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Occupational Therapy Assistant

 

Application

The Occupational Therapy Assistant is a competitive entry program. Please contact the advisor for Health Occupations (College of Technology’s Student Services) for additional information (208) 282-2622.

Program Application

The application documents for Fall 2024 are listed in the box below. Keep in mind, the OTA application opens mid-November and closes mid-March each year; we will only accept application materials during this time.

**It is the student's responsibility to make sure all required materials are submitted to our new office at the Eames complex:

  • Postal Address 921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8230, Pocatello, ID 83209
  • Physical Address for the Eames Complex is 1999 Alvin Ricken Dr. Pocatello, ID, 83201.

Common questions about the application process

Question: Can I still apply even though I have not completed my prerequisite classes?

Answer:  The application is a competitive process. Generally, we would not accept an application unless all prerequisite classes are completed. However, even if you have not fully completed the prerequisite courses, we encourage you to apply and complete a petition to be considered while prerequisite classes are in progress. There is the expectation that these courses are completed prior to the start of the program, the classes are passed with a 73 or better, and that students understand this does not guarantee a spot in the program.

 

Please contact the Health Occupations Advisor in Student Services to help you with this process by calling 208-282-2622.

Question: What if I am currently enrolled in a preference class(es) this spring semester? Can I take credit for them on the application?

Answer:  Competitive application points are not awarded to courses that have not been completed, with a final grade of “C” or higher by the application submission deadline. 

Students can make an appointment with the Health Occupations Advisor in Student Services to explore a petition requesting certain requirements be waived for students in order to apply, with the understanding that your spot in the program is not guaranteed. If you then are considered for the following fall cohort, it is contingent on a passing score of 73% or better.

Question: How do I submit my application materials?

Answer:  Please review the application link to ensure all required materials are submitted to the main Student Services Office at the William M. and Karin A. Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovation Complex:

  • Postal Address 921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8230, Pocatello, ID 83209
  • Physical Address for the Eames Complex is 1999 Alvin Ricken Dr. Pocatello, ID, 83201


Attention: OTA Advisor

Question: Do I need to submit all of the components of the application (Application, Letters of Recommendation, Observation Hours Documentation, Handwritten Essay forms) together, at the same time?

Answer: It is recommended that you submit all the components together to ensure articles are not lost in the mailing process. However, applications  can submit the various components separately. Please follow-up with Student Services at 208-282-2622 to ensure that correspondence has been received.

Letters of Recommendation:

Question: Who can complete my Application Reference Forms?

Answer: The OTA Program requires (2) Application References: The Application References can be completed by any of the following persons: OT, OTA, Healthcare Provider, Professor, Instructor, Advisor or Employer.

There should be no friend nor familial relation between the student and person providing the reference.

 Question: Is there a specific format that should be used for the attached Letters of Recommendation to the Application Reference Form?

Answer:  Yes, the person you have chosen to complete the Application Reference can also attach an optional letter of recommendation to the form.

Both the Application Reference Form and attached written letter of recommendation must be placed in an envelope with your name on it.

 

The person who completes the Application Reference Form and Letter of Recommendation should seal the envelope containing the two documents and sign over the closure.

 

Question: How do I submit my Letters of Recommendation and proof of Observation Hours?

Answer:  Please review the application links for how to submit all required materials. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all documents are submitted to the main Student Services Office at the William M. and Karin A. Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovation Complex:

  • Postal Address 921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8230, Pocatello, ID 83209
  • Physical Address for the Eames Complex is 1999 Alvin Ricken Dr. Pocatello, ID, 83201

Attention: OTA  Advisor

Question: What if I applied to the PTA program last year and have 40 hours of observation and I now want to apply to the OTA program. Do I need to have more observation hours?

Answer: Yes, you would need to follow the options listed above. Since OTA is very different in many ways from PTA, it is important that you see OTA specifically to truly understand the differences and similarities.

 

Observation hours:

Please note, there are TWO options for observation hours.

OPTION 1: Take Intro to Occupational Therapy OTPT 2209, completing it successfully with a 73 or better AND 20 hours of observation from 2 different populations (geriatric/pediatrics) and/or settings (inpatient/outpatient/home health.

OPTION 2:  40 hours (20 each) of observation from 2 different populations (geriatric/pediatrics) and/or settings (inpatient/outpatient/home health).

 

Student Essay:

Applicant essays can be mailed or hand delivered to the Student Services office along with the additional forms.