.00 $                   40.00 $                         40.00
Professional Liability Insurance $               30.00 $                   30.00 $                         30.00
NBCOT Exam $               25.00 $                   25.00 $                         25.00
NBCOT OTKE Test Fee $               50.00 $                   50.00 $                         50.00
Ground maintenance Fees $               75.00 $                   75.00 $                         75.00
BIO Lab Pack $               35.00 $                   35.00 $                         35.00
Graduation Fee $               75.00 $                   75.00 $                         75.00
First Year Matters $               30.00 $                   30.00 $                         30.00
Estimated Books $         2,057.00 $             2,057.00 $                   2,057.00
$     11,568.30 $           15,888.30 $                 20,169.90
Additional costs may vary for these items, and range from $300-$1000. These items include fingerprinting, background check, CPR, and required immunizations.

Program Mission and Vision

OTA Program Mission:
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to prepare students to become competent Occupational Therapy Assistants who will provide Maine with a cadre of qualified and dedicated occupational therapy practitioners to assist its citizens in achieving independence, wellness, and quality of life while maintaining individual choice, human dignity, and personal satisfaction.
OTA Program Vision:
We envision all occupational therapy assistants (OTA), who are educated at KVCC, to be respected professionals, dedicated to person-centered interventions using cultural humility.  We see OTAs as leaders and advocates who are creative problem solvers, effective communicators, passionate practitioners, lifelong learners, and logical thinkers ready to address Maine’s (and beyond) occupational health needs of the present and future.  Occupational Therapy Assistants will continue to be vibrant and valued partners in the Maine healthcare/wellness community ready to navigate as occupational therapy partners in a changing world.

Career Opportunities

TRADITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES include:

  • Hospitals
  • Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health Facilities
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Schools
  • Adults with Developmental Disabilities Programs
  • Child Development Programs
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Community Home Health Agencies
  • Brain Injury Rehabilitation

NON-TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING PRACTICE SETTINGS include:

Accessibility & Home Modification • Employment supports • Ergonomics & Workplace Health • Driver Assessment • Alzheimer’s disease and caregiver training • Low-vision rehabilitation • End of Life care • Assisted Living and Aging in Place • Technology and Assistive-device Assessment and intervention • Health and wellness coaching • Oncology • Community mental health partnerships • Bariatic Management • Independent Living Skills/Community Reintegration

Contact

For more information, please contact:

KVCC Admissions

(207) 453-5822

kvccadmissions@mainecc.edu

Program Faculty

Kara Weisher, MS, 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