Occupational Therapy Assistant
School of Health Sciences
Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. W245 · (570) 321-5549
Extras
- Congratulations Clinical Educators & Clinical Facility of the Year!
- OTA Grads Continue to Achieve Excellent Outcomes
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Studies Degree Option
- OTA Job Forecast (updated November 2008)
- eRecruiting at Penn College
- Alumni Contacts
- Penn College Articulation with College Misericordia for OT Masters Degree Program
Congratulations Clinical Educators & Clinical Facility of the Year!
The "Educator of the Year" award is presented annually by Penn College to a fieldwork supervisor and a facility which show exceptional support of students and their educational needs. The recipients usually go beyond their scheduled requirements to meet the special needs of their students. Students' feedback plays a role in the decision-making. The winners are chosen out of approximately 160 fieldwork educators and 95 facilities.
2007 Clinical Educator of the Year: Jamie Badman, Shamokin Area Community Hospital
2007 Clinical Facility of the Year: Evangelical Community Hospital
OTA Grads Continue to Achieve Excellent Outcomes
The Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates in 2007 are the 19th class from Penn College to be sitting for the National Certification Exam administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. The program continues its excellent outcomes. Only 2 students have not passed the exam since 1988. Since January 2005, the pass rate is 100%. Fifty-three graduates have taken the exam; 50 passed the first time and three passed after a repeat exam. We are very proud of these test scores and of the wonderful work our graduates are doing in the community.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Studies Degree Option
Students have diverse degree options (PDF) at Penn College. A Bachelor's Degree in Applied Health Studies (BAH) is available to students who prefer to have a B.S. degree, but may not want to obtain a Master's in OT. Students can obtain their A.A.S. in the Occupational Therapy Assistant major, and then complete the bachelor's degree program; or they can integrate the coursework from the start of their college career. This degree opens the door for varied positions where the minimum requirement for the job is a bachelor degree. With the B.S. in Applied Health Studies, COTAs may have opportunities to expand clinical roles and/or seek positions in management, administration, or education. Fifteen credits within the major are tailored to individual student interests and goals. As an added plus, many courses are available through distance education.
OTA Job Forecast
“The numbers don’t lie. Demand for occupational therapy services is on the rise, and new practitioners are needed to fill the demand.” [AOTA, October 2008]
Employment of occupational therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow 25 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. [Bureau of Labor Statistics] Penn College graduates are also finding work in more diverse settings, ranging from activities programs for the elderly to counseling and case management positions for delinquent youth. A sampling of these 'other' positions are: case manager for individuals in a sheltered workshop, manager of restorative care, director of an assisted living facility, program supervisor for a group home, activities director in assisted living, rehabilitation specialist for Living Unlimited, and psychiatric rehab specialist. Graduates report a high degree of satisfaction with these more non-traditional positions. Employers also are satisfied and impressed with the knowledge level and skills of Penn College COTAs. As students expand into these jobs, they are spreading the word about "OT." As one graduate states, "When I give suggestions in an interdisciplinary meeting, team members are impressed with my suggestions and insight. They typically ask me what my background is, and I love telling them "Occupational Therapy!" The opportunity to integrate study in the major with our Bachelor of Applied Health Studies may allow students expanded potential for entering many other emerging practice areas.
eRecruiting at Penn College
Penn College Counseling and Career Services offers all graduates the opportunity to view employer postings on the Web. You can: check eRecruiting daily for new jobs, post your resume in Resume Books, look for jobs available locally, regionally and nationally.
Contact Counseling, Career & Disability Services at (570) 327-4502 for details.
Alumni Contacts
We miss you! It is always a joy for faculty and staff of the OTA program to hear news from old friends. KEEP IN TOUCH PLEASE! Come visit this Web site for events and news. Also consider sharing your e-mail address with us so we can stay in direct contact with you. E-mail your contact information and news to Barb Natell. [Update Alumni Information]
Penn College Articulation with Misericordia University for OT Masters Degree Program
OTA graduates, who choose to continue their occupational therapy education, can also do so through a newly designed articulation with the Master's Degree Program in OT at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. Credit is given for several major courses at Penn College, now allowing improved transition into this program. This entry-level masters degree program is offered every other weekend for three or four years, which allows students the opportunity to work and complete this advanced degree simultaneously.