Associate in Applied Science Degree

This degree program prepares the student to perform selected occupational therapy procedures and related tasks under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist.

Career Cluster:  Occupational therapy assistant in a hospital, out-patient clinic, nursing home, school, industry, or community health agency.

Students may only enroll in courses with an OTA prefix after being granted admission to the program. 

Ruth Bixby, OTR/L, B.S.
Program Director
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
217-786-2872 or 1-800-727-4161, ext. 62872
Email: Ruth.Bixby@llcc.edu

Eve Fischberg, OTR/L, M.A.
Professor/Clinical Coordinator
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
217-786-2833 or 1-800-727-4161, ext. 62833
Email: Eve.Fischberg@llcc.edu

 Bev Provines
Administrative Assistant to the Dean
Department of Health Professions
217.786.2449 or 800.727.4161, ext. 62449
Email: Bev.Provines@llcc.edu

Cynthia Maskey, PhDc, CNE, RN
Dean, Department of Health Professions
217.786.2436 or 800.727.4161, ext. 62436
Email: Cynthia Maskey@llcc.edu
 

Spring Semester, First Year

Summer Semester, First Year

Fall Semester, First Year

Spring Semester, Second Year

Summer Semester, Second Year

Fall Semester, Second Year

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS TO BE EARNED:  70

This includes 640 hours of Level II fieldwork. Level II Fieldwork assignments must be completed within 18 months of completion of academic preparation.

Occupational therapy students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses with a prefix of OTA and HLT.  Students who earn below a C in any of these courses will be immediately dropped from the program. Students have the right to apply for readmission to the program based on program admissions committee action and space availability.  In the case of readmission, credit will be allowed for courses previously completed with a grade of C or higher.  Only one re-admission is allowed.

 The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD  20824-1220.  AOTA's phone number is (301) 652-AOTA.  Graduates of the program are eligible to write the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  Following successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).  Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.

Lincoln Land Community College and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program recognize that accreditation status represents a promise of quality to the students, the college, the community, and the profession of occupational therapy.

For the past three year period (2006-2008), 35 individuals have graduated from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.  Of the 35 graduates, 34 students elected to take the NBCOT Examination.  Of the 34 test takers, all 34 successfully completed the exam on their first attempt.  The pass rate for first-time test takers for the past three year period (2006-2008) is 100%. To date, a total of 91 students have successfully completed the program.  The pass rate on the National Certification Examination since the inception of the program in 1998 is 100% for first-time takers.

The Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation is responsible for the licensing and regulation of the practice of occupational therapy in the State of Illinois.  A record of any felony conviction may prevent a student from completing fieldwork experiences required for graduation or obtaining a license to practice occupational therapy assisting in the State of Illinois.  Information regarding examination places and dates will be provided in the fourth semester of the program.  For information regarding licensure or a copy of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, contact:

    State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
    320 West Washington
    Third Floor
    Springfield, Illinois  62704
    (217) 782-8556
    http://www.state.il.us/dpr

These requirements must be completed before your application can be considered.

1.   Attend an informational session given on campus by the OTA director.  The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has limited enrollment and student selection criteria are covered in detail at the informational session.  See section below for dates of meetings.

2.   Send ACT test results to the LLCC Admissions and Records Office.
 
   a.   ACT minimum composite score of 20, with no section less than 15, or have an Associate's degree or higher, or

   b.   Successfully complete with a grade of C or better the following three general education courses:

      -   PSY 101, COM 111 or COM 105, and HLT 205

• Submit the LLCC admission worksheet if you are not a current student.
• Take the LLCC placement test.  Schedule by calling 786-2211 for test times and dates.  See section in current LLCC catalog called "Evaluation of Student Skills and Placement Testing" for details concerning students not needing to take the placement test.
  • English (equivalent to COM 099)
  • reading skills (level at which no remediation is required)
  • math skills (equivalent to MAT 092)
• Graduate from high school or have a GED certificate.  Have high school transcripts sent to the LLCC Admissions and Records Office.
• Have a 2.5 GPA or better for all previous college courses.  Have college transcripts sent to the LLCC Admissions and Records Office.
• Have completed with a grade of C or better:
  • Two years of high school algebra OR one year of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry (or college equivalent; MAT 092)
  • Two years of high school lab sciences or college equivalent.
  • These courses must have been completed within the last five years. At the discretion of the OTA Program Director, this 5-year limitation may be waived.
• Students who have completed admission requirements 1 through 5 and who are accepted into the applicant pool will be notified to attend an on-campus session with the Program Director. At that time all applicants will be required to complete an essay.  The essay will be evaluated for written communication skills and the applicant's intent for pursuing a career in occupational therapy.
• The deadline for application to the program is August 1 of each year.  Sixteen students are selected by the Admission Committee. Selection is based upon GPA, previous coursework and ACT score.  Previous work and volunteer experience will also be considered in the selection process.  Students will receive notification of admission in October. 
• The program begins with the spring semester and graduation is in December of the following year.  Students must complete six semesters of combined general education, OTA academic coursework and fieldwork.

Mandatory informational sessions will be conducted to share information and answer questions regarding the Lincoln Land Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

The following subjects will be discussed:

• Occupational therapy as a chosen career
• Admission and selection process
• Curriculum content
• Program policies and requirements
• Clinical affiliation requirements
• General practice and licensure information
• General course advising

Pre-registration is NOT required.  All interested new students are welcome. 

Dates & Times:  All meetings are at 5:30 p.m.  

• September 23, 2009
• November 18, 2009
• January 27, 2010
• March 24, 2010

Where:

Lincoln Land Community College
Logan Hall, Room 1115
5250 Shepherd Road
Springfield, Illinois