OTA Programs in California

Are you interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) in California? This article will review the demand for OTAs in California, what you will learn during an OTA program, and more information about the great OTA program offered by CBD College.

What is the Demand for OTAs in California?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for occupational therapists in the United States is projected to grow 23 percent through 2032. Many of the opportunities offered are to replace those who are retiring or advancing to higher medical professional roles.

The better news is that the projected growth of occupational therapist assistants in California is 43 percent. With more than 12 million people residing in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles and with the population living longer, there is a need for medical facilities and personnel to manage the increased demand for healthcare. This demand includes occupational therapist assistants in California. So, what is an OTA program?

What is an OTA Program?

An OTA program includes essential courses to prepare students to become occupational therapy practitioners. The courses offered in the OTA program at CBD College include:

Anatomy and Physiology

This is a course that reviews the necessary body systems, organs, tissues, and cells, with a focus on major biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology theories, for occupational therapist assistants to perform their roles with patients.

Medical Terminology

A course that teaches medical terms about basic word structure, anatomical terms, and terminology to track and report therapy progress with supervisors and patients. Instructors teach prefixes, suffixes, and roots to remember medical terminology better.

Clinical Conditions and Applications

An overview of the systemic disorders and clinical conditions surrounding occupational therapy. Students will learn about functional deficits from impairments, get an introduction to the clinical environment, and review basic patient care skills, including proper positioning, hand washing, universal precautions, use and application of PPE, sterile techniques, body mechanics, range of motion, and mobility. Students also learn how to take vital signs and perform CPR.

Foundations and Group Process

A comprehensive overview of the role of occupations in the lives of persons, groups, and populations across their lifespan. Students will develop a foundational understanding of occupational therapy practice and its relevance.

Occupational Performance in Psychosocial/Mental Health

This is an introduction to mental disorders, including medical, psychological, and sociological factors that influence patient health. For example, job anxiety can be as much about physical tension as mental tension. Occupational therapy can help ease both physical and mental tensions to return a patient to the workforce and contribute to an organization.

Analysis of Human Occupations

A course on the theory and practice of analyzing activity and the promotion of wellness to improve patient functions. Students will perform task analysis, grading, adaptation, and modification activities.

Analysis of Human Motion

This is a course focusing on the science of human movement in the context of performing an occupation. Students will study the biomechanical forces on the body, including the concepts of locomotion, forces, and levers.

Occupational Performance in Pediatric/Adolescent

This is an introductory course on occupational therapy for children from birth through school age and young adulthood. Students learn about developmental, sensory integration, and motor learning theory.

Occupational Performance in Adult/Older Adult

This is an introductory course on occupational therapy for adults and older adults. Students learn about intervention and activity programming to address the effects of aging.

Experiential Lab Procedures

Labs that introduce the foundations of clinical practice, application of clinical skills, and an introduction to basic human movement and effects of functional activities.

Fieldwork

Hands-on experience in occupational therapy observation and applications. This experience builds confidence and offers direct observation and participation in occupational therapy processes.

Therapeutic Applications

This is a course that focuses on ergonomics, basic environmental modification, and practical alternatives to equipment. Topics include mobility, orthotics, and basic electronics.

Capstone

Courses that allow an Occupational Therapy Assistant student to transition from student to practitioner. These courses focus on licensure, preparing for interviews, the resources offered to clinicians, and career advancement.

Which OTA Program in California Should I Choose?

CBD College offers a great OTA program in California. Attending CBD College offers many benefits. These benefits include:

A Long Legacy

CBD College has been preparing students for success for over 40 years. We have helped thousands of graduates obtain roles in the medical field. We focus on providing quality education and training because we believe in changing lives together. CBD College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health and Education Schools (ABHES). The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CBD College is also an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Accredited program.

A Quick Start

Did you know you can complete the Occupational Therapist Assistant program in as little as 77 weeks? That is quicker than a 4-year college and much more focused on the occupational therapy trade. The curriculum starts with communication, Math, and Psychology courses and builds upon this foundation with the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful entry-level occupational therapist assistant.

Licensure Preparation

CBD College offers NBCOT board exam preparation. Once students have passed the NBCOT exam, CBD College will help them find a role that fits their skills and passion.

Career Services

A great benefit of CBD College is the career services for graduates. We help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, and match you with roles that you are passionate about. The medical facilities in the Los Angeles metro understand that CBD College graduates are fully trained and ready to start working on day one. Let CBD College help you find that entry-level role so you can begin a life-long career as an occupational therapist assistant.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Let CBD College prepare you for an entry-level allied health role. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you can expect to work with patients by providing therapy in exciting environments such as hospitals, nursing facilities, occupational therapists’ offices, and home health services.

Contact us now to learn more.