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Imagine you need to learn how to:
- Safely get in and out of bed after an injury.
- Move yourself from a wheelchair to a couch.
- Grasp a coffee mug or a utensil.
The person who can help you is an occupational therapy assistant, or OTA.
色色研究所 is launching a new program to train students for this rewarding, in-demand career. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program begins in Fall 2025, but students must apply by Monday, May 26. The deadline has been extended from May 12 to May 26.
The BHC program does not have any course prerequisites, however students do need to complete 10 hours of observation before they apply. They also need to provide a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
Students graduate in just over two years (six semesters) with an Associate in Applied Science degree then are eligible to sit for the (NBCOT) Certification Exam.
From February 2022 to February 2025, 113 companies posted 575 jobs for occupational therapy assistants in the 色色研究所 area, and job opportunities are projected to grow for the next 10 years.
What is an OTA?
OTAs collaborate with occupational therapists to support clients across their lifespan 鈥� from birth to end of life 鈥� to help them regain independence and improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
OTAs help clients with skills for daily living, health management, sleep, education, work, play and social activities.
Abigail Swidergal oversees the new BHC program and said she became an OTA because she wanted to help people, be hands-on and holistic, and work in a field that showed job stability and growth.
鈥淚n clinical work, I loved every day of practice,鈥� she said. 鈥淪eeing the progress of those I worked with and building relationships was the best part, and no two days looked the same.鈥�
Where do OTAs work?
OTAs can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools
- Homes
- Community-based practices
- Skilled nursing facilities
In the new BHC program, students learn key skills in rehabilitation, therapeutic techniques and holistic care. Hands-on clinical training prepares students to assist individuals, groups and communities in achieving their goals.
鈥淲e’re starting this new chapter with a well-equipped lab and classroom 鈥� including models, equipment, adaptive tools and clinical materials 鈥� and a brand-new mock apartment to mirror real-world settings,鈥� Swidergal said.
鈥淲ith the opportunity to learn in the classroom, mock apartment, all over the BHC campus and within our community, students will experience an array of practice opportunities,鈥� she said.