Working under the supervision or guidance of a registered occupational therapist, OTAs may implement restorative, preventive and maintenance programs. They perform activities that restore or maintain range of motion, strength and coordination or that improve motivation, self care, work, play and leisure skills. Because of the varying areas of application within each employment situation, the Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum is designed to develop creativity and problem-solving skills. The students are actively involved in a variety of learning experiences.
Students spend some time at local agencies and clinics within the area.
The final 16-week semester is spent in two different clinical sites for Fieldwork 2. This certification is required to be employed as a COTA and for certification to practice in the state of Wisconsin. All OTA students must complete Fieldwork 2 within 20 months following completion of academic preparation. The graduate will work with those individuals who have limited ability to cope with tasks of living, are impaired by developmental deficits, the aging process, economic and cultural differences, physical injury or illness, or psychological and social disability. OTA graduates, with appropriate supervision, will be able to serve a diverse population in a variety of settings such as community agencies, hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools and camps, and private homes.