Please see the important update about Central Piedmont classes resuming Feb. 22 and March 1 following the ransomware attack. Visit www.cpcc.edu/technology-interruptions for details.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
The application deadline has been extended to October 15, 2020. Please read on for details on attending a virtual information session and changes to observation hours requirements. Now is the time to pursue a career in healthcare. To get started, enroll at the college, then complete a program application using the instructions on this page. Program applications are currently being accepted by email only. Admissions Specialists are available to help you by phone or by email. Call 704.330.6284 or 704.330.6958 to schedule your personal phone appointment.
What You Will Learn
Enroll in the occupational therapy assistant program at Central Piedmont and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) are drawn to helping people and are compassionate and encouraging. In their role, they follow a treatment plan to help their patients improve movements and functions. Because they work closely with patients and occupational therapists, they must have strong communication skills.
Occupational therapy assistants help individuals of all ages with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist.
Occupational therapy assistants, through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations), help people affected by disease, illness, injury, or condition, to participate in the things they want and need to do.
Occupational therapy has a holistic perspective, focusing on finding a fit between the person, his environment, and his chosen life activities/occupations.
In our occupational therapy program you will quickly acquire foundational knowledge in occupational therapy theory, kinesiology, therapy and medical terminology, and therapy principles.
You will practice intervention and preparatory techniques to safely monitor and evaluate patient performance related to sensation, movement, vision, perception, cognition, emotions, and daily routines.
Our students also learn how to review medical history, maintain patient records, perform patient transportation, and perform therapy activities using specialized equipment for patients of varying ages and abilities. Through training, you will also study legal regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act; professional and ethical standards; and federal, state, and local requirements.
Graduates of our program are eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
After successful completion, they become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Once you successfully pass the national certification examination, you can apply for a license in any state.
- What is Occupational Therapy Video - Krystle Velasco
- Because of Occupational Therapy Video - Chad Foster
Review the virtual information session
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Central Piedmont’s occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
- 2018: 18 graduates with a 100% graduation rate; 100% pass rate on the certification exam
- 2017: 24 student graduates with a 92% graduation rate; 100% pass rate on the certification exam
- 2016: 23 student graduates with a 96% graduation rate; 95% pass rate on the certification exam
- total student graduates for this program for 2016-2018 was 65
- NBCOT program data results
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE):
6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
301.652.AOTA
acoteonline.org
In our program, you will spend more than 600 hours of supervised clinical training in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, and other settings to gain invaluable hands-on experience that supplements and complements traditional classroom learning. Our program has a 100% pass rate for 2015 for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification examination.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Student Occupational Therapy Association.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.