Occupational Therapy Assistant

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.

2008 Clinical Educator of the Year: Jamie Badman, Shamokin Area Community Hospital

2008 Clinical Facility of the Year: Evangelical Community Hospital

OTA Grads Continue to Achieve Excellent Outcomes

The Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates in 2008 were the 20th class from Penn College to sit for the National Certification Exam administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. The program continues its long history of excellent outcomes. Since January 2006, the pass rate is 100%. During this time period, fifty-eight graduates took the exam; 53 passed the first time and five passed with a repeat exam. The 2008 graduates scored well above national averages, with scaled scores averaging 21 points above all national first-time takers in the five domains of the 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 at Penn College. A Bachelor's Degree in Applied Health Studies is available to students who want to further their education beyond the Associate Degree. This degree may afford the graduate expanded clinical roles and positions in management, administration, or education. Additionally, the B.S. degree may serve as a bridge for those who want to begin an entry-level Masters program in Occupational Therapy at another institution.

Students can obtain their A.A.S. in the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree, and then complete the bachelor's degree program, or they can integrate the course work from the start of their college career by enrolling in the four-year degree major (BAH). Contact the OTA program director for more information.

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.

Penn College Career Hub

Penn College Career Services offers students and graduates the opportunity to view employer postings on the Web. The Penn College Career Hub allows you to post your resume, sign up for on-campus interviews, and connect with employers who are looking to fill positions.

Contact Career 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.