Occupational Therapy Assistant (BS)

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Weber State University will prepare students to become certified, licensed OTAs equipped to assist occupational therapists in supporting individuals who face challenges in performing daily activities due to illness, injury, or disability. This program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, combining classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork to ensure students are prepared to meet the diverse needs of clients across the lifespan-from pediatrics to geriatrics. OTAs work closely with occupational therapists to help clients acquire or regain essential daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, and meal preparation, using evidence-based practices to improve quality of life through meaningful and therapeutic activities.

Graduates of Weber State’s OTA program will be qualified to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, enabling them to obtain licensure to practice in Utah and other states within the US. The program also lays a foundation for students interested in pursuing further education in occupational therapy, providing the essential skills and experience needed for graduate studies.

• Grade Requirements: Students must achieve a B- or higher in all prerequisite and major classes
• Credit Hour Requirements: Total Degree Credits: 122-125 Total Upper Division Credits: 61
• Program Code: 2099BS
• CIPC: 510803

Advisement

Students will receive advising from existing academic advisors in Dumke College of Health Professions and the Department of Athletic Training at Weber State University.

General Education

Refer to Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Science requirements. Most general education requirements for the BS degree are taken as prerequisites to the program. However, students must complete all Bachelor of Science general education requirements to earn the degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Admission Requirements

Students must apply to and be accepted into the OTA program to be admitted into any of the courses offered by and required for a degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Occupational therapy assistant students will progress through the curriculum as a cohort. Students will apply to the OTA program the spring of their sophomore year.  Students will begin the OTA program as a cohort in the fall of their junior year. The science and all prerequisite courses are listed below and must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 prior to being admitted into the program. These basic science courses must have been taken within five years of the date of anticipated enrollment in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Selective Admissions requirements will include:

1. Completion of OTA program prerequisites with a B- or above
2. Performance scores as measured by rubric on prompted questions on a proctored essay.

Program Learning OutcomesProgram Learning Outcomes for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Weber State University:

1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Competence: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy principles and acquire entry-level competence to practice as a generalist in both emerging and traditional practice settings, addressing the diverse needs of individuals, groups, and communities.
2. Apply the Occupational Therapy Process: Integrate the core elements of the occupational therapy process, as defined by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF), to deliver client-centered, therapeutic interventions that enhance meaningful participation in daily life.
3. Utilize Evidence-Based Practice: Synthesize scientific evidence, theories, models, and frameworks to implement evidence-based, innovative, and effective occupational therapy interventions that advance health, well-being, and quality of life.
4. Embrace Professional Ethics and Cultural Sensitivity: Uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession by demonstrating sensitivity, equity, and responsiveness to the unique cultural and personal needs of clients.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth: Demonstrate a dedication to lifelong learning by actively engaging in professional development, scholarship, and reflective practice to enhance occupational therapy service delivery.
6. Advocate for Collaborative Practice and Professional Roles: Advocate for the distinct yet collaborative roles of occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapists, fostering intra and interprofessional partnerships to improve service delivery and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
7. Foster Leadership and Community Impact: Develop leadership skills to engage in advocacy, education, and community partnerships that promote health equity, inclusion, and participation for diverse populations.

Prerequisite Courses (42-45 credit hours)

• OTA 1010  - Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3)        
• HTHS 1101 - Medical Terminology (2)    
• RHS 1550 - Introduction to Rehabilitation Sciences (2)   
• RHS 1300 - First Aid: Responding to Emergencies (2)   
• PSY 1010 SS - Introductory Psychology (3)   
• PSY 3010 - Psychopathology (3)   
• ZOOL 1610 LS - Principles of Zoology (4)   
• CHF 1500 SS/CC - Human Development (3)   

Either

• ENGL 2010 EN2 - Intermediate College Writing (3)   
• ENGL 2015 EN2 - Intermediate College Writing & Research (4)  

Either

• MATH 1040 QL - Introduction to Statistics (3)  
• MATH 1050 -MATH 1080  Another Gen Ed Math Course (4-5)

Either

• COMM 1020 HU - Principles of Public Speaking (3)  
• COMM 2110 HU CEL - Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (3)  

Either

• SOC 1010 SS/CC - Introduction to Sociology (3)  
• ANTH 1000 SS/CC - Introduction to Anthropology (3)  

Either

• HTHS 2110 LS - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)  and HTHS 2111  - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)  
• ZOOL 2320 - Human Anatomy (4)  and  ZOOL 2420 LS - Human Physiology (4)