Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Stephanie Sedlacek, Program Director 
785.670.2439; stephanie.sedlacek@washburn.edu

Jennifer Halstead, Clinical Coordinator
785.670.2285; jennifer.halstead@washburn.edu

Complete and submit an online application:

• online application

Applicants are required to submit personal recommendation forms:

• personal recommendation form 

Clinicians must complete and submit OTA clinical observation forms on each OTA student.

• clinical observation form

OTA Program Mission Statement:

To prepare qualified occupational therapy assistants who provide optimum patient care through technical competency and professional conduct in the profession of an occupational therapy assistant.   Washburn’s OTA program supports the University mission to provide learning opportunities for students to develop their professional, intellectual, and academic potential; while encouraging and facilitating the importance of life-long learning and service to the community. 

Washburn Mission Statement:

Washburn University enriches the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens. We are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality academic and professional programs, and high levels of faculty-student interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to enhance educational experiences and our community.

OTA Program Philosophy & Relationship to the Philosophy of the Profession

 Washburn's OTA program philosophy is consistent with AOTA's published vision, "as an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living,” (AOTA, 2007).  Washburn OTA program holds that human beings are dynamic and ever changing throughout the life span. Occupation can be defined by age, gender, culture, environment, socioeconomics and geographics. Illness, accidents, or disability can interrupt the process of human development that generally defines the occupation of life. 

Statement of Belief on How Students Learn

Faculty of the Washburn OTA program believe that every person has value and student learning experiences are structured across the curriculum with respect to ongoing development of individuals across the lifespan.  We emphasize the right of each individual to make choices, to determine personal goals, and engage in occupations that are meaningful to them. We further believe that in a helping relationship, active participation from the recipient is essential. This belief in active participation applies to both clients and students. Consequently, students shall be responsible for contributing to the structure and content of their learning experiences. The faculty is committed to helping students develop problem solving skills by supporting risk taking and encouraging interactive learning, develop an appetite for life-long learning; become grounded in occupational therapy theory, history, and philosophy upon which the profession was built; demonstrate professionalism and act in compliance with the Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2020); and provide excellent client services. This includes the use of evidence-based practice and collaborative communication with the client, to achieve the desired outcome of engagement in occupation. Students will be expected to examine their own attitudes, values, and personal characteristics as a model for assessing the needs of others.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association (2007).  Philosophy of occupational therapy education. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(6), 678. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.6.678

American Occupational Therapy Association (2020). AOTA 2020 occupational therapy code of ethics. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Supplement_3), 7413410005p1–7413410005p13. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S3006

When is the application deadline?

Application deadline is February 1^st of each year. If you are not a WU student, you need to apply to the University as well.

When does the program start?

The OTA Program starts in the Summer session.

No, you may start the program (after formally admitted to the OTA Program) as a high school graduate. There are no prerequisite courses necessary.

What classes may I take before entry into the program?

You may take any classes listed under “Required Correlate Courses” and “University Requirements” prior to admission into OTA.

• Kansas Occupational Therapy Association
• American Occupational Therapy Association
• National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy, Inc.