EACC is offering students a new option in Occupational Therapist Assistant under the EACC Allied Health Science Department
February 15 , 2009
East Arkansas Community College
East Arkansas Community College is offering students a new option in Occupational Therapist Assistant under the EACC Allied Health Science Department. The initial application date for admission to the OTA program will be September 1, 2010 with the first OTA classes anticipated to begin Spring Semester 2011.
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), commonly known as occupational therapy assistants, work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
There were only 126 accredited occupational therapist assistant programs in 2007 in the U.S. The first year of study typically involves an introduction to health care, basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. In the second year, courses are more rigorous and usually include occupational therapist program-specific courses in areas such as mental health, adult physical disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics. Students also must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community setting.
“The OTA program serves as evidence of EACC’s continuing commitment to our communities and our students,” said Dr. Erin Nash Nave, EACC OTA Program Director. “I am thrilled to be part of the new OTA program at EACC. Our students are excited as well, in fact I am truly excited by the quality of interested applicants I have seen so far and look forward to teaching them about their chosen field.”
“The development of the Occupational Therapist Assistant program at EACC will give students another viable option for a career in the lucrative Allied Health field,” said Dr. Jeff Watson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our Allied Health Science department already offers students many options including RN and LPTN nursing, EMT Paramedic and Radiologic Technology programs. A skilled workforce is the key to economic growth in our area.”