91暗网

Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check will be required while they are enrolled in the program or as a condition of employment in the field. Certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s).

Applicants to the OTA program should be aware that a criminal background check and Department of Education fingerprinting is required while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition of employment in the field.听 Felony convictions may affect a candidate鈥檚 ability to sit for the NBCOT National Certification Exam, obtain State OTA licensure and complete academic coursework (Level I and II fieldwork requirements and service learning).

Applicants who consider a career in occupational therapy or any of the allied health professions should be aware that during the course of their education and subsequent employment, they will be working in situations where exposure to infectious diseases is probable. This is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well-established infection control guidelines, however, can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in infection control procedures is an integral part of each health care program.

Additionally, applicants should be aware that exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) is possible. Individuals exposed to NRL products may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes; hives; nasal, eyes, or sinus symptoms; and, rarely, shock.

Upon successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, a graduate is expected to:

1. Students will be prepared to successfully pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
2. Demonstrate the use of professional values consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association Core Values and Ethics Statements, that allow them to function ethically and responsibly by demonstrating tolerance and respect for diversity of culture, age, gender, and ability.
3. Demonstrate effective communication with clients, families, supervisors, and other members of their work environment using cultural competence.
4. Employ critical thinking, logic, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity within their scope of professional practice.
5. Identify and explore opportunities for lifelong learning through continuing education and professional comptency as they relate to evidence practice and licensure requirements.
6. Demonstrate entry level competence as an Occupational Therapy assistant.

Curriculum Goals

The OTA program at 91暗网 provides students with technical knowledge and skills and promotes the facilitation of professionalism in order that graduates may be competent OT professionals. These outcomes will be evidenced as graduates:

1. Enter the Occupational Therapy profession prepared to work competently at entry level of practice.
2. Are eligible for certification by the NBCOT.
3. Are eligible for licensure by the State of Maine and/or chosen state of practice.
4. Incorporate values and attitudes congruent with the profession’s standards and ethics into practice.
5. Provide occupational therapy services with necessary supervision in collaboration with occupational therapists and members of the health care community.
6. Implement a variety of effective communication skills when interacting with peers, clients, family members, and other health care providers.
7. Utilize individual creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in all OT transactions and interventions.
8. Employ meaningful, culturally relevant, age suitable occupation as the focus of practice.
9. Articulate and promote awareness and understanding of the profession of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Assistant’s role within the profession to individuals with varied knowledge of the profession.
10. Assume responsibility for continued learning and skills development in Occupational Therapy practice to maintain service competency & currency with best practice.
11. Participate in the evaluation, planning, and implementation and outcome satisfaction under the supervision of an OT.
12. Participate in a systematic, ongoing evaluation of the OTA program to ensure quality of education.
13. Promote health, wellbeing, and participation in life through engagement in occupation for all people who have or are at risk of developing an illness, disability, condition or restriction in occupational performance.

National Board of Certification (NBCOT) Pass Rates

The 91暗网 OTA program believes听the following essential performance skills are necessary to ensure quality education for all OTA students and safety for prospective clients. It is important to note that Academic听Skills vary from Lab and Fieldwork Skills.听 The performance criteria are different听in academic and lab/fieldwork arenas.听These are explained within each syllabus/course activity.听 Lab and FW skills are based on skill performance as determined in each course syllabi.

The following essential performance skills are required听of ALL students in the OTA program. ALL students must possess these, and like abilities, and听must be able to demonstrate听them. Students using accommodations/compensatory techniques/tools must听be able to demonstrate these skills safely, accurately, effectively, with competence, and professionalism.听听This list is not intended to be exhaustive.听

All essential performance skills will be assessed on a P/F basis throughout the student’s tenure in the OTA program. If any student听is unable to demonstrate competency in any of the above essential performance skills he/she may not progress in the program.

The 91暗网 OTA Faculty believes听that the ability to:

• Think critically
• Use emotional/social intelligence and effective communication in all transactions
• Demonstrate persistence and resiliency
• Be ethical in behavior

are all required for success to fulfill the role of a competent occupational therapy practitioner.

Please note that each fieldwork site determines the essential skills needed to keep their clients safe.听 All students must demonstrate these required skills on FW I and II.

Cognitive Skills:

The student must:

1.听听听 understand, conceptualize and apply information (academically, socially and clinically) in a timed and/or un-timed environment

2.听听听 problem solve effectively as a situation demands

3.听听听 prioritize information for proper decision making

4.听听听 generalize information for effective use

5.听听听 use critical thinking and reasoning when assessing/using information

6.听听听 comprehend and follow instructions independently (both verbal and written)

7.听听听 follow multiple step (4 or more) directions independently

8.听听听 attend and focus for extended periods of time

9.听听听 interpret information from varied sources independently听(oral, written, diagrams, etc.)

10.听听 make well informed decisions

Sensory Skills:

The student must:

Utilize their sensory system in order to demonstrate adequate safety skills, basic clinical skills (including observation, screening and assessment), and for noting necessary supervisory needs.

Physical/Mobility:

The student must:

1.听听听 use necessary functional mobility for required tasks, including FW travel

2.听听听 use adequate strength/coordination to perform gross/fine motor tasks

3.听听听 successfully perform and instruct various basic clinical techniques (transfers, ADLs, etc.)

4.听听听 deliver information in a clear, concise, succinct, and consistent fashion

5.听听听 perform simple and repetitive tasks as needed, independently

6.听听听 perform complex and varied tasks as needed, independently

7.听听听 move about the environment intentionally in the presence of others.

Interpersonal/Behavioral Communications:

The student must:

1.听听听 consistently demonstrate emotional intelligence and therapeutic qualities with level of OTA learning

2.听听听 demonstrate that they can manage their emotional health for full use of their intellectual abilities

3.听听听 communicate effectively and clearly with others (i.e.-active listening, verbal, nonverbal, in writing)

4.听听听 use therapeutic communication autonomously (attend, listen, clarify, explain, facilitate)

5.听听听 adjust communication for intended audiences

6.听听听 accept and carry out responsibility for detailed, complex tasks

7.听听听 function independently and as part of a group/team

8.听听听 perform all required lab skills in the presence of peers and faculty

9.听听听 lead and follow, as required

10.听听 communicate effectively, in all contexts, using accurate verbal and written techniques for all necessary academic and clinical tasks

11.听听 relate to others beyond giving and receiving instruction

12.听听 explain self clearly and support personal/professional actions

13.听听 be confidential (use proprietary information properly)

14.听听 overtly convey respect and appreciation for diversity and differences

Professional Skills:

The student must:

1.听听听 continuously conduct self in accordance with all 91暗网 Standards, Student Code of Conduct, and the AOTA Code of Ethics

2.听听听 maintain poise and flexibility听with spontaneous changes and in stressful or changing conditions

3.听听听 maintain composure in time compressed and performance-based situations

4.听听听 identify personal learning needs

5.听听听 use effective personal management (including time and resources) and organizational skills

6.听听听 demonstrate effective self- awareness and control

7.听听听 discuss suitable topics in class/lab and at breaks

8.听听听 be on time with attendance, assignments, and projects

9.听听听 manage personal issues

10.听听 maintain a work pace suitable to a given workload

11.听听 assume responsibility for own actions, without assistance

12.听听 assume initiative and responsibility for learning in all learning environments

13.听听 modify behavior in response to feedback from peers/instructors

14.听听 participate in the OTA Program as an adult learner

Environmental Context:

The student must:

1.听听听 work around and with others effectively

2.听听听 use technology functionally

3.听听听 manage exposure to environmental demands (including dust, fumes, odors, allergies, human and non-human factors) etc.

4.听听听 understand and apply knowledge regarding the risk of exposure to infectious agents, secretions, and bodily fluids in all environments

5.听听听 comply with 91暗网 policies/OTA lab policies regarding workplace safety

6.听听听 use proper techniques (as stated in OTA lab policy manual) when using supplies, equipment, and technology

7.听听听 understand and follow all environmental patterns and changes

All Essential Performance Skills will be assessed through student self- assessment, peer assessment and/or OTA Faculty assessment throughout each semester.听 P/F criteria are used.听 If Faculty determines that a student is not demonstrating performance in any of the above Essential Performance Skills, they may not be able to progress in the OTA program.

OTA Student Handbook for Class of 2027

We envision 91暗网-educated Occupational Therapy Assistants as:

• Respected
• Person-Centered
• Occupationally oriented
• Culturally humble
• Creative
• Lifelong learners
• Leaders
• Advocates
• Compassionate professionals

Who are prepared to meet the evolving occupational health needs of Maine and beyond, and to be valued partners in a dynamic healthcare and wellness community today听and into the future.

For more information, please contact:

91暗网 Admissions

(207) 453-5822

kvccadmissions@mainecc.edu

Kara Weisher, MOT, OTR/L
OTA Program Director
(207) 453-5023
kweisher@mainecc.edu

John Krasnavage, COTA/L, MHRT/C, BA
OTA Faculty, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
(207) 453-5172
jkrasnavage@mainecc.edu