Need for the Occupational Therapy Program
Occupational therapy is one of the most in demand professions in the US and internationally. The number of programs in the field has, like many health professions, exploded. Findings from needs assessment conducted by the College of Nursing and Health professions revealed high regional and state needs for the development of occupational therapy programs that prepare graduates to become either occupational therapy assistants or occupational therapists. The delta region has a unique configuration of needs and strengths upon which occupational therapy programs will prepare graduates to meet and develop.
Employment of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants is expected to increase faster than the national average from 2010-2020. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics places it near the top of the list for the fastest growing occupations that requires a master’s degree. Arkansas is expected to have a 20% increased need for OTD and OTA from 2010- 2020 and jobs are expected to increase by 12% in ten years.
Occupational Therapy
Need for the Occupational Therapy Program
The field of occupational therapy has emerged as one of the top healthcare professions in the nation because of numerous evidence-based findings that overwhelmingly suggest occupational therapy to be an integral part of social and community integration and/or rehabilitation following injury or disease. Occupational therapists identify how and whether their clients engage in the daily activities they value. These daily activities are called occupations. Occupational therapy assistants collaborate with their supervising occupational therapists to work with clients of all ages to make a difference in functional outcomes including quality of life, participation levels and occupational performance.
Mission
The mission of the occupational therapy assistant program is to provide quality education to students in the profession of occupational therapy assistant. The program will assess the attainment of this mission in terms of the contributions its graduates make to health care in the Delta region and beyond.
Vision
The vision of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is to educate and graduate a generalist provider who assists the Occupational Therapist in the provision of OT services and participates in interprofessional education and practice development.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the OTA Program, students will:
- Identify areas for continued professional learning/education that enhance the student’s professional growth.
- Plan and provide occupational therapy services that are client-centered and occupation-based.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with all members of the healthcare team.
- Apply sound ethical principles to guide and direct the occupational therapy process.
- Utilize sound clinical reasoning throughout the occupational therapy process while considering all client and contextual factors.
- Develop the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the profession, and advocate for clients and the profession.
