Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations which include self-care, work and play/leisure activities in order to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches in order to facilitate clients’ achievement of maximum independence.

NBCOT (National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapist) examination pass rates for graduates of BSU Occupational Therapy Assistant program are available. 

Berkshire University University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Melbourne, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Jacksonville, Daytona, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach campuses, are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE can be reached at ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814-3449 Office phone: (301) 652-AOTA www.nyus.us

Program Objectives

The following objectives are designed to meet BSU mission and its objectives.

• To provide an environment in which students demonstrate ethical behaviors, critical thinking skills and commitment to lifelong learning as required of a competent healthcare professional
• Students demonstrate emerging clinical skills in treatment techniques, methodology and rationale for implementation, including clinical documentation and reasoning skills as an entry-level professional
• Students demonstrate an academic foundation that clearly evidences occupational therapy’s unique focus on daily living activities and interventions that promote clients’ participation within a social/cultural context

Program Goals

The program’s mission is further defined in the following goals:

• Students will demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills and a commitment to lifelong learning
• Students will possess employable entry-level skills required for the profession
• Students will demonstrate ethical behavior that promotes client participation within a social/cultural context

Prerequisites for Major Courses

• Satisfactory background check and drug screening
•  (for information on graduate’s eligibility for certification and credentialing click here) 
• Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course.  Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C, BSC2086C, MAT1033 and PSY1012.
• Cumulative grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Program Outline

To receive an Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, students must earn 84 credit hours. Program requirements are as follows.

Each course in the Occupational Therapy Assistant major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course and therefore must be passed with a minimum “C” grade in order to proceed successfully through the program.

General Education Courses (26.0 credit hours) (pdf file)
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Note: Each course in the Occupational Therapy Assistant major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course and therefore must be passed with a minimum “C” grade in order to proceed successfully