Occupational Therapy Assistant (Associate of Applied Science) - Memphis

Program offered at: Memphis, Tennessee

Occupational Therapy Assistant (Associate of Applied Science) Mission Statement

Consistent with the mission of the college, the student will acquire theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors which will lead to clinical reasoning and leadership in practice. Through a supportive learning environment, graduates have a broad exposure needed to practice as a generalist in settings where occupational therapy is currently established or is emerging for a variety of populations. In working with professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and the community, information is gathered to maintain current practical and clinical standards. The program is committed to quality performance, continuous improvement, and student-centered support.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:
1.  Apply professional actions aligned with the AOTA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to uphold ethical behavior in workplace settings consistently. 
2.  Analyze foundational concepts, theories, and tenets of occupational therapy to inform professional decision-making.
3.  Facilitate communication and teamwork within interprofessional, intraprofessional, and community collaborations.
4.  Create a professional development plan to foster reflective practice and lifelong learning.
5.  Perform assessments, interventions, and documentation to deliver evidence-based, entry-level occupational therapy services.
6.  Evaluate the needs of underserved populations to advocate for occupational therapy’s role in improving health, wellbeing, promotion of safety, and quality of life.
7.  Design holistic interventions that address the biological, physical, social, behavioral and environmental needs of diverse clients.
8.  Synthesize evidence-based research to deliver client-centered occupational therapy interventions that enhance participation in meaningful occupations.

Career Overview

Occupational Therapy Assistants work with clients of all ages and diagnoses. They provide quality occupational therapy services to assigned individuals under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist and work in hospitals, clinics, schools, client homes, community settings, even prisons. Licensure is required within the state where the COTA will practice. In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT (OTA) Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT (OTA) Certification Examination or to attain state licensure.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE): 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814; ACOTE c/o AOTA: 301-652-AOTA; www.acoteonline.org; email:accred@aota.org