The Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy (OTA) Program at Penn State Mont Alto includes five semesters of studies: four semesters of coursework followed by 16 weeks of fieldwork in at least two areas of practice. 
 

Program Description

The philosophical foundation of the progressive teaching-learning model is that it prepares OTA graduates to assume the role of  the lifelong learner, thus moving them to continued levels of higher learning alongside five primary curricular threads:

  1. Professional conduct
  2. Occupational therapy practice framework and processes
  3. Empowerment via the teaching-learning process
  4. Critical reasoning 
  5. Therapeutic use of self and the intentional relationship 

It is through the progressive teaching-learning process that students glean the skills, knowledge, and understanding that human beings are unique and have a relationship with an environment that is interdependent and constantly changing while engaged in meaningful occupations. To this end, the mission of the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Program is two-fold: to prepare graduates who will be competent entry-level, certified occupational therapy assistants and to meet the unique needs of the community through education and outreach. 

Occupational Therapy Department 

The occupational therapy department in the Allied Health Building has three different labs where interactive teaching-learning experiences occur:·

  • The Great Lion Out-patient Rehabilitation and Hand Therapy Lab
  • The Joyful Paws Pediatric and Wellness Lab·
  • The Nittany Activities of Daily Living Lab

Degree Coursework

For the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree, a minimum of 71 credits is required in the Progressive Learning Model guided by Bloom’s Taxonomy (2014). Using the following semester recommendations allows for the completion of the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy (ASOT) degree in five semesters. 

First semester* (fall, 13 credits): Building Knowledge Base

  • ·OT100S Structural Foundations in Occupational Therapy
  • OT101 Conceptual Foundations in Occupational Therapy Practice
  • BIOL 161 Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIOL 162 Anatomy & Physiology Lab I
  • ENGL 15 Rhetoric & Composition
  • PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology

Second semester* (spring, 16 credits): Building Knowledge Base

  • ·OT103 Occupational Performance across the Lifespan
  • BIOL 163 Anatomy & Physiology II
  • BIOL 164 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
  • HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development & Family Studies *OR* PSYCH212 Introduction to Development Psychology
  • Art Course (GA)·Humanities Course (GH)

Third semester* (fall, 16 credits): Understanding Base

  • ·OT205 Group Process across the Lifespan
  • OT207 Assistive Technologies and Methods of Adaptation
  • OT209 Management, Leadership and Ethics in Occupational Therapy
  • OT195E Fieldwork Level I Experience·
  • Math Course (GQ) 

Fourth semester (spring, 17 credits): Applying and Analyzing

  • ·OT210W Clinical Reasoning & Documentation in Occupational Therapy
  • OT212 Occupational Therapy for Child & Adolescent Health
  • OT214 Occupational Therapy for Psychosocial & Behavioral Health
  • OT216 Occupational Therapy for Physical Health & Rehabilitation
  • OT295E Fieldwork Level I Experience

Fifth Semester (summer, 12 credits): Evaluating and Creating

  • OT395A Fieldwork Level II Experience in Occupational Therapy
  • OT395B Fieldwork Level II Experience in Occupational Therapy

*The GA, GH, and GQ courses can be taken in any combination during the first three semesters. 

Scheduling Coursework 

The process for scheduling general education coursework may look different for students depending on cumulative credits and/or general education courses selected each semester.

Prospective students

Are you exploring Penn State Mont Alto for the first time?  Once you check out the campus website, our Admissions team would love to share information with you to help you decide how to move forward with the process of becoming a Penn Stater.

Accepted students ready to plan the first semester of college

If you have applied to and been accepted to Penn State Mont Alto as a new student, your scheduling experience will be highly personalized.  We schedule New Student Orientation (NSO) days with our first-time attendees to ensure that your introduction to the campus satisfies all your new student needs. Check out the NSO section of the website for instructions and step-by-step advice!

Transfer students

You already have some college completed and now want to know exactly how your courses from somewhere else will apply to a program you want to complete at Penn State Mont Alto.  We have created a page with information just for you.

Current students

Are you already enrolled at Penn State Mont Alto? Whether you are enrolled in a program or are still exploring your options, we are here to help you plan your next successful semester!