The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) aims to graduate competent entry-level professionals dedicated to the advocacy and provision of quality occupational therapy services. Working in collaboration with occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants provide skilled therapeutic interventions that are evidence-based and grounded in theory. Leadership, community, health, and occupational approaches are core to the program’s philosophy. It is a two year 61 credit program preparing students for employment in a variety of health care settings.
- This in-person program begins in the fall semester.
- Hours include 640 hours of Fieldwork II experience. Level II Fieldwork assignments must be completed within 18 months of completion of academic preparation.
- Occupational therapy students must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses with a prefix of OTA, to remain in the program. Students leaving the program before completing it may apply for readmission based on space availability and in accordance with guidelines as determined by the Dean, Program Director and faculty. In the case of readmission, credit will be allowed for courses previously completed with a minimum grade of C. Only one readmission is allowed.
- The program does not waiver any coursework previously taken in other occupational therapy assistant programs. All enrolled students must complete all required OTA courses through LLCC's OTA program. However, it is acceptable when students transfer general education credits that are required in the OTA program.
- A criminal background check and drug testing are mandatory once accepted into the program.
- Students must provide proof of current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification (including adult and infant CPR) before the end of the first semester.
- Proof of immunizations required: Hepatitis B series, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, annual Influenza and current TB screening prior to clinical/fieldwork participation.
- The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. Medical and/or religious waivers may be available per the college and clinical site policies.
- This applied science program of study must be taken in its entirety, and in sequence, to meet degree requirements. There is no part time option, at this time.
- This course is conducted on a limited-enrollment basis. Admission to this program involves additional procedures, as described, herein. Chapter 112, Section 103-17, of the Illinois Public Community College Act requires that whenever enrollment in a program must be restricted because of space limitations, a college must give preference to district residents. Consequently, admission to this program for students who live outside of LLCC District 526 is based on space availability and qualified applicant pool.
- Graduates of the OTA program must meet the eligibility requirements of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to sit for the national certification examination. NCBOT reviews criminal history as part of its eligibility determination process and a felony conviction may impact a graduate's ability to obtain certification and subsequently, state licensure. Individuals with a history of felony convictions are encouraged to contact NBCOT directly to review their specific circumstances prior to applying to the program.
- This program is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-652-6611, https://acoteonline.org/.
Admission requirements:
- HS transcript with proof of graduation or GED certificate or college degree with documentation on file in Admissions and Records Office.
- Attend an OTA Program Informational Session.
- Official transcripts from all colleges ever attended evaluated by Admissions and Records Office. Students who neglect to do this, or delay doing this, may jeopardize their ability to be accepted to, or remain enrolled in a the program.
- Demonstrate placement into BIO 175.
- Demonstrate placement into EGL 101.
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher for all previous college courses.
- Complete the ATI-TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). A Basic score is required, Proficient score (55% or higher) is preferred. The TEAS score must be within 36 months of the end date of candidacy.
- Completion of seven hours of observation with an OT or OTA, and submission of the OTA observation form.
- Submit the OTA program application after all requirements are met.
Health physical
Students must show proof of CPR training for healthcare providers prior to end of the first semester. Training is provided at orientation for students who do not have previous training or need renewal of current certification.
To learn more about this program or view contact information, visit Occupational Therapy Assistant or see a student success advisor.