College Catalog Programs of Study 2011-2012

Purpose:  This curriculum is designed to prepare students to assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. Graduates may, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans; carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments.

Transfer Information:  Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their faculty advisor early in their program.

Admission Requirements: 

Students must:

• Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Attend an Occupational Therapy Assistant Information Session. Visit the Web site at http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/allied-health/occupational-therapy-assistant/index.html.
• Be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
• Complete ENG 111 College Composition I, HLT 141 Introduction to Medical Terminology and SDV 101 Orientation to Health Care Careers.
• Qualify for MTH 151 or higher on the NOVA Math Placement test. This requirement must be met prior to applying to the OTA Program.
• Complete BIO 141-142 Human Anatomy and Physiology I-II with a grade of "C" or higher. Maintain a curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher at the last school or college attended.
• Complete at least 16 hours of observation time with an occupational therapist (OTR) or an occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Observation hours must be documented and signed by the OTR or COTA who is supervising the applying student on a form found on the Web site at: http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/allied-health/occupational-therapy-assistant/index.html
• Complete a video interview for an interview committee.
• Assure that all previous transcripts are accounted for and are on file at NOVA prior to the program application deadline date. These transfer credits must be evaluated before any transfer credit is granted. Application acceptance dates will be posted on the Web site once solidified. Admission will be on a competitive placement basis of fully-qualified candidates.
• Once accepted, students must have current CPR Certification, a documented medical examination, criminal background check, and must maintain a "C" grade point average or higher to remain in good standing.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S. degree below is for ADVISING PURPOSES only but it will not be open for enrollment until Spring 2013.