How To Choose The Best Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools

Occupational therapy assistant schools and universities in the US offer various certified programs for students who are keen on pursuing a course in occupational therapy assisting. Occupational therapy assistants help people develop and regain lost skills either as a result of injury or due to some chronic illness or prolonged hospitalization. The occupational therapist works closely with the clients and focuses not just on the physical aspects but helps address their psychological needs as well. These degree courses are offered in many schools in the US.

Selection of Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools

The first important thing that a prospective student must look for while choosing the assistant school is accreditation. All the students who successfully complete the course will have to take a national certifying examination. Students will only be allowed to sit for their exams if they have attended a school that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the year 2009, there were about 135 accredited schools in the US alone.

Diverse Coursework

The coursework will be diverse as occupational therapy assistants are normally called upon to assist with in-patient care as well as outpatient calls. Generally, the assistant program offers classes in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, health communications, computer basics, development, growth, mental health principles, psychology, administration, human occupations, and kinesiology.

On-Job Training

These schools generally offer students fieldwork at any of the affiliated on-campus healthcare centers. Most of their work can be picked up while they are on the job, which is a good thing as they receive on-job training. This also aids in building professional experience which is an integral part of the educational program.

In general, the assistant training helps students offer assistance to clients and help in rehabilitation, in order to increase mobility while also improving the quality of life. Students will then complete a 1-year accredited certified program, or a 2-year degree program. The student will also need to pass the national licensure examination and get the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Some of the top colleges offering the courses are:
Miami Dade College - student population of 57,222
Prima Community College - student population of 34,136
Broward College - student population of 33,448
De Anza College - student population of 26,056
Florida Community College at Jacksonville - student population of 25,903

The courses that are offered are spread over a period of two to four years. There are a number of occupational therapy assistant schools other than the few that have been mentioned above, and all these colleges offer the courses. It is important to note that the overall personality of the student must match the job profile. Patience and compassion are two virtues that these students will have to possess.