OTA PROGRAM APPLICATION PACKET
Dear Prospective Occupational Therapy Assistant Student:
Thank you for your interest in the future Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Hawkeye Community College. The need for skilled, practice-ready occupational therapy assistants continues to grow. OTAs can look forward to dynamic careers working in multiple settings with people of all ages, fostering their independence to participate in life to its fullest.
The OTA Program at Hawkeye Community College has been designed to offer stimulating and rigorous classroom and clinical experiences for all students, from young adults pursuing their first career to adults who have been out of school for some time or those who are changing careers.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Hawkeye Community College has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. National Board for Certification in 4270 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200 Occupational Therapy
P.O. Box 31220 800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220 Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
301-652-6611 x2914 301-990-7979
accred@aota.org www.nbcot.org
We are glad that you have considered Hawkeye Community College for your OTA education. The application packet includes all the information you will need to apply to the program. Please feel free to contact us for further information in regard to the OTA program.
Sincerely,
Angela McHone Cindy Koehn
Angela McHone, MOT, OTR/L, CLT Cindy Koehn, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Application Process1. Apply for admission to Hawkeye Community College. The application for admission should be completed online at https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/apply-for/admission. This information can also be accessed from the ADMISSIONS tab on the top of the Hawkeye website homepage. A letter of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent in the mail notifying you of your acceptance status once you have completed the application.
2. Arrange for official transcripts (high school transcripts, GED, and any college transcripts) to be sent to the Admissions office at the following address:
Hawkeye Community College Admissions Office
1501 East Orange Road P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
3. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is a 1+1 model. Phase I consists of the general education foundational content components of the program. Phase II is the professional or “core”
component. Admission to the OTA program is dependent upon successful completion the following Phase I courses with a minimum GPA of 2.75:
BIO 168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I w/lab* HSC 113 Medical Terminology
ENG 105 Composition I
PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology MAT 101 Math for Liberal Arts CSC 110 Introduction to Computers
BIO 173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab* SPC 101 Fundamentals in Oral Communication HSC 108 Introduction to Health Professions PSY 121 Developmental Psychology
PSY 241 Abnormal Psychology
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology OR SOC 205 Diversity in America
Students may apply for admission to the OTA program while in the process of completing the Phase I courses.
Applying to the OTA Program
1. OTA program application packets are available on line as well as a folder located near the OTA office. The application packets will be processed when a completed packet has been turned into the OTA office. 2. Obtain an OTA application packet. The packet can be acquired in the following ways:
A. Download from www.hawkeyecollege.edu/go/occupational-therapy-assistant. B. Stop by the OTA program office.
3. Applicants will be required to submit credentials (transcripts and test scores) as required by the program’s admission requirements.
4. Completed resume.
5. Complete and submit required forms to the OTA program office: A. Student Application
B. Curriculum Checklist – fill out the checklist by identifying the course you have taken and the grade you received in each course. If you will be taking any of the prerequisite courses during the summer, please list the course section you will be attending. If you are taking summer courses at a location other than Hawkeye, have official transcripts resubmitted once that grade is posted.
C. Observation Hours Form
D. Immunization Form from your doctor office E. Student Health and Immunization Record
F. Iowa Core Performance Standards Acknowledgement G. Resume
6. Completed applicant files will be processed as follows:
A. Applicants who do not meet the program’s admission requirements will be inactivated.
B. Applicants enrolled in coursework to complete the admissions requirements will be candidates. C. Applicants who meet the program’s admission requirements will be accepted for admission. 7. The program will accept up to 20 students each summer. Applicants will be accepted based on their
admission requirement completion date.
8. Upon being offered acceptance to begin the OTA program, if the applicant chooses to decline their acceptance, their file is inactivated and they will need to re-apply for the program when interested.
9. Students must achieve a minimum “C” grade in all courses required to complete the Phase II portion of the OTA program.
Hawkeye Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex; race; age; color; creed; national origin; religion; disability; marital status; sexual orientation; gender identity; genetic information; political affiliation or belief in its employment practices; educational programs and activities; admission procedures; outreach and recruitment; counseling and guidance; testing; selection, placement, appointment, and referral; or
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application
* Required information. (This form may be filled out on the computer, please print if doing by hand.)
Personal Information
*
Name: (First) (M.I.) (Last) ________________________Name(s) that appear on previous educational records if different from above
Name: (First) (M.I.) (Last) _______________________
*Mailing Address: (Street) PO Box or Apt #
(City) Zip Code:
Is this your permanent address? Yes No (if no please supply your permanent address below)
*Mailing Address: (Street) PO Box or Apt #
(City) Zip Code:
*Primary Phone: ( ) Alternate Phone: ( )__________________ *E-mail: _____ _____
If your contact information changes, please notify the program office immediately.
*Semester you desire to start Phase 2 of the OTA program: Summer of (year) ________
Submission of this application signifies that you have completed the prerequisites and the appropriate records are on file with the Hawkeye Community College Admission Office: high school and/or college transcripts and a Hawkeye application. The program will verify that the prerequisites have been met. With the exception of the completion of general education courses, any
prerequisite found to be incomplete will cause the application to be returned to you. Your file completion date will be the date a completed admissions packet, including required forms, is received by the program office (all prerequisites met).
The file completion date is used to determine entry to the program if there are more than 20 students who have completed all the criteria (prerequisites and observations). Once a class of 20 is filled, a waiting list will be maintained based on the file completion
date. Students are encouraged to complete the program application process early. Final acceptance into Phase 2 will depend upon
the successful completion of the Phase 1 course work and passing the required background checks.
Upon acceptance to Phase 2 of the OTA program, the student will complete the Criminal Background check waiver for Occupational Therapy Assistant students. This form can be found in the OTA Student Handbook students receive following acceptance into the program.
Student Signature:_____________ ____________________
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program – Curriculum Checklist
Name:_____________________________ _
Hawkeye Student ID:_______________________
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
FIRST YEAR - SEMESTER I CREDITS LETTER GRADE GRADE POINTS
Medical Terminology for Health Sciences (HSC 113)
2 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I w/Lab (BIO 168)*
4
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 111)
3 Math for Liberal Arts (MAT
110) 3 Composition I (Eng 105) 3 Introduction to Computers (CSC 110) 3 Total 18
FIRST YEAR – SEMESTER II CREDITS LETTER GRADE GRADE POINTS
Human Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab (BIO 173)*
4
Developmental Psych (PSY 121) 3 Introduction to Health Professions (HSC 108) 2 Introduction to Sociology (Soc 110) or Diversity in America (SOC 205) 3 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC 101) 3 Abnormal Psychology (PSY
241)
3
Total 18
Students need to have a “B” or higher grade to process application.
Students may complete Phase I course work any time prior to entering Phase II, with the exception of
Human Anatomy and Physiology, which must be taken within five years of entry into Phase II, unless
waved by the program director. Transfer students must have an official copy of their transcripts sent to
the Admissions Office for approval of general education courses.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Pre-admission Observation Hours
Student Name (printed): ________________________________________________________
Students are requesting to observe at your facility due to strong interested in applying to the OTA program at
Hawkeye Community College. This observation is part of the admission requirements for the didactic Phase II
portion of the program. Through this experience, we anticipate that the applicant will gain first hand exposure
to Occupational Therapy in order to determine a correct career choice. We ask that they observe a registered
occupational therapist (OTR) or certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). They are required to complete
a total of 24 hours of observation, three- 8 hour observations of direct patient care in 3 different settings
(example: outpatient, inpatient, home health, long-term care, etc.). Observations must be in at least two
different facilities or therapy companies. Observations will not be accepted from your current employer. The
8-hour observation can be completed in one or more visits, depending on your facility’s preference. Please
complete the information below to document that the student has completed the observation requirement.
Thank you for your assistance with this process. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to
contact the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director (Angela McHone MOT,OTR/L, CLT) at
319-296-2329, ext. 1255 or
angela.mchone@hawkeyecollege.edu
.
*Students are responsible to arrange observation hours and adhere to all facility
professional dress code, policies and procedures.
Observation 1:
Facility Name: __________________________________ City: __________________________
Facility Type:
Acute IP OP Clinic Home Health Nursing Home Rehab Center Other: _______________
I verify that I am a registered occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant and the above
named individual observed with me for a total of 8-hours.
Clinician Name: ___________________________________
License #_______________
Clinician Signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________
Observation 2:
Facility Name: __________________________________ City: __________________________
Facility Type:
Acute IP OP Clinic Home Health Nursing Home Rehab Center Other: _______________
I verify that I am a registered occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant and the above
named individual observed with me for a total of 8-hours.
Clinician Name: ___________________________________
License #_______________
Clinician Signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________
Observation 3:
Facility Name: __________________________________ City: __________________________
Facility Type:
Acute IP OP Clinic Home Health Nursing Home Rehab Center Other: _______________
I verify that I am a registered occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant and the above
named individual observed with me for a total of 8-hours.
Clinician Name: ___________________________________
License #_______________
Observation Log for Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Date
Time
Facility
Signature of Supervisor
My signature certifies that the above information is accurate. Hours listed with current employer will not be
accepted and need to observe in a minimum of 2 different settings. I understand that if I have falsified the
information, I will be denied eligibility to continue the application process of the OTA Program. The hours
must be equivalent to a total of 24 hours.
_________________________________________________
__________________
Signature of Student Date
Hawkeye Physical Evaluation Forms* include:
Medical history, hearing, vision, immunization record, and physical exam form.
Current Vaccinations
You must provide proof that your vaccination status is current. Dates must be noted on the form – just listing “current vaccinations” will not satisfy the requirements. If you are unsure of the vaccinations status, you should have your immunizations updated.
Hepatitis B
You must show documentation of either:
1. Receiving the Hepatitis B Vaccine (a series of three shots for the prevention of Hepatitis B, a disease of the liver)
2. A signed medical waiver declining the series (see pages 24-26)
Tuberculosis Test
Because of the increased incidence of tuberculosis, each student is required to have a current T.B. skin test.
Completed Records
The completed records will be reviewed. You will be contacted if there is need for additional information or tests. The program’s ACCE will be responsible for securing and storing student medical files. All medical information will be maintained in a confidential manner.
*Please make a copy of your completed physical and immunization
Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs:
Iowa Community Colleges have developed the following Core Performance Standards for all applicants to Health Care Career Programs. These standards are based upon required abilities that are compatible with effective performance in healthcare careers. Applicants unable to meet the Core Performance Standards are responsible for discussing the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the designated institutional office. Before final admission into a health career program, applicants are responsible for providing medical and other documentation related to any disability and the appropriate accommodations needed to meet the Core Performance Standards. These materials must be submitted in accordance with the institution’s ADA Policy.
Capability Standard Some Examples of Necessary Activities (not all inclusive)
Cognitive-Perception The ability to perceive events realistically, to think clearly and rationally, and to function appropriately in routine and stressful situations.
• Identify changes in patient/client health status • Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations
Critical
Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient for sound clinical judgment. • Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical situations • Develop plans of care
Interpersonal Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact appropriately with
individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual
backgrounds.
• Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues
• Demonstrate high degree of patience
• Manage a variety of patient/client expressions (anger, fear, hostility) in a calm manner
Communication Communication abilities in English sufficient for appropriate
interaction with others in verbal and written form.
• Read, understand, write, and speak English competently
• Explain treatment procedures • Initiate health teaching
• Document patient/client responses • Validate responses/messages with others
Mobility Ambulatory capability to
sufficiently maintain a center of gravity when met with an opposing force as in lifting, supporting, and/or transferring a patient/client.
• The ability to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., alone or with assistance as available
Hearing Auditory ability sufficient to
monitor and assess, or document health needs.
• Hears monitor alarms, emergency signals, ausculatory sounds, cries for help
• Hears telephone interactions/directions
Visual Visual ability sufficient for
observation and assessment necessary in patient/client care, accurate color discrimination.
• Observes patient/client responses • Discriminates color changes
• Accurately reads measurement on patient/client related equipment
Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for
physical assessment, inclusive of size, shape, temperature, and texture.
• Performs palpation
• Performs functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertion of a catheter
Activity
Tolerance The ability to tolerate lengthy periods of physical activity. • Move quickly and/or continuously • Tolerate long periods of standing and/or sitting Environmental Ability to tolerate environmental
Occupational Therapy Assistant Application
Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs
Acknowledgement Form
Please sign and return this portion of the document with the other required application
packet forms.
My signature acknowledges that I have been provided with the document “Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs” and am familiar with its content. I understand that I may request reasonable accommodations in order to meet these standards.
Name (please print):_______________________________________________________________________