Occupational Therapy Assistant, AS (OTA)

Keiser University

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations which include self-care, work and play/leisure activities in order to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches in order to facilitate clients’ achievement of maximum independence.

Keiser University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Melbourne, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Jacksonville, Daytona, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach campuses, are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Program Mission

The OTA program promotes the development of career-oriented individuals from diverse backgrounds, to achieve the standards of competency necessary for entry-level professional practice. The program strives to prepare the occupational therapy assistant student for an ever-changing healthcare environment. The program adheres to a “students first” philosophy and the acquisition of a foundational knowledge base in occupational therapy, building skills in clinical reasoning, professionalism, evidence-based research and practice, and development of competencies necessary to work as a generalist.

The OTA program is committed to enhancing the Occupational Therapy (OT) profession at the local, state, and national levels. The program sees as part of its mission, the establishment of community partnerships to enhance the provision of student and educator training, to be responsive to practitioners in the field by offering continuing education opportunities, and any additional services needed to advance the OT profession.

Program Goals

The program’s mission is further defined in the following goals:

• Students will demonstrate professional behavior reflective of an ethical, competent entry-level OTA practitioner working under the supervision of an OTR supervisor.
• Students will demonstrate emerging clinical skills in treatment techniques, methodology and rationale for implementation, including clinical reasoning skills, as an entry-level professional joining the health care arena.
• Students will demonstrate an academic foundation that clearly evidences occupational therapy’s unique focus on daily living activities and interventions that promote engagement in occupations that support clients’ participation within a social/cultural context.