The Occupational Therapy Programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is located in Caldwell Hall, on University Avenue. The OT programs offer a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), an OTA to Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge, and an Occupational Therapy Doctorate.

Occupational Therapy is a health profession which evaluates and treats people with developmental, social, emotional, or physical problems and helps these individuals develop the skills to overcome the challenges of a disability. The aim is to enable those who are temporarily or permanently disabled to be as independent as possible in the areas of work, home, self-care, and leisure skills while recovering from or adapting to their disability.

Occupational therapy services typically include

• Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities
• Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers. 

Source - http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients.aspx#sthash.W8bhwmi2.dpuf

Occupational therapy practitioners work in a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, psychiatric facilities, and community health programs. School systems, hospitals, and long-term-care facilities are the primary work settings for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

Source - http://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/EducationCareers/Prospective/Workforce-trends-in-OT.ashx

The Bachelor of Science in Degree Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (BS OTA) consists of:

• Eight academic semesters divided into two segments, pre-occupational therapy assistant (POTA) and occupational therapy assistant (BS OTA)
• Level II fieldwork for a minimum of 16 full-time weeks in approved settings scheduled and coordinated by The University of Louisiana at Monroe. 

In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

*Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Accreditation

ULM’s Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD  20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

You may contact these organizations for further information:

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
http://www.nbcot.org/ (an Early Determination review is available)

If a prospective students is concerned about any prior issues which might prevent him or her from securing a cleared background check, she or he may choose to undergo a character review prior to applying for the OTA  Program.  This is done by requesting the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy to complete an Early Determination Review.  For further information about the process and fees please click this link:  https://www.nbcot.org/Students/Services#character

For applicants planning to practice in Louisiana, you should contact the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
http://www.lsbme.la.gov/content/background-check

 

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Graduation Rates for the OTA Program for the previous 3 years

 

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The OTA Program's results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) will be located online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance one year after the first cohort are eligible for exam.