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Home > Occupational Therapy Assistant |
 
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| Occupational Therapy Assistant |
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 The Occupational Therapy Assistant program here at Jefferson College is now the oldest OTA program in Virginia. Established in 1992, we are also the only program in a private college in Virginia. Our small class size (average 20-25 students) allows for more individualized instruction and "hands-on" participation in the classroom.
Students range in age from recent high school graduates to individuals returning to school in an effort to begin a second career. These age differences make for lively discussions in classes as we explore different "roles" people play throughout their life span. Awareness of cultural diversity is important in the process of OT treatments and our student body reflects such diversity.
Our faculty believe students learn best by participation in learning experiences. As a result, lectures often involve student presentations followed by labs where new techniques can be practiced. Our student to faculty ratio of 1 to 7 allows the faculty to get to know students personally. Involvement in professional activities such as the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA Club), state association (VOTA) and the national association (AOTA) allow for more interaction both personally and professionally.
Part of the education process in this program is for the students to experience hands-on patient interactions.
Our fieldwork coordinator places students in facilities where their clinical skills can best be developed. Fieldwork placements can be local or long distance depending on availability. Students have participated in fieldwork placements all over the United States which include some of the most well known rehabilitation facilities such as UVa (VA), Kessler (NJ), Spaulding Rehab (MA), Duke University Medical Center (NC) and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter (VA).
A student may take all the courses required for this degree here at Jefferson College, or you may transfer any of the general education credits from another institution. All professional courses (those with OTA preceding the course number) must be taken here. Being an associate degree, there are no prerequisites, however, it is recommended that you have taken a biology and chemistry course prior to attempting the Anatomy and Physiology courses.
Graduates from the OT Assistant program have consistently scored higher than the national average on their registry exam. Our location here in Southwest Virginia puts us in the middle of a large under-served rural area that needs more medical professionals. Our graduates are generally employed within 6 weeks of their graduation. Many employers in need of OT Assistants call our program asking for graduates they might employ. The program maintains a strong reputation for excellence in our graduates all over the state of Virginia and the nation. |
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OTA Program National Certification Examination Pass Averages
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For years 2004 to 2007. |
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