The first cohort of 16 students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program recently celebrated the completion of both their classroom phase and their on-site fieldwork. To celebrate their accomplishments, program leaders coordinated a pinning ceremony on November 18, 2021. IWU President Dr. Wright gave a beautiful opening address and Dr. Rice, Dean of the School of Health Sciences provided a memorable closing send-off.
The program, which culminates in an associate of science, is based at IWU’s Greenwood Education Center. The first two cohorts of OTA students took part in the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education’s rigorous accreditation process, which includes students interviews with accreditors. The OTA program received accreditation for seven years, the highest number of years possible for a new program.
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A Holiday Faire auction to showcase students’ work followed the pinning ceremony. “To prepare students in learning the therapeutic process of helping clients perform everyday activities or ‘occupations’ that they need or want to do, we teach students ‘activity analysis,’ or breaking down an activity, through art media,” says Julie Carson, OTA program director. “Through activity analysis, occupational therapy practitioners adapt and modify everyday activities so clients can live productively. In addition, creative media like woodworking, crafting, leatherwork, can be used in therapy to help clients regain hand strength or coordination, improve memory, follow directions, and perform other everyday activities.”
The auction raised funds for OTA student development and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The proceeds from the auction were able to provide three Greenwood children with holiday gifts this year. Funds will also be used to give OTA students the opportunity to go to professional development conferences.
OTA program leaders were grateful for the opportunity to honor the hard-working students who are committed to changing the world. “It was wonderful to meet students’ families and give them the chance to see what students have been working on,” says Julie Carson. “After a year in the field, our alumni can become fieldwork educators – so we’re excited to continue working with these graduates and connect them with future students who go through the program.”
In light of this year’s success, the second annual pinning ceremony and Holiday Faire will take place on November 17, 2022. Learn more about the OTA program here.