Admission Requirements
Applicants Must:
1. Meet all the general requirements of WSCC.
2. Submit a WSCC application to the Admissions Office. Applications will be accepted until June 1. Applications received after June 1 will be considered on a space available basis.
3. Submit a complete OTA Program application to the OTA Program Director.
4. Possess a minimum ACT score of 18 and submit score to the Director of Admissions.
5. Have a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Grade point average is calculated using only OTA general required courses.
6. Have valid CPR certification through application date - only courses designed to certify health care providers are accepted.
7. Submit documented evidence to the OTA Program Director for 24 hours of observation and/or participation in not less than 2 approved occupational therapy departments. Hours will be verified through telephone conversation or correspondence with supervisors listed on application.
8. Have completed all general required courses with a grade of "C" or better.
9. Submit copy of official transcripts and ACT score with complete OTA application.
Students are encouraged to meet with the OTA Program Director prior to spring semester (before application) to verify completed and needed course work, for successful application to the program. Program application packets, which include the OTA Program application, documentation of observation hours, must be submitted to the OTA Program as a complete packet. Incomplete packets will not be accepted for consideration.
Selection and Notification
1. The OTA program admits annually in the fall semester.
2. Students who have completed all admission procedures and requirements will be considered for admission on priority basis.
3. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Written notification of the outcome of each application will be mailed to the student at the address provided on the application.
4. Students must return written confirmation of their acceptance within 14 days of the postmarked date of the acceptance letter. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of place in the class. A signed consent to drug testing and background screening must accompany the acceptance confirmation.
5. Students must attend the required orientation meeting. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of place in the class.
6. Students will be ranked by ACT score and grade point average. In the case of a tie, students will be selected for admission by a ranking of ACT score. If a tie still exists, it will then be based on the ranking of GPA.
Program Expectations
Students admitted into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.
Upon Acceptance:
1. OTA students are required to submit an annual physical examination form, including proof of Hepatitis B and other vaccination status.
2. Students are required to submit proof of current CPR certification. Only CPR courses that provide certification for health care providers will be accepted.
3. Malpractice and accident insurance, available through the College, is required of all OTA students.
4. OTA students are required to undergo Background Screening and Drug Testing according to Health Science Division policy.
Progression
OTA students must attain a minimum grade of "C" in all general education and major required courses. Failure to do so in major required courses will result in dismissal from the program. A student in good academic standing will be allowed to apply for readmission only once to the program.
OTA students are required to exhibit professional behavior at all times. A professional behavior assessment is completed on each OTA student. A minimal acceptable score of 70 is required each semester by OTA students. Failure to obtain the minimal acceptable score will result in probation of the OTA student with supplemental counseling by an OTA advisor. If the OTA student is unable to obtain the minimal required score after counseling, they will be dismissed from the OTA program.
Readmission to Program
Students whose progression through the OTA program is interrupted and who desire to re-enter the program must schedule an appointment with an OTA faculty advisor to discuss re-entry. The student must apply for readmission to the OTA program within one year from the term of withdrawal of failure. Students who are accepted for readmission are required to repeat certain classes previously completed. Readmission may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:
1. Failure to possess a GPA of at least 2.0 for all OTA major and OTA general education courses.
2. Refusal by fieldwork sites to accept the student for fieldwork experiences.
3. Over 12 months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in an OTA course.
4. Student has been dismissed from the program.
