Degree Overview
The associate degree in Occupational Therapy prepares students for careers as certified occupational therapy assistants. These professionals work in a variety of settings such as public and private schools; early intervention programs; general, psychiatric, and pediatric hospitals; day treatment centers; hospices and home health agencies; rehabilitation hospitals and centers; skilled and intermediate care facilities; community living programs; wellness and accessibility programs; work hardening and adjustment programs; hand centers; and intermediate care facilities.
The Occupational Therapy program includes both courses specific to the major and general education courses to help students develop a general knowledge base. The program includes courses in psychology, anatomy, physiology, human development and family studies, and sociology, as well as many others.
In addition, students will have an opportunity to complete an internship at local, regional, and national healthcare, educational or social service facilities under the supervision of qualified occupational therapy personnel.
Penn State's Occupational Therapy program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Upon graduation, students sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. After successfully completing this examination, the graduate will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Most states require a license to practice, which is granted based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.
This degree program is offered at the Berks, Mont Alto, Shenango, and Dubois campuses.
For more information, contact the program coordinator: David Kresse, 610-396-6425, e-mail: dck12@psu.edu
For admissions information, contact the Berks Admissions Office at 610-396-6060.