Steps to Apply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

PRE-ADMISSION TO OTA PROGRAM

DETAILS

Apply to Navarro College

Apply for admission to Navarro College if you aren't already a student.

Official Transcripts

Must submit OFFICIAL transcripts to the Office of Admissions & Records

Beginning Students - Official transcript of High School record
Transfer Students - Official transcripts from other colleges and universities

Assessment Scores

Must take state-approved placement test and submit scores at the time of registration. Tests are given at each campus Testing Center by appointment. 

Pre-requisite Courses

Must complete the following courses:

BIOL 2401 - Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2402 - Anatomy & Physiology II
ENGL 1301 - Composition I

Information Session 

Information Session - attendance is recommended for students interested in applying to the OTA program.

DOCUMENT TYPE (REQUIRED)

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

OTA  Program Application for Admission

- Download application: Received during virtual information session.

- See application deadlines (late applications or inquiries will not be considered for admission).

- Correct & current email is crucial in the notification process.

Essay

Type and attach an essay to the OTA application. Include the following:

1. Introduce yourself to the OTA faculty.

2. Explain why you aspire to become an occupational therapy assistant and discuss professional goals that you have set for yourself.

3. Identify your perceived strengths and weaknesses, as you seek to further your academic career.

Transcripts

Include copies of transcripts from other colleges/universities previously or currently enrolled. (Official copy NOT required)

If applying to the OTA program as a transfer student, you need to provide transcripts documenting OTA coursework (previous program enrollment must be within the two years of the transfer request).

Criminal History Background Check

Complete the criminal history background check via CastleBranch

1. Go to mycb.castlebranch.com

2. Enter package code: vd89re

3. Cost: $36.45 (Student is responsible for payment)

Hepatitis B vaccine (2 of 3 series)

Upon admission to the program, the student is to submit required proof of current immunization status. It is recommended that the student have completed 2 of 3 of the Hepatitis B series prior to application to the OTA program.

Letter of Good Standing

Students who previously attended an OTA program are required to provide a "letter of good standing" from the institution previously attended.

Must be sent from the prior OTA program director on College letterhead in a sealed envelope.

REQUIREMENT

DETAILS

Email Notification

Applicants will be notified in April-May as to their status in the OTA program via email supplied on the OTA application.

The applicant must reply within the specified time to assure their position in the program. 

Declaration of Intent

Students selected for admission will be required to return the Declaration of Intent and attend a mandatory orientation prior to the start of classes.

Orientation

Required to attend a mandatory orientation in May (see email for date).

Drug Screen

Drug screens will occur randomly after acceptance into the program. The student will be responsible for any cost involved in a drug screen. 

Failure to comply with the drug screen or to pay for the drug sreen will result in dismissal from the OTA program.

Physical Health Examination

Each student must undergo a physical health examination by a certified health professional (after admitted into the OTA program). 

Students are required to read the Performance Standards beforehand and both the student and the health professional must sign the form.

Personal Health Insurance

Some fieldwork sites may requirestudents to have personal health insurance. Students may be asked to show proof of health insurance prior to fieldwork assignment.

Professional Liability Insurance

Students enrolled in the OTA program are required to have professional liability insurance. Students pay a pre-determined fee to the NC Cashier's Office each summer, and the College secures the limited liability insurance coverage. Students may wish to purchase additional liability insurance.

Due to the nature of the learning experience and assignments, all OTA students must provide documentation of current immunization status for vaccine-preventable diseases and other testing. Immunizations and testing requirements are based upon recommendations and/or requirements from the following agencies and organizations: 1) Fieldwork education sites; 2) Texas Department of Health; 3) Centers for Disease Control; 4) Texas Administrative Code Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Rule 97.64. The Texas Administrative Code mandates certain immunizations prior to patient contact.

IMMUNIZATION TYPE (REQUIRED)

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT

 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Evidence of two doses (Must be 30 days or more between the two doses)
or
Titer (serological evidence of immunity).

 Hepatitis B (Hep B)

Evidence of three doses (Series typically takes 6 months to complete)
or
Titer (serological evidence of immunity)

 Tetanus / Diptheria / Pertussis (Tdap)

Evidence of current Tdap vaccine (within 10 years) through anticipated completion of Level II fieldwork. 

 Varicella

Evidence of two doses
or
Titer (serological evidence of immunity)

 Tuberculosis Skin Test (TB)

- Required annually

- If a chest x-ray is necessary, the student must document a negative chest x-ray within the past two (2) years.