The A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant transfers into a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree program at ENMU.

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work under the direction of an Occupational Therapist in treating individuals with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). OTAs assist individuals in developing, recovering, and improving the skills needed for daily living and working. They work with individuals across the lifespan in various settings: hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes, as well as in their homes, places of employment, and other community settings. Upon successfully completing the program, students are eligible to take the national exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The state of New Mexico requires a license to practice. Licensure involves a separate application process based on successfully completing the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Program Accreditation

The associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

General Admission Policies

Selective admissions and retention rules apply. The number of students enrolled in OTA core courses at all levels is limited. It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to see that all the required information is on file with the Office of Admissions & Records. The following must be submitted before the occupational therapy assistant application deadline:

1. Occupational Therapy Assistant Admission Application signed and turned into Admissions and Records Department

2. Submit ALL official transcripts to Admissions and Records at 575.624.7370

Mandatory/Periodic Drug Screening and Background Check

Mandatory Drug screening and background checks are required during the program's first week and will be scheduled by the School of Health Sciences faculty. Students must pass the mandatory and periodic drug screenings to remain in the program. There will be periodic drug tests throughout the program. Students exhibiting signs of impaired clinical judgment related to suspected use of chemical substance(s), legal or otherwise, will be removed from the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting immediately and complete mandatory drug screening. Appeals can be made according to the process outlined in the OTA Student Handbook.

Pre-Admission Information

To ensure adequate preparation for the academic and clinical demands of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements prior to entry into OTA core courses:

TEAS for Allied Health

Applicants must complete the TEAS Test for Allied Health and obtain a minimum overall score of 50% to be considered for progression into the OTA core curriculum. TEAS scores must be completed within one year of the OTA application deadline. Applicants are permitted three (3) attempts per application cycle to achieve the required minimum score. The highest valid score will be used for admission review. Students can schedule an appointment to take the TEAS Test at Testing Services.

National data from ATI indicates that students who meet the 50% threshold demonstrate improved retention and a higher likelihood of successful performance in allied health coursework.

Pre-Admission Coursework

All required pre-admission courses must be completed with:

• A minimum grade of “C” or higher in each course, and

• A minimum 2.75 GPA calculated from all required pre-admission coursework.

Course Currency Requirement

All pre-admission coursework must have been completed within five (5) years of the OTA application date to ensure current foundational knowledge in support of academic and clinical competency.

1. Recommended MATH1130 - Survey of Mathematics (3) OR choose any of the following:

   MATH 1350	Introduction to Statistics (Recommended if pursuing MOT or OTD)	4
   course	Technical Math	3
   course	College Algebra	3

2. Recommended course - Composition I (3) OR choose any of the following:

   course	Composition II	3
   course	Professional and Technical Communication	3

3. Recommended course – Introduction to Psychology (3) OR choose any of the following:

   course	Developmental Psychology	3
   course	Introduction to Sociology	3

4. Recommended course – Public Speaking (3) OR choose any of the following:

   course	Interpersonal Communication	3
   course	Small Group Communication	3
   course	Communication for Teachers	3

   5.course / course - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (4).

Academic Progression Policy and Procedure

ADMISSION POLICIES: Student enrollment in OTA core courses at all levels is limited. Students ENTER the Occupational Therapy Assistant program under the CURRENT Catalog. Students entering the program at all levels should understand the following guidelines:

1. It is important for students to contact an advisor in either the OTA program or Advising Services.

2. Students might need to submit an admission application to Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell if they are not already an ENMU-Roswell student. ENMU-Roswell applications are only valid for a limited time; please contact the Office of Admissions & Records for more information.

3. In addition to special requirements for the OTA program, students must meet general entrance requirements for the University.

4. Students will need to submit an application to the OTA program.

5. The applicant must have an official high school transcript (or GED certificate) and college transcript (not accepting transfer from other OTA program credits) in the Office of Admissions & Records by the required date. Transfer of education credit(s) is evaluated by the Office of Admissions & Records.

6. Students will be required to submit information for a background check. Any pertinent information found that may affect licensure or employment guidelines could affect the student’s standing in the OTA program. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or to attain state licensure.

7. Mandatory drug screening is required during the program's first week and will be scheduled by the Health Sciences faculty. Students must pass all mandatory/periodic drug screenings to remain in the program. Drug screening may be repeated based on the requirements of clinical site contracts. Students exhibiting signs of impaired clinical judgment related to suspected use of chemical substances, legal or otherwise, will be removed from the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting immediately. At that time, the instructor will implement steps according to the School of Health Sciences Policy for Student Suspected Impairment. Appeals can be made according to the process outlined in the ENMU-Roswell Student Handbook.

8. All first year Level I required core courses must be completed in order to progress into Level II core courses.

9. If needed, recommend visiting the ESL Lab for English as a Second Language support.

Special Requirements for Progression into Occupational Therapy Assistant Core Courses

Students seeking to progress into the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) core courses should understand that the program is a two-year course of study following completion of all required pre-admission coursework (which may require one semester or more). Students enter the OTA Program under the curriculum and policies outlined in the catalog for the year in which they are admitted. All OTA courses follow a sequential schedule and are offered according to the ENMU–Roswell academic calendar; contact the program director for extenuating circumstances.

First-year (Level I) coursework consists of selected academic and foundational OTA courses designed to prepare students for progression through the program.

To remain in good standing and continue in the OTA Program, students must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” or higher in every OTA course and in all non-OTA courses required in the degree plan. Grading scales are published in each OTA course syllabus and in the OTA Student Handbook.

• Students must enroll in and successfully complete any course that includes a fieldwork component each semester.

• Students who withdraw, fail ("D,” or “F”), or do not enroll in an OTA course must reapply to the program for consideration of re-entry.

• OTA courses must be taken in sequence with no exceptions.

Incomplete Grades

• Incomplete grades are granted only for documented extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, death in the family) and if the student meets institutional requirements.

• A student must resolve an incomplete before beginning the next semester.

First-Semester Requirements

Students must maintain the following documentation:

• Current CPR/AED certification (adult, child, and infant) through the American Heart Association.

• Required laboratory tests and immunizations, including but not limited to:

  • Annual tuberculosis screening (PPD after July 1 each year)

  • Td or Tdap booster within the last 10 years

  • MMR vaccine (for individuals born after 12/31/1956)

  • Rubella titer

  • Varicella titer or proof of vaccination

  • Hepatitis B vaccination (recommended)

  • Additional immunizations or screenings required by fieldwork sites

FIELDWORK REQUIREMENTS

• Level II Fieldwork must meet all criteria established by the ACOTE® Standards. OTA students are required to complete a minimum of 16 weeks (640 hours) of full-time Level II Fieldwork across one to four fieldwork sites. Availability of qualified fieldwork sites may influence placement schedules.

• Level II Fieldwork must be completed within 20 months of finishing Level II academic coursework to ensure continuity of learning and competency.

• Each student will receive a Fieldwork Manual outlining expectations, policies, and support resources for Fieldwork Level I and II.

Fieldwork Completion Attempts

• Students who do not successfully complete a Level II Fieldwork experience will be permitted one additional attempt, for a maximum of three total placements.

• Failure to successfully complete Level II Fieldwork after three attempts will result in dismissal from the OTA Program and delayed graduation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION IN THE OTA PROGRAM

1. Academic Standards: Students must maintain a grade of “C" or better in all OTA and required non-OTA coursework. Failure to meet this requirement will result in dismissal.

2. Re-Admission After Withdrawal or Failure:

   Students who withdraw from or fail any OTA course are not automatically eligible to return to the program. Because the OTA curriculum builds sequentially toward clinical readiness and NBCOT success, students must demonstrate that previously learned knowledge and skills have been fully retained before re-entry will be considered.

   Students seeking re-admission must:

   • Submit a new OTA Program application for the next available cohort.

   • Pass all required competency evaluations for previously completed OTA coursework, including written exams, practical skills checks, and professional behavior assessments.

   • Meet all current catalog, clinical, immunization, and health requirements at the time of application.

   A student who cannot demonstrate competency in previously completed OTA coursework will not qualify for re-admission and must reapply as a new applicant, with no guarantee of acceptance.

   Re-admission decisions are highly selective and based on:

• Space availability (priority is given to first-time applicants)

• Overall academic standing

• Professional behavior and conduct

• Prior performance in OTA didactic and fieldwork courses

Financial Aid Considerations for Re-Admission

Federal Title IV regulations limit funding for repeated coursework. OTA courses are sequential and may be required to be repeated in full when a student re-enters the program.

It is important to note that:

• Repeated OTA courses may not be eligible for federal financial aid.

• Students may be required to pay out-of-pocket for repeated coursework. This may include tuition, fees, textbooks, lab supplies, and/or clinical requirements.

It is the student’s responsibility to meet with Financial Aid to fully understand how re-entry or repeated coursework will impact their eligibility and financial responsibilities.

Important Note

Re-admission is not guaranteed. In order to maintain program integrity and the high standards required for fieldwork and NBCOT exam readiness, students with multiple withdrawals, course failures, or professionalism concerns are carefully considered for re-entry.

1. Health and Safety Compliance: Students must maintain all required immunizations, screenings, and CPR certification throughout the program. Failure to do so may result in inability to participate in fieldwork and progression delay.

2. Professional Behavior: Students must meet minimum expectations on each semester’s Professional Behavior Evaluation. Failure to meet professional behavior standards will result in dismissal from the program.

3. Clinical Competency Policy:

   • Students must pass all clinical competency skill assessments with a minimum score of 75% to progress to Fieldwork Level II.

   • Clinical competencies are scored assessments (not Pass/Fail). The initial attempt score is recorded.

   • If the combined academic and competency performance results in a failing course grade, the course is failed.

   • If the combined performance is passing, students may receive additional opportunities to demonstrate competency. Successful competency assessments are placed in the student’s permanent academic file.

4. Employment Disclaimer: ENMU–Roswell and the OTA Program do not guarantee job placement. The program provides the education and skills necessary for workforce entry, but securing employment is the responsibility of the graduate.