2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Occupational Therapy Assistant
Career Cluster:	Health Science

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
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

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.

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.

2014 – 2015
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

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:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice. 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios. 	
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 activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  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 appropriate career and technical student organization for 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.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan 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.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

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.  The standard length of this program is 70 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.