Occupational Therapy Assistant Requirements and Application

OTA Program Orientation-Fall 2020

Be aware that you need to follow the timelines and procedures listed here in order to participate. 

No forms. No class. No exceptions. 

• What You Will Need to Do

  • Click on the forms below to print them (all forms are PDF files). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download and use these files. 

    • Agenda

    • 2020-21 Academic Calendar

    • 2020-21 OTA Curriculum Checklist - to be used as a guide. Although your academic advisor can provide guidance, you are ultimately responsible for selecting courses that meet a program's graduation requirements. 

• Background Checks
  • The agencies that host the WITC OTA students for fieldwork courses have significantly increased their demands for background check scrutiny over the past several years. WITC wants to ensure students understand, prior to the start of the program, that if there are no fieldwork agencies that will accept the student based on the background check history, the student must be excused from the OTA program, regardless of the student's academic standing. This is explained further in the Background Check Disclosure form listed above, under Admission Requirements.
  • All OTA students are required to complete a Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check. Some facilities require a National Criminal Background Check, which must be completed through Verified Credentials, Inc. In addition to that, if you are a student who will complete OTA Fieldwork or course activities in Minnesota, you will also be required to complete a Minnesota Caregiver Background Check (see below). Prior to OTA Fieldwork, the Fieldwork Coordinator will inform you if the National and/or MN background check is needed. 
    • 1. Print form
    • 2. Each form will indicate a due date and to whom the paperwork should be sent
  • MN Department of Human Services (DHS) Background Studies
    • The MN Dept. of Health Services NETStudy 2.0 background study requires all persons who provide services to children and vulnerable adults to be fingerprinted and photographed. 
    • Students will be required to provide WITC a copy of an Acceptable Form of ID for DHS Background studies, the completed MN DHS Data Worksheet and $20. 
    • WITC staff will verify the information provided, and enter it into the MN DHS website, which will generate the Background Study Fingerprint & Photo Authorization document that is sent to the student. Students MUST present the authorization document and same form of ID to be fingerprinted and photographed. Students will be required to pay the $9.10 fee at the fingerprint and photo location. 
    • Within 14 calendar days of receiving the Background Study Fingerprint and Photo Authorization document, students must be fingerprinted and photographed. If not completed within 14 calendar days, the above process and fee payment will need to be repeated. 
    • Background Study Notice of Privacy Practices
• OTA Health Form and Directions
  • 1. Print directions and Health form
  • 2. Complete health information and immunization pages of the form
  • 3. Take form and directions to your physical exam appointment; be sure the physical exam page gets signed and stamped
  • 4. Make copy of form, then submit to your local campus instructor on the first day of the first (fall) semester
• To Complete and Give to Instructor
  • Functional Abilities Disclosure-listed above, under Admission Requirements.  Read the functions and initial/sign the last page as described.  Submit to instructor by designated due date.
  • Learning Styles -- check your learning style
  • Confidentiality Statement
  • Acknowledge of Risk Form
  • Student Information sheet -- please complete and send to Becky Mika by August 1
• Information Only
  • 2020-21 OTA Program Cost Sheet
  • Insurance information
  • 2020-21 OTA Program Textlist -- you will purchase most of your books during the first semester of course work; you will use them throughout your program
• Program Policies
  • Distance Learning Education Policy
  • OTA Dress Code
  • OTA Failure/Repeat Policy
  • Student Biographical Change Request -- please print and use this form if you change your name, address or phone number(s). You should submit it to your local Student Services to be certain that the changes are entered in the main computer system.