Occupational Therapy Assistant-AAS Degree Plan

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Program Information

The two-year 60 hour curriculum in occupational therapy leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS). The program helps prepare the graduate to take the national certification examination provided by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Graduates must also meet licensure requirements as mandated by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE) or the state in which licensure is sought. The occupational therapy assistant curriculum includes a combination on-campus coursework, online coursework, and clinical experiences in traditional and non-traditional occupational therapy settings. The Navarro College Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611.

Acceptance to Navarro College does not guarantee admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. Applicants must first meet all admission criteria for Navarro College. Once enrolled in Navarro College, the student may submit an application to the OTA Program. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the information sessions which are conducted at various times throughout the year. The program application is online and located on the program website.

Positions in the program are limited. Admission decisions will be made through a points system. Priority status is determined from the following data: Grades in prerequisite courses on the OTA degree plan, previous health work experience, completion of prior degree or health certification, and submission of required essay. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is only available at the Corsicana and Midlothian locations.

Additional Program Requirements

• All required coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

• Students will provide proof of required or state-mandated health screenings, immunizations, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Clinical and practicum training will require drug screenings.

• Clinical and practicum training in practice settings may require extended travel (early mornings, evenings, weekends) within 60 miles of the student’s home.

• Entry into Level II Fieldwork (practicum) must occur within six months of completing academic studies. Completion of Level II fieldwork (practicum) of 16 weeks must occur within 16 months of completion of academic studies.

• The program must be completed with four (4) years of registration of the first OTHA course.

• Interruption in sequence of studies may require additional coursework to help ensure clinical readiness.

PLEASE NOTE: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination and/or attain state licensure.

 

Notice to Students Regarding Licensing - OTA

Effective September 1, 2017, House Bill (HB) 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify you a potential or enrolled student that a criminal history may make you ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners page provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements. 

Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential OTA License prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners: Future applicants page and request a “Criminal History Evaluation.”

This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.

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Prerequisites

 

Freshman Year - Summer

 

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - Spring

 

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore Year - Spring

 

 

Navarro College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Navarro College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Navarro College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website.