Student Information and Application Materials

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Student Information and Application Materials

Table of Contents

Page

Admissions Criteria and Procedures

2

Selection Process & Cost Info

Curriculum Overview

3

4

Additional Information

5-6

Application Checklist

7

Supplemental OTA Program Application

8

Community Volunteer Hours and Assessment Form

9

Occupational Therapy Observation Hours and Assessment Form

10

Occupational Therapy Assistant Admissions Procedures

You will NOT be granted consideration to the OTA program until items 1 – 6 are completed! It is the student’s responsibility to notify the OTA Administrative Assistant when items are completed. ADMISSION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURE

1. Complete an application to the college, including submission of college and high school transcripts. 2. Complete the OTA Supplemental Application Form.

 This form will generate the start of your OTA program file and facilitate the tracking of application materials.

3. Schedule an informational meeting with an OTA Director, Professor, or Assistant.

4. Meet program specific academic eligibility. This is accomplished by attaining minimum scores on the ACT, Compass, or Asset test. These scores must come from one test type. It is not permissible to use scores from multiple tests to satisfy academic eligibility. (for example you cannot combine an ACT composite score with a Compass Reading and an Asset Writing). Test scores must be within 3 years of your OTA application. If the scores from your ACT or Asset test are older than 3 years, Compass tests are offered at all Central

Community College campuses. Call the campus nearest you to schedule a day/time for your test. Program specific minimum scores are listed below:

ACT TEST COMPASS Placement Test ASSET Test

Composite > 20 Reading >76 Reading >40 Math > 20 Writing >62 Writing > 42 All other areas > 19 Algebra >43 Math > 43 5. Complete 8 hours of community volunteer service

 All hours can be completed with the same organization or hours may be split between two sites (minimum of 20 hours per site). Volunteer Service Verification Form (included in this packet) must be mailed by the organization where the volunteering was done.

6. Complete 8 hours of observation with a COTA or OTR

 Hours can be completed through observing any area of OT practice. OT Observation Form must be mailed by the organization where the observation took place.

7. Attend OTA Informational Seminar.

 All students offered a position in the OTA program must attend this program specific seminar. The seminar will be scheduled approximately 1-2 months prior to the program start date. You will receive a formal invitation to the seminar via the mail.

8. Submit Deposit:

 Students who are officially admitted to the OTA program must submit a deposit of $200.00 to hold their seat. The deposit will be collected when you attend the informational seminar and will be applied to the applicants’ tuition. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable. If a student accepts the college’s offer of admission into the OTA program and then later opts not to enroll in OTA coursework, they will forfeit their deposit.

All required forms can be downloaded and printed from the CCC OTA program webpage. Please note that verification forms must be completed and returned in a sealed envelope by the person at the organization completing the form.

SELECTION PROCESS

Enrollment to the program is limited to 18 students yearly. Admission is based on a first come-first served basis.

Students meeting academic eligibility and completing steps 1 through 8 above will be accepted into the program. In the event that more than 18 students meet academic eligibility, date of file completion will be used to determine placements. All other students meeting academic eligibility will be placed on an admissions waitlist. Application materials of students not meeting academic eligibility but continuing to work toward meeting admission requirements will be kept on file for a period of two admission cycles, after which time a student will need to reapply to the program meeting the stated requirements for all first-time applicants.

A student’s prior education, work experiences, service to others, and leadership activities all serve to provide insight into an applicant’s commitment to a profession that responds to the health and social welfare needs of individuals, organizations, and communities. The information gathered during the admissions process will be used to assess student learning needs and plan appropriate educational experiences throughout the program.

APPROXIMATE EDUCATIONAL COSTS –OTAPROGRAM

In addition to college fees, tuition, and costs associated with book and course supplies and materials, students who are accepted into the program must:

 Pass a background check at the applicant’s expense.

 Complete a healthcare provider CPR course and maintain certification throughout the program.

 Submit documentation of required immunizations and tests (Hepatitis B, MMR, polio, Varicella, flu shot, and TB test). Be aware that level II fieldwork practicum assignments in medical and skilled nursing facilities usually require immunization prior to placement.

 Purchase professional liability insurance (through the college).

 Incur the cost of level I fieldstudies and level II fieldwork associated expenses.

 Become student members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and maintain membership throughout the course of study.

 Incur the cost of sitting for the NBCOT examination.

College tuition and fees are established by the Board of Governors and may be subject to change.

ESTIMATED COSTS OF PROGRAM

Tuition and fees = 71 hours @ $94 per credit hour (in state) $ 6,674

Books and printed materials $ 3,000

Professional liability insurances ($12 x 2 years, purchased by the college) $ 24

Background check $ 45

Professional membership $ 75

NBCOT Examination Online

Printed $ 500 $ 540

Immunizations (cost dependent on # of shots required) $ varies

CPR (Healthcare Provider Level) $ varies

Room and board (available at Hastings & Columbus campuses) $ varies

Room and board for Level II fieldwork (individualized) $ varies

PAMS Certification $ 200

Trainings/Seminars $ varies

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Students are responsible for all costs associated with the program. This includes, but is not limited to, costs pertaining to transportation to and from community education sites, fieldwork placement (including transportation, housing, and cost of living), immunizations, mandatory AOTA membership costs, and NBCOT examination fees.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The programs philosophical principles reflect currently published beliefs held by the profession. Faculty believe that humans grow and flourish when they are immersed in enriched social contexts and that occupation, including the occupation of teaching and learning, is both process oriented and action driven. Graduates with an Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS degree will be prepared to provide occupational therapy services that meet the demands of current and future practice while demonstrating quality, ethical, and professional occupational therapy behavior in all practice environments.

The OTA program consists of five consecutive full-time semesters of program study. In addition to 52 credit hours of OT specific coursework, students complete 19 hours of CCC core curriculum and coursework that supports the major. Students completing the AAS degree are eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). It is the standard in most states to require licensure in order to practice. Please note, students with a felony conviction will not be allowed to enter the OTA program, as it affects a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination, state licensure and potentially the ability to become employed. CURRICULUM SEQUENCE

Students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Central Community College engage in five semesters of academic coursework including 16 weeks of level II fieldwork practicums. In addition to 52 credit hours of OTA specific coursework, students will complete 19 hours of CCC core curriculum and coursework that supports the major. Semesters consist of in-classroom study, community-centered level I fieldstudy learning opportunities, and two 8-week level II fieldwork practicum experiences that culminate in a final capstone project.

FALL 1ST _{YEAR SPRING 1}ST _YEAR

ENGL 1010 English Composition

OTHA 1000 Introduction to Occupational Therapy BIOS 1250 Structure & Function of the Human Body I (or BIOS 2250 Gen. Anatomy & Physiology I – 4 credits) PSYC 2890 Developmental Psychology

PHIL 2650 Introduction to Ethics

OTHA 1020 Theory and Evidence Based Practice Semester Credit Total

3 3 2 3 3 3 17

BIOS 1260 Structure & Function of the Human Body II (or BIOS 2260 Gen. Anatomy & Physiology II – 4 credits) OTHA 1210 Occupational Activity Analysis

OTHA 1220 Community-Centered Practice OTHA 1240 Pediatric / Adolescent Practice HLTH 1040 Medical Terminology

ENGL 1020 Writing and Research Semester Credit Total

2 2 4 4 3 3 18 SUMMER

OTHA 2000 Gerontology & Physical Disabilities Practice OTHA 2400 Mental Health & Psychosocial Practice OTHA 2050 Fieldwork Practicum Level I

Semester Credit Total

4 3 2

9

FALL 2ND YEAR SPRING 2ND YEAR

OTHA 2410 Functional Neuroanatomy

OTHA 2500 Ethics, Management, and Leadership OTHA 2440 Fieldwork Practicum Level I OTHA 2460 Modality and Splinting Lab

OTHA 2470 Documentation and Professional Skills OTHA 2700 Functional Kinesiology

Semester Credit Total

2 3 2 1 2 3 13

OTHA 2900 Fieldwork Practicum Level II OTHA 2950 Fieldwork Practicum Level II

Semester Credit Total

Degree Credit Total

7 7

14 71

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Fieldwork Placement

Fieldwork placement assignments will be made by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. While every effort will be made to match practicum sites to student needs and interest, no guarantee is given or implied that placement will be made in a student’s home community of choice. Expenses incurred for Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences such as transportation, out-of-town lodging, food, and incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the student. Course Progression

This is an academically challenging program, and students should anticipate engaging in critical and creative collaborative thinking processes and daily out-of-classroom graded homework assignments. A commitment to a full-time course of study with daily attendance is mandatory. Satisfactory completion of coursework is contingent on a student’s demonstrated ability of mastering subject material. Students admitted to the program must complete all OTA-required coursework and practicum experiences with a grade of C or higher in order to progress through the program. Students who do not complete all attempted coursework with a final course grade of C or higher will not progress to the next semester of coursework.

Transfer of Credit

Students must have achieved a grade of 2.0 in all transferring coursework that will be used for the AAS degree. Students may be asked to submit a syllabus(i) of the transfer course(s) for comparison. Transfer coursework must have been completed in the past seven years (except for English Comp I which can have been completed at anytime in student’s academic career). Exceptions to the “7 year rule” for transfer of credit may be granted upon written request of the student. These exceptions are granted under unique circumstances, including advanced study of subject matter or current substantial related work experience with near equivalence to the required course. Students requesting an exception will be asked to demonstrate current proficiency in the subject matter.

CCC Criminal Background Check, Random Drug Testing, Character Check, Felony Convictions

All students meeting academic eligibility and granted admission to the OTA program are required to complete a Criminal Background Check conducted by the College. Students may refer to the CCC Criminal Background Check (CBC) Student Procedures for additional information. The OTA program requires background checks for admitted OTA program students in order to verify an individual's suitability to participate in level I fieldwork experiences and level II fieldwork practicum experiences and to ensure the safety of individuals and organizations with whom the student comes in contact, as well as fellow students. Random drug testing may be required by the fieldstudy/fieldwork site. The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) performs a brief character review of all certification applicants. This review “serves the public interest by screening illegal, unethical, and incompetent behaviors of individuals who are yet to be certified by NBCOT®. To ensure that occupational therapy practitioners meet standards of professional conduct prior to entering the profession, all applicants for certification are required to provide information and documentation related to affirmative responses to character questions on the examination application” (NBCOT 2009). A misdemeanor or felony charge and/or conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT examination or attain state licensure. For additional information, visit the NBCOT website (see NBCOT character reviews). Students with a felony will not be considered for the OTA program.

Immunizations

The Hepatitis B immunization series, MMR, polio, varicella (chicken pox), the flu shot, and tuberculosis testing are required of all students admitted into the OTA program. These standards are put in place to protect the public from possible exposure to life-threatening contagious diseases as well as protect the health status of students. Students are responsible for all associated costs.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Central Community College (CCC) does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, or military veteran status as is defined by law in employment, admission, scholarship, and financial aid programs or operation of educational programs and activities as prescribed by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Executive Order 11246 as amended, sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination Acts of 1974 and 1975, and other federal and state laws and regulations.

Individuals who need accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are invited to make those needs known to an academic adviser, registrar, or student services officer. Inquiries concerning the application of these laws and regulations may be directed to the Human Resources Office, Central Community College, P.O. Box 4903, Grand Island, NE 68802-4903 or by phone at (308) 398-7325, or to the Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20201.

The Central Community College (CCC) website www.cccneb.edu. provides information on the following topics: Student Right to Know/Graduation/Completion Rates; Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act; Safety, Security, and Substance Awareness; and Voter Registration Information. Printed copies are available on CCC’s campuses and centers or from the CCC Dean of Students’ Office, P.O. Box 1024, Hastings, NE 68902.(CCC2007)

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application Checklist

Your file will not be considered complete until all items have been received. Keep this form for your records

Application Materials

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Students who have never been enrolled in traditional public or private high schools (home schooled) should speak to the CCC Admissions Office for information on submitting documentation verifying educational experiences

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Students completing coursework at Central Community College do not need to request their CCC transcript but should include this information on their Supplemental OTA Program Application.

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It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that high school and college transcripts be sent to Central Community College. Transcripts must be sent directly from the schools attended and should be mailed to:

Central Community College College Registrar

3134 West Highway 34 P.O. Box 4903

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

OTA Program Application

If you intend to apply to the Central Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, complete and return this form immediately. This will generate the development of an application file for use in tracking admissions materials.

Mail this form to:

Central Community College Occupational Therapy Program 3134 West Highway 34 P.O. Box 4903

Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903

Please Print or Type All Information PERSONAL INFORMATION

__________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________ Last Name First Name CCC ID if Applicable Current Address:

___________________________________________ ______________________________ _________ ________________ Street City State Zip Code Email Address ________________________________________ Phone Number ___________________________

Alternative number where a message can be left for you ____________________________

Notify the OTA office at once if any of your contact information changes.

TRANSCRIPTS YOU WILL BE REQUESTING

Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution and cannot be mailed or hand delivered by students.

List high school(s) from where you will be requesting transcripts

Institution Location Dates Attended Did you

Graduate?

List all institutions of higher education (including CCC) from where you will be requesting official transcripts

Institution Location Credits

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application

Community Volunteer Hours Verification WAIVER OPTION

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 states that student records are available for inspection by the student. The law also permits the student to sign a waiver relinquishing his or her right to inspect letters of recommendation. The applicant’s signature below constitutes a waiver; no signature means the student will have the right to read this reference. Applicant’s Signature _________________________________________ Date _________________________ This is to verify that ______________________________________ has completed ____________ hours of volunteer services at ________________________________. Dates completed _______________________ This student is applying for admission to the Central Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Please confirm if the student demonstrated the following traits during their volunteer time.

Trait Yes No Unsure Comments

Self – Motivated Professional Dependable Engaged

Please comment on any concerns you may have regarding this student:

These experiences are meant to provide students with a general understanding of how individuals, organizations, and

communities respond to human problems and societal needs. Do you believe this student accomplished the intended objective during this experience? Y N

Name ____________________________________________ Position Title _____________________________________ Signature ______________________________________ Date ____________ Phone Number ______________________

Please mail completed form to: Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 3134 West Highway 34

P.O. Box 4903

Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903

The Volunteer Hours Form is to be completed by the supervising representative of the organization under which the student completed their observation hours and sent directly to Central Community College.

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application Verification of OT Observation Hours

WAIVER OPTION

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 states that student records are available for inspection by the student. The law also permits the student to sign a waiver relinquishing his or her right to inspect letters of recommendation. The applicant’s signature below constitutes a waiver; no signature means the student will have the right to read this reference.

Applicant’s Signature _______________________________________________ Date

This is to verify that ________________________________________ has completed ________ hours of observation at _________________________________. Date(s) of observation ____________________ This student is applying for admission to the Central Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Please comment on this student’s motivation for the profession and potential as a future occupational therapy practitioner:

Trait Yes No Unsure Comments

Self – Motivated Professional Dependable Engaged

Please comment on any concerns you may have regarding this student:

Name _________________________________________ Position Title __________________________ Signature ___________________________________ Date ________ Phone Number _______________ Please mail completed form to:

Central Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 3134 West Highway 34

P.O. Box 4903

Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903

The Observation Hours Form is to be completed by the OTR or COTA and sent directly to Central Community College.