Occupational therapy assistant classes at Ross campuses in Hopkinsville, KY.
ACOTE’s Disclosure Statement regarding Probationary Accreditation Action: The occupational therapy assistant program at Ross College in Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was placed on Probationary Accreditation effective March 23, 2024, because the area of noncompliance related to 2018 Standard A.6.4 (certification exam pass rate) is so serious that the capability of the program to provide acceptable educational experiences for the students is threatened. The program has been requested to submit a Progress Report to return the program to full compliance with the Standards within the mandated time period for correction.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science degree program can prepare you for the opportunity to help improve the quality of a person’s life and ability to perform daily activities through rehabilitative exercises and activities. Working as part of a rehabilitation team and under the supervision of an occupational therapist, you will find occupational therapy assistants in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home health care, early intervention, school systems, and psychiatric hospitals.
The goal of occupational therapy is to help clients return to every day activities such as work, play, leisure, and home activities. In order to accomplish this, occupational therapy assistants think creatively to help clients with disabilities.
Occupational therapy assistants work alongside and under the supervision of occupational therapists. They assist occupational therapy clients as they relearn and develop typical daily life skills like eating, getting dressed, working, driving, etc. Occupational therapy assistants can be found in a variety of settings and working with many different types of patients.
Some choose to work with the elderly in their homes, nursing homes, or clinics. Others work with children, helping them to expand their skills in accomplishing fundamental activities. Still others may decide to work with patients that have disabilities that challenge their ability to perform necessary tasks.
Students enrolled in the Ross Occupational Therapy Assistant program are required to successfully complete two different fieldwork components. The first fieldwork experience is a one week full time observation based experience in a psychosocial setting. This one week fieldwork is scheduled during the same month as Intervention in Mental Health allowing students to apply academic principles to real world settings. Once students have completed all academic courses, students are required to complete two 2-month full time fieldwork experiences.
This fieldwork experience allows students to follow and learn from experienced, well respected occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapists. Not only do students build necessary clinical skills, but more importantly gain valuable patient interaction skills. In summary, the four months of fieldwork allows students to apply academic principles to real patient care. The combination of the academic coursework and the fieldwork experience serve as an appropriate starting point for students to pass the certification exam allowing them to be practicing occupational therapy assistants.
Once a student successfully completes the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Ross, they are eligible to take the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). In order to be able to work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, graduates must take and successfully pass the exam.
In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
NBCOT Certification Examination Performance: For information pertaining to the most recent OTA graduates on the national certification examination, please refer to https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
The total number of graduates from Ross College – Quad Cities/Bettendorf, Iowa, campus for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program during the three-year period of 2021-2023 was 24 with an overall graduation rate of 80%.
The total number of graduates from the Ross College – Hopkinsville, Kentucky, campus for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program during the three-year period of 2021-2023* was 38 with an overall graduation rate of 83%.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering / Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15/13 | 86% |
| 2022 | 10/6 | 60% |
| 2023 | 5/5 | 100% |
| Total | 30/24 | 80% |
| Graduation Year | Students Entering / Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19/15 | 79% |
| 2022 | 20/18 | 90% |
| 2023 | 7/5 | 71% |
| Total | 46/38 | 83% |
An Associate of Applied Science Degree will be awarded to each student who successfully:
| Program | Credit Hour | Program Length (Quarters) | Tuition per Credit Hour | General Fee | Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 96 | 8 | $411.00 | $0.00 | $39,456.00 |
* There is an optional technology kit that would add $395.00 to the cost of the program if selected. Published fees for the program are subject to change
Ross College Official 3 year Cohort Default Rate (for all campuses under the main campus of Ross Medical Education Center – Brighton, MI) for 2020 is [0.0].
The Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Program at Ross College – Ross College Hopkinsville and Ross College Quad Cities locations accredited by The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (Acote).
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 652-2682 acoteonline.org
My time at Ross College has been nothing but a great experience! Ross has provided me with high-quality classes that I know have prepared me for my future. During my time here, I have created long-lasting relationships with both my peers and staff! I highly recommend individuals come see all that Ross College has to offer!
Jade Moore-Jackson Graduate Occupational Therapy Assistant student at Quad Cities, IA campus Graduation: January 25, 2019
I have loved pursuing my education at Ross College! The instructors and staff are always smiling, and eager to help you succeed.
Heather Mcpheeters Graduate Medical Assistant student at Quad Cities, IA campus Graduation: February 26, 2019
In May of 2017, I decided to start my journey, and though many obstacles popped up trying to prevent me from starting, I was able to begin school in June of 2017. When I started school, I was working a part time job and juggling being a full time mom of six beautiful children. It wasn't easy; it took hard work and dedication. I kept two planners: one for work and appointments, the other for school assignments and tests. In January of of 2018, I finished my externship and received my certificate. I even accepted a position when I finished my externship; my hard work had paid off. I absolutely love my job! My team members and patients are great. Best of all, they make work fun. I have truly found my calling.
Erica Shelly Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: January 3, 2018
Ross was a huge leap for me. I have never been one to like school or do well in school. I came to Ross searching for a new beginning, a fresh start. I came searching for MY purpose in the world. Before I even walked through the doors I prayed that God would just lead me in the direction he wanted me to go. When I walked through the doors I was immediately welcomed by warm, smiling faces and sweet hellos. I knew immediately this was the place for me. When I signed up for classes I was really scared. I was scared of failure and rejection. When I finally got into the class, I was so wrong. The instructor went above and beyond to try to help me succeed. I exceeded even my own best expectations of myself. I believe my success was not only driven by my determination, but also the support I received from all of the staff here at Ross. This decision changed my life for the better. It gave me the confidence to continue to step out of my comfort zone. It gave me the courage to try new things. It gave me a better self-image. It taught me that even though things may be tough, if I just keep my head up and push through, I can overcome anything! Ross has been nothing short of a blessing for me. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Especially to the ones who never thought they could. With a good support system and a little determination, you can do anything!
Brooklyn Willett Graduate Medical Assistant student at Owensboro, KY campus Graduation: February 14, 2019
Ross has helped me grow, not only in knowledge, but as a person, through helping others, being more patient, and having a better attitude. I'm so thankful to my amazing instructor who truly cares about her students and has gone out of her way many times to help us. Ross is full of caring people who will encourage you to stick with the program and not give up. From my instructors to my classmates, I've always felt welcomed at Ross.
Maggie Holle Graduate Medical Assistant student at Fort Wayne, IN campus Graduation: March 12, 2019
