The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) is designed to provide a quality educational experience that will train prospective professionals in the art and science of promoting and maintaining the holistic health and wellness of people, organizations, and populations through engagement in occupation. Graduates will be able to perform/engage as entry level professionals under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT). Graduates will develop skills necessary for employment as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, thereby meeting the students' individual needs and the expressed health-care needs of the local and extended communities served by the Colleges. The program strives to fill a growing need for professionals able to contribute to all facets of occupational therapy, from community-based programs to client-centered intervention. The program promotes the value and professional importance of life-long learning.
A basic background in natural sciences, mathematics, communication, and behavioral sciences undergirds the specialized course work. Specialized course work prepares students for the certification examination they will take to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Employment may be in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and other health care facilities, as well as within pediatric, community, or educational settings.
Academic Program Plans (APP)
Statement Of Mission:
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at JCTC is to provide a quality educational and training experience that will teach students the entry level skills necessary for employment as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, thereby meeting the students' individual needs and the expressed health-care needs of the local and extended communities served by the College. Graduates of JCTC's OTA Program will be caring, competent, and ethical professionals prepared to collaborate with OTRs in providing occupational therapy services; to participate in managing occupational therapy service; to direct activity programs; and to display values and attitudes that reflects the AOTA's professional standards and ethics.
AOTA Vision Statement:
We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, science-driven and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society’s occupational needs.
Contact Information:
Because faculty spend the majority of their time teaching, the preferred method of contact is via email. Pam Smithy, MS, OTR/L Program Coordinator Phone: 502-213-2342 Office: HSB 459 Lindsey Lawrence, BGS, COTA/L, ROH Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Phone: 502-213-2214 Office: HSB 458 Mary Warford Allied Health Secretary 502-213-4296 Phyllis Diedrich Allied Health Master Advisor 502-213-2277 Allied Health and Nursing Direct Line: 502-213-4050 Allied Health Advising Office: 502-213-2245 Allied Health Division Office: 502-213-4200 or 502-213-4296
Because faculty spend the majority of their time teaching, the preferred method of contact is via email.
Pam Smithy, MS, OTR/L Program Coordinator Phone: 502-213-2342 Office: HSB 459
Lindsey Lawrence, BGS, COTA/L, ROH Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Phone: 502-213-2214 Office: HSB 458
Mary Warford Allied Health Secretary 502-213-4296
Phyllis Diedrich Allied Health Master Advisor 502-213-2277
Allied Health and Nursing Direct Line: 502-213-4050
Allied Health Advising Office: 502-213-2245
Allied Health Division Office: 502-213-4200 or 502-213-4296
Important Links:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
If you are interested in becoming a Level I or Level II fieldwork educator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Jefferson Community and Technical College please contact Lindsey Lawrence at 502-213-2342