The application deadline is March 1 for the Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.
Graduates will be able to work directly with patients both young and old to increase their quality of life. OTAs are in high demand as patients spend less time in a hospital, and live longer after an illness or accident.
The OTA program is a one-plus-one degree program that prepares students to practice as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants after meeting certification and state licensure standards.
OTAs assist occupational therapists in helping patients increase their functional mobility. OTAs engage with patients both young and old and with various medical conditions.
“These patients have often lost their independence after a stroke, a fall, or an extended illness,” said Dr. Sherry Phelan, Dean of Instruction/Chief Academic Officer at Three Rivers College. “Therapy helps them regain strength and take care of themselves again.”
The OTA program at Three Rivers is part of the Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC), and offers the program coordinated through the University of Missouri.
Three Rivers offers and enrolls students in the general education coursework. Sophomore level (professional level) coursework typically originates from a classroom in Sedalia, Missouri, and is conveyed to TRC students via interactive television and internet-based technology.
After general education coursework is complete, the professional coursework takes one full calendar year.
“There is a demand for Occupational Therapy Assistants in home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and schools,” Phelan said. “We offer an excellent program here at Three Rivers through MHPC. It’s a great place for people to prepare for a career as an OTA.”
Details about the OTA program are on the application form, which can be found online at trcc.edu/apply. Prospective students must also complete a free Three Rivers application.
For more information, contact Dr. Sherry Phelan at 573-840-9688.
