2017 – 2018
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Occupational Therapy Assistant
Career Cluster:	Health Science

This program has been daggered for deletion with 2016-2017 being the last cohort of students permitted to enroll in the program. After 2016-2017, no new students may be enrolled in this program. Beginning in 2017-2018, new students should be enrolled in Occupational Therapy Assistant (NEW) (1351080303). 

AS	
CIP Number	1351080300	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	70 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	31-2011 Occupational Therapy Assistants	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as occupational therapy assistants SOC Code 31-2011 (Occupational Therapist Assistants), or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupation. The program has been developed to prepare graduates as entry-level generalists and to offer a broad exposure to delivery model systems through academic and fieldwork education including preparation to assist an occupational therapist in implementing the plan of therapy for a patient prescribed by a physician. 

The content includes but is not limited to communication and interpersonal skills, health-illness-health concepts, specific life tasks and skills, the study and application of occupational therapy principles, cultural competencies, professional behaviors, and employability skills, health and safety including CPR, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, and gerontology.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 70 credit hours.

Regulated Programs

The program should meet the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, (301) 352-2682, of the American Occupational Therapy Association so that students who complete the program will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). .  Florida requires licensing of graduates by the Florida Department of Health through the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for persons completing programs approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This program must be in accordance with the Florida Department of Health’s Occupational Therapy Board, Chapter 468, Part III, F.S. and Rule Chapter 64B11, F.A.C.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements.  Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively for the occupation.
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply health-illness-health concepts.
14.0	Analyze and apply learned skills in specific life tasks and activities.
15.0	Apply occupational therapy principles in patient/client relationship.
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ethics related to occupational therapy assistants.
17.0	Transport patients.
18.0	Discuss the etiology, progression, management, and prognosis of physical, emotional, and environmental stresses and trauma.
19.0	Discuss the effect of stress on optimal human functioning.

2017 – 2018
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Occupational Therapy Assistant
CIP Number:		1351080300 
Program Length:	70 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		31-2011

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) have been placed in a separate document. You can access the course standards and benchmarks by visiting this link: http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5652/urlt/health_sci_core_psav_cc_1718.rtf

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Occupational Therapy Assistant:  The completion of intended outcomes 12-19 lead to the eligibility of certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.	
12.0	Demonstrate ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively for the occupation–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate awareness of self and relationship with others.	
12.02	Conduct didactic and group discussions.	
12.03	Record/report observations.	
12.04	Instruct individuals and groups.	
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply health-illness-health concepts–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Explain occupation as a health determinant.	
13.02	Describe the basic function of the human body with particular emphasis on the neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems.	
13.03	Describe the basic development of personality and learning.	
13.04	Describe appropriate life tasks as related to the developmental process from birth to death.	
13.05	Identify and describe disabling conditions commonly referred to occupational therapy.	
13.06	Explain the role of occupational therapy as a profession.	
13.07	Explain the relationship of occupational therapy to other health care workers.	
14.0	Analyze and apply learned skills in specific life tasks and activities–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Demonstrate skill in performing selected life tasks and activities.	
14.02	Demonstrate skill in instructing and adapting selected life tasks and activities.	
14.03	Analyze activities.	
14.04	Demonstrate proper care and maintenance of equipment and supplies used in occupational therapy.	
15.0	Apply occupational therapy principles in patient/client relationship–The student will be able to:	
15.01	Contribute to initial screening of patients/clients.	
15.02	Contribute to evaluation of occupational performance, performance components, and life space.	
15.03	Plan occupational therapy programs to prevent deterioration of occupational performance.	
15.04	Contribute to occupational therapy program planning for remediation of occupational performance deficits and performance component dysfunction.	
15.05	Implement occupational therapy program to prevent deterioration of occupational performance.	
15.06	Contribute to implementation of occupational therapy programs to restore and develop occupational performance.	
15.07	Contribute to the implementation of occupational therapy programs to restore, develop, or prevent the deterioration of performance components.	
15.08	Contribute to program administration and support.	
15.09	Function in the role of supervisee and assist with supervision of aides and volunteers.	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ethics related to occupational therapy assistants–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Describe the relationship of the occupational therapy assistant to:	
16.01.01	the physician	
16.01.02	the occupational therapist	
16.01.03	the employer	
16.02	Explain the term "risk management".	
16.03	Explain to patient what you are going to do before you begin.	
16.04	Explain the process of applying for a Florida license.	
16.05	Identify documents which may be required when applying for a license.	
17.0	Transport patients–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Transfer patient from bed to wheelchair.	
17.02	Move wheelchair via corridors, elevators, cars, etc.	
17.03	Provide information to patient as needed.	
17.04	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
18.0	Discuss the etiology, progression, management, and prognosis of physical, emotional, and environmental stresses and trauma–The student will be able to:	
18.01	Discuss the "self fulfilling prophecy" concept as related to outcome after severe trauma, alteration of body image and self concept.	
18.02	List the symptoms of stress in progressive order.	
18.03	Define psychosomatic illness.	
18.04	Define prognosis.	
19.0	Discuss the effect of stress on optimal human functioning–The student will be able to:	
19.01	Define stress in terms of physical assessment.	
19.02	List three positive effects of stress.	
19.03	Discuss stress as a motivator in improving human performance.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements.  Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The program should meet the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, (301) 352-2682, of the American Occupational Therapy Association so that students who complete the program will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). .  Florida requires licensing of graduates by the Florida Department of Health through the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for persons completing programs approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This program must be in accordance with the Florida Department of Health’s Occupational Therapy Board, Chapter 468, Part III, F.S. and Rule Chapter 64B11, F.A.C.

Cooperative training - OJT is appropriate for this program.  Whenever cooperative training is offered, the following are required for each student:  a training plan, signed by the student, teacher, and the employer, which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; a workstation which reflects equipment, skills and tasks which are relevant to the occupation which the student has chosen as a career goal.  The student must receive compensation for work performed.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The CORE should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the intercurricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml