Occupational Therapy Assistant

Information Session

Important: All OTA Program applicants, please note there have been minor changes made to the OTA program admission criteria. These changes will be reflected in the Allied Health Application packet when it is revised in October 2012. They are also listed below:

• The HIM 111 requirement has been changed to HLT 141 for 1 credit (HIM 111 will still be accepted).
• The grade requirement of a B in ENG 111 or ENG 112 has been eliminated.   
• The OTA Program Observation Form must be submitted with the Allied Health Application.
• If applicable, the OTA Program Work Experience Form must also be submitted with the Allied Health Application.

• Allied Health Application
• OTA Program Description
• OTA Program Observation Form
• Work Experience Form

Pre-Health Technology students who need help selecting their classes should see an academic advisor in Student Services, HE 202.

Note: It is important to arrive on time; otherwise, it will be necessary to attend another information session. Please do not bring children. Times are subject to change. Please check back for cancellations.

2012 Information Session Dates:

DATE	TIME	LOCATION
May 21, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 255
June 12, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253
July 9, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 255
August 16, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253
September 13, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253
October 11, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253
November 15, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253
December 6, 2012	Noon - 1:30 p.m.	Room 253

DISCLAIMER: The occupational therapy assistant program at Northern Virginia Community College has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Education (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301)652-AOTA. ACOTE's website can be found at www.acoteonline.org. Once accreditation of the OTA program at NOVA is obtained, graduates must have successfully completed all coursework and fieldwork requirements of the program as outlined in the policies of the program. Upon graduation, students 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). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction could affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Once approval is granted by ACOTE, highly competitive students will be accepted into the OTA program with the earliest start being Spring Semester 2013. In the meantime, students seeking interest in the OTA program are encouraged to attend an information session and follow steps in preparation for competitive placement into the OTA Program. Competitive eligibility for OTA does not guarantee admission.

Other Resources:

• International Transcripts Contact List (PDF)
  (for International Students only)
• Request for Evaluation of Transcript (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions