Online Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Classes and Courses

Several academic institutions offer online courses for individuals interested in becoming certified occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). Topics of study might include therapeutic techniques, record keeping and ethical guidelines.

Overview of Online Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Courses

Occupational therapy assistants help people regain the skills required for adequate daily functioning. Most individuals in need of occupational therapy have experienced a physical injury or have a disability that has disrupted their ability to care for themselves. Because labs and fieldwork experience are included in program requirements, all components of these program are not currently available online. However, several academic institutions do provide online opportunities within their occupational therapy assistant programs.

Course Requirements

Online occupational therapy assistant courses are similar to lecture-based courses taught in a physical classroom. Virtual learning environments, like Angel Learning, provide students with access to course documents, discussion boards and a drop-box for assignment submission. The Angel Learning system requires students to have Windows 7 or above to operate properly. While most distance learning programs provide students with the ability to take exams online, other programs require them to be proctored at pre-approved locations. Questions regarding assignments or course requirements are submitted to professors through e-mail.

List of Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Courses

Introduction to Occupational Therapy Course

As an overview of the field of occupational therapy, this online course provides foundational information concerning the history of the profession and ethical guidelines from which it is practiced. Responsibilities of occupational therapy assistants and the various populations served by OTAs are introduced and discussed.

Health Care Provider Basics Course

As health care providers, OTAs must be familiar with specific legal requirements of practice and exhibit certain skills and abilities. This online course introduces students to HIPAA regulations, common medical terminology and infection control procedures required of all health care providers.

Physical Disabilities Course

Occupational therapy assistants participate in the evaluation, treatment and assessment of patients with physical disabilities. In this course, students learn the importance of record keeping and communication skills, especially when working with diverse populations, in the successful treatment of those with physical dysfunctions and disabilities.

Therapeutic Activities Course

Through this online course, aspiring OTAs learn various techniques and assessment methods used in occupational therapy assistance. They're introduced to the use of crafting as a form of therapy, in addition to learning about the benefits of videotaping to improve a patient's body mechanics.