1. What are the pre-requisites?
There are four course pre-requisites and they are BSC 1085C (Anatomy & Physiology I), ENC 1101 (College Composition I), PSY 1012 (General Psychology), HSC 1000 (Introduction to Health Care), and, effective Fall 2012, OTH1001 (Introduction to OT). There are three other open general education courses that you may go ahead and take while awaiting program admission (See curriculum).
Students applying for Fall 2012 must also complete 10 hours of volunteer service under the supervision of an OTR or COTA. A list of available volunteer sites and the documentation form are available within the application packet. Students applying after Fall 2012 will meet this requirement in the Introduction to OT class.
In addition, because the program is now an AS Degree students will be required to complete one of the following math courses to satisfy program requirements:
College Algebra (MAC1105), College Math (MGF2106), Liberal Arts Math (MGF 2107), or Statistics (STA2023).
2. What are the program hours?
The first semester in the program (Fall) has four required OTA classes. The tentative schedule for these classes:
Monday: 9:00 – 3:00; Wednesday: 9:00-3:00; Friday: 9:00-2:30
** If a student is still taking general education requirements, their schedule will vary accordingly.
The second semester (Spring) has four required OTA classes and they are spaced over three days (M/W/F) with a fourth half-day reserved for fieldwork. The OTA program does not run over the summer semester so this is a good time to catch up on any required general education or work and save money for school.
The second year’s Fall Semester has four required OTA classes. Three of these classes are spaced over M- Th with approximate times from 9:00-3:30. The fourth class (OTH 1802) is a three-week full-time fieldwork experience at the end of the semester.
The second year Spring Semester is the supervised clinical practice (internship), which involves M-F, 8-5 for the full sixteen-week semester.
3. How much does the program cost?
At $102.48 per credit hour ($386.52 for non-residents) this 70 hour program will cost $7,173.00 for tuition over a two-year period ($27,056.00 for non-residents). Additional approximate costs include: FDLE Level II Background Check to include Drug Testing and Fingerprinting $90.00, OTA Books $800-900, Name Tag $7.00, Physical $50.00, TB Test $20.00, Hep B Boosters $42.00 (optional) CPR certification $45.00, Lab Coat $35.00, and student membership (this is recommended, not mandatory) to the American Occupational Therapy Association $50.00. Certification examination is $565.00 and State licensing fees are approximately $200.00.
4. Will my previous college courses count in this program?
Official Transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions Department, where the Transcript Evaluator will determine which credits are transferable into the A.S. Degree program. Unofficial transcripts must be attached to theSchoolofHealth Careersand Human Services application. Students transferring from other OTA programs will need to speak with the Program Manager about the process; however, courses are not automatically accepted.
5. Do I need to use a computer in this program?
Yes. Each of our courses has a web-based component through Florida Online, where we communicate with you for class information and post course resources. In addition, OTH 2933 is offered primarily online, while OTH 1802 and OTH 2300 also have some assignments done online. We plan to add more OTA course material online as well. There is a computer lab available to students in our program, as well as resources at the Computer Commons in the Library.
6. Must I take a certification exam upon completion of this program? What is the NBCOT pass rate for graduates who take the test for the first time?
Yes, you must take and pass a national certification exam through NBCOT to be able to practice.
In the years 2009-2011, the number of graduates who passed the certification exam as first-time new graduate test-takers was 56 out of 68, which is a pass rate of 82.3%. 6 graduate test-takers during this time passed the exam on a repeat attempt, for a total pass rate of 91.1%. The total number of graduates from the program during this time was 68.
For the graduates of 2011, 22 took the exam, with 20 passing on the first attempt for a pass rate of 90.9%. 1 passed on repeat attempts, for an overall pass rate of 95%.
You must also apply for state licensure for Florida, and that is based upon successful completion of the exam.
7. What is the employment outlook?
Employment opportunities in the Volusia County area are good. For those who are willing to relocate, there are very good employment opportunities in other areas in and out of Florida and throughout theU.S.
8. What salary can I expect to earn?
The entry range is currently $23.00 - $28.00/per hour based on facility and location. PRN (as-needed) positions generally pay a higher hourly wage but offer no guarantees of employment and no benefits.
9. What are typical work settings in this profession?
Nursing homes, school systems, hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, pediatric agencies, home health, and some private offices (physicians, contract agencies, etc.)
10. What are the typical working hours in this profession?
Those employed in some hospital and nursing home settings may have some weekend coverage expected, however; most settings require regular M-F day hours. Flexibility is an option, with many companies offering part-time contract positions.
11. When does the program start?
A new program cycle begins each Fall semester in August. Applications are accepted January 1 through April 30 of each year. Applicants are usually notified of their status via postal mail by the end of June. The program can accommodate up to twenty-eight students.
Effective Fall 2011-Applicants will be ranked based on a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better and the 10 hours of observation with an OT or COTA. Remaining applicants will be ranked according to what they have completed. The applicant pool will be reviewed each admission cycle, based on the above mentioned criteria.
Rev 4/2012
