2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Occupational Therapy Assistant 
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351080303	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	74 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 74 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’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying 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 occupations and activities.
15.0	Apply occupational therapy assistant role in the OT service delivery process. 
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ethics and safety related to occupational therapy assistants.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of client mobility.
18.0	Demonstrate an understanding of stress/ stressors and stress reactions as well as mediating factors and its influence on health and human functioning. 
19.0	Explain the role of the OTA in the management of occupational therapy services.
20.0	Provide client, family & caregiver education and training.

2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Occupational Therapy Assistant 
CIP Number:		1351080303 
Program Length:	74 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://fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/18567/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-1819.rtf

Refer to Rule 6A-14.030 (4) F.A.C., for the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	

Occupational Therapy Assistant:  The completion of intended outcomes 12-20 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 understanding of “therapeutic use of self” in relationship to working with the client and other allied health professionals.	
12.02	Develop and conduct didactic and group discussions.	
12.03	Record/report observations.	
12.04	Demonstrate the ability to participate in group meetings to deliver and receive information and respond to questions from a variety of sources.	
12.05	Accurately document the provision of OT services in accordance with third party payer requirements. 	
12.06	Articulate the importance of statistics, tests and measurements for the purpose of delivering evidence-based practice.	
12.07	Effectively interact through written, oral and nonverbal communication with the client, family, significant others and other health providers in a professionally acceptable manner. 	
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, sensory, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems.	
13.03	Describe the basic development of personality and learning.	
13.04	Describe human occupation across the lifespan 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 role of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in the assessment and intervention process identifying the collaborative roles and rationale for supervision.	
13.08	Explain the relationship of occupational therapy to other health care workers.	
13.09	Analyze how theory, political climate, history, culture, socioeconomics and demographics influence practice and engagement in activities across the lifespan. 	
14.0	Analyze and apply learned skills in occupations and activities. –The student will be able to:	
14.01	Demonstrate skill in analyzing, developing and implementing intervention strategies utilizing occupations and activities.	
14.02	Demonstrate skill in instructing and adapting occupations and activities.	
14.03	Demonstrate the ability to analyze occupations and activities to implement the intervention plan.	
14.04	Grade activities and occupations to promote independent performance.	
14.05	Demonstrate proper care and maintenance of equipment and supplies used in occupational therapy.	
14.06	Demonstrate an understanding of the use of technology and adaptive equipment to support performance, participation, health and well-being.	
14.07	Demonstrate understanding and apply principles of environmental adaptations addressing ergonomics in school, home and work environments. 	
15.0	Apply occupational therapy assistant role in the OT service delivery process. –The student will be able to:	
15.01	Contribute to initial screening to determine need for OT services, including data collection for clients’ occupational profiles. 	
15.02	Contribute to evaluation of occupations, client factors, performance skills, performance patterns, contexts/environments and activity demands, and implement assessments delegated by OT.	
15.03	Contribute to development of occupation-based intervention plans and strategies based on client needs and priorities and occupational therapy goals, in collaboration with OT and client.	
15.04	Implement occupational therapy interventions selected to promote, establish, restore, maintain, modify, or prevent deterioration in occupational performance.  	
15.05	Contribute to implementation of occupational therapy intervention for development, remediation and restoration of client factors and performance skills (physical, cognitive, perceptual, neuromuscular, behavioral skills and sensory functions).	
15.06	Implement occupational therapy intervention through the use of therapeutic occupations and activities, preparatory methods and tasks, education and training, advocacy, and group interventions.  	
15.07	Contribute to the ongoing review and modification of occupational therapy interventions, and compare progress toward established outcomes.	
15.08	Implement outcome measurements and provide needed client discharge resources.	
15.09	Complete documentation along each step of the service delivery process which communicates the need and rationale for occupational therapy services and meets standards for accountability and reimbursement. 	
15.10	Implement patient safety goals according to appropriate accrediting and regulatory agency guidelines. 	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ethics and safety 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	
16.01.04	other allied health personnel	
16.02	Explain the term "risk management".	
16.03	Describe to client current treatment objectives and techniques prior to initiation of treatment or service.  	
16.04	Describe the principles of ethics as outlined in the AOTA Code of Ethics. 	
16.05	Adhere to safety regulations throughout the occupational therapy process as appropriate to the setting and scope of practice.	
16.06	Explain the process of applying and maintaining a Florida license and national certification.	
16.07	Identify requirements to obtain and maintain the Florida license including disqualifying felonies.	
16.08	Explain the continuing education requirements necessary to maintain licensure and national certification.	
17.0	 Demonstrate knowledge of client mobility. –The student will be able to:	
17.01	Transfer client safely and correctly using proper body mechanics from any surface to another such as (i.e. bedside commode, wheelchair, toilet, chair or car). 	
17.02	 Identify wheelchair parts and demonstrate proper wheelchair management in various environments. 	
17.03	Provide information to client as needed. 	
17.04	Demonstrate the understanding of the use of other assistive devices utilized for mobility of clients, i.e. walker, cane, crutches, gait belt, mechanical lifts.	
18.0	Demonstrate an understanding of stress/ stressors and stress reactions as well as mediating factors and its influence on health and human functioning. –The student will be able to:	
18.01	Evaluate psychological stressors and their positive and negative effect on physical and mental health. 	
18.02	Understand the relationship between stress and psychological disorders. 	
18.03	Understand stress mediators including perception of stressors, predictability and control of stress, physical and psychological effects and coping resources and methods.	
18.04	Promote health of the client by utilizing health belief models, self-efficacy and coping strategies. 	
19.0	Explain the role of the OTA in the management of occupational therapy services. –The student will be able to:	
19.01	Perform program administration and support responsibilities.	
19.02	Function in the role of supervisee and assist with supervision of aides and volunteers and fieldwork students	
19.03	Describe the impact of federal and state legislation and practice acts on the practice of occupational therapy. 	
19.04	Demonstrate knowledge of various reimbursement systems and documentation requirements. 	
19.05	Describe the ongoing professional responsibility for providing fieldwork education and the criteria for becoming a fieldwork educator.	
19.06	Demonstrate the ability to participate in the development, marketing and management of service delivery options.	
19.07	Cooperate, collaborate and communicate to integrate care and ensure care is continuous and reliable as part of an interdisciplinary team.	
19.08	Employ evidenced based practice: integrate research, clinical expertise and patient values for optimal care.	
19.09	Participate in learning and research activities. 	
20.0	Provide client, family & caregiver education and training. –The student will be able to:	
20.01	Identify resources necessary for clients, family and caregivers for the discharge planning process.	
20.02	Educate the client, family and caregivers on the community resources available and their importance. 	
20.03	Educate the client, family and caregiver on the referral process. 	
20.04	Provide client, family and caregivers with comprehensive discharge resources. 	
20.05	Educate client, family and caregivers on home program.	
20.06	Provide training in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in and out of the home utilizing adapted methods and teaching strategies.	
20.07	Provide training in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (I-ADL) in and out of the home utilizing adapted methods and teaching strategies.  	
20.08	Provide training for safe bed positioning and functional transfers in the living environment according to the diagnosis of the client and their limitations. 	
20.09	Utilize the concept of health literacy while educating clients in order to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as prevention, health maintenance, health promotion and safety.	

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.

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