Occupational Therapy Assistant

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy practitioners contribute to improving independence and quality of life for people of all ages in a variety of settings concerned with healthcare, education, community and social services. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work in collaboration with supervising occupational therapists to serve individuals or groups who experience impairment, loss of activity or ability to participate fully in meaningful occupations secondary to genetic disorders, chronic conditions, illness, accidents, mental impairment, or social conditions such as poverty and violence.

How long is the Occupational Therapy Assistant program?

The curriculum sequence is outlined over four semesters, or two academic years, plus one summer session. However, it is more advisable and customary for students to complete the program requirements over six semesters, or three academic years. After reviewing the curriculum, you will note that the credit load is high, and students are able to be more successful when they reduce the credit load and spread the workload over three years.

How does the selection process work?

All students are initially enrolled as Pre-OTA students. Often, the student completes one year of general education courses as a Pre-OTA student, and at the same time, earns points based on these course grades.

Following the fall and spring semesters, students are reviewed for acceptance into the major. Students with the highest number of points at the time of review are offered acceptance until the program is filled. All students who are offered acceptance begin the program in August regardless of when the selection occurs. The class size is limited to 32 students.

It is important that you review the admission ranking sheet for OTA and meet with your academic adviser or the program director to seek clarification of the system. The admission ranking sheet is a valuable tool in selecting courses to make yourself as competitive as possible.

How long can I remain in the Pre-OTA major?

Students are limited to 24 attempted credits (taken at Penn College, excluding developmental courses) in a pre-health major. Following the fall and spring selections, students who have 24 attempted credit or more, and are not selected for acceptance into the major, are required to meet with the program director to discuss viable education options.

I am a transfer student. How are my credits evaluated in the admission ranking process?

Transfer student credits are evaluated in the same way as Penn College credits with one exception. Under the “Course Points” ranking area, transfer students receive 0.8 point per course with grades of “C” or higher; the same courses at Penn College (“C” or higher) earn 1 point.

Who should I call for further information about the OTA major?

Questions concerning the Occupational Therapy Assistant profession, the program, or the admission ranking process can be directed to the director of occupational therapy assistant. Any questions about your general application should be directed to the Admissions Office.