2025-26 Occupational Therapy Assistant Requirements and Application

From submitting your application to admission to registration, Northwood Tech is available to help guide you through the admissions process. To help you successfully complete this program, Northwood Tech has developed a set of program requirements and functional ability criteria. For students with a disability, reasonable accommodations are available to help you be successful in the program of your choice.

Admission Requirements

The first step to get admitted is to fill out a Northwood Tech application, and Northwood Tech will guide you from there. If you're not quite ready to become a student, visit a campus to get the full Northwood Tech experience. A campus tour will give you the opportunity to meet staff, instructors and students, tour the campus and get a real feel for the campus culture.

Complete Online application form
Submit an official high school (or HSED/GED) transcript with graduation date.
- If you are a current high school student, you can be admitted with an unofficial, or official, current transcript. Your final official transcript with graduation date must be submitted prior to the program starting or you will be withdrawn from the program.
Review and sign Background Check Disclosure
Out-of-State applicants sign a Professional Licensure Disclosure
Complete admissions meeting with a Northwood Tech counselor (academic admission requirements apply)

2025-26 Occupational Therapy Assistant Additional Program Information

2025-26 Occupational Therapy Assistant Additional Program Information-Transfer Track

Program-Specific Requirements

Submit Background Check fee
Have an acceptable Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check, National Criminal Background Check, Minnesota Caregiver Background Check (if applicable), and other states, if applicable
Complete physical exam, including immunizations
Possess current certification of "BLS Basic Life Support"
Review and sign Health Sciences Confidentiality Statement
Participate in a mandatory program orientation session

2025-26 Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Handbook

OTA Practice Definitions

Commonly Used Abbreviations

Health Sciences Policies
- HS-i Work-based Learning Terms
- HS-ii Code of Conduct
- HS-01 Northwood Tech Mission, Vision, Values, & Tenets
- HS-02 Rules and Regulations-Student Signature
- HS-03 Safety Accountability Statement-Student Signature
- HS-04 Bloodborne Pathogen Risk Statement
- HS-05 CDC Guidelines and Links
- HS-06 Standard Precautions Chart
- HS-07 Exposure Control Procedures (Needle stick)
- HS-08 Performance-Based Instruction
- HS-09 Student Responsibilities
- HS-10 Responsibility of the Learner
- HS-11 Test-Taking
- HS-12 Studying Hints
- HS-13 Important Dispositions for Critical Thinkers
- HS-14 Good Thinking vs. Poor Thinking
- HS-15 Computer Information
- HS-16 Communication Guidelines
- HS-17 Confidentiality-HIPAA
- HS-18 Transfer Credit
- HS-19 Witnessing Legal Documents
- HS-20 Health Status
- HS-21 Health Form
- HS-22 BLS-Medic 1st Aid Requirements
- HS-23 Course Expectations for Assignments
- HS-24 Professional Expectations and Dress Code
- HS-25 Grading Policy
- HS-26 Improvement Plan
- HS-27 Academic Appeals Procedures
- HS-28 Automatic Program Dismissal
- HS-29 Complaints Concerning Health Sciences Programs
OTA Program Policies
- OTA-01 Welcome
- OTA-02 2024-25 Catalog Page and Course Descriptions
- OTA-03 2024-25 Required Courses
- OTA-04 OTA Program Mission
- OTA-05 OTA Program Outcomes
- OTA-06 Program Philosophy
- OTA-07 Curriculum Design
- OTA-07a Scholarship Agenda
- OTA-08 OTA Student Rules and Regulations
- OTA-09 Certification
- OTA-10 ACOTE
- OTA-11 Core Ability Assessment Timeline
- OTA-12 Student Technical Support
- OTA-13 Program Portfolio
- OTA-14 Attendance Policy
- OTA-15 Late Assignment Policy
- OTA-16 Academic Advising Policy
- OTA-17 Distance Learning Education Policy
- OTA-18 Cancellation of OTA Class
- OTA-19 Online Exam Policy
- OTA-20 Curriculum Plan
- OTA-21 Fail Repeat Policy
- OTA-22 Withdrawal Policy
- OTA-23 Reentry Process
- OTA-24 Criteria for Successful Completion of OTA Program
- OTA-25 Student Safety Concerns
- OTA-26 Evaluation
- OTA-27 Extended Laboratory Experience
- OTA-28 Fieldwork Information
- OTA-29 Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check Policy
- OTA-30 Background Check Fieldwork Policy for Student Placement
- OTA-31 OTA CBC Disclosure
- OTA-32 FY25 Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check
- OTA-33 Required Documents for OTA Students
- OTA-34 FY24 OTA Functional Abilities
- OTA-35 OTA Graduation Form Procedures
- OTA-36 Self-Reporting Background Check Form

2025-26 OTA Fieldwork Handbook
Spring 2026 Fieldwork Level II dates: TBD

Fieldwork Update Info

Cover, Table of Contents, Welcome Letter, and SOUs
- A1 Front Cover
- A2 Table of Contents
- A3 Welcome Letter for Fieldwork Students and Fieldwork Educators from FW Coordinator
- A4 Statement of Understanding for Fieldwork Site II
- A4a Statement of Understanding for Non-Traditional Fieldwork Site II
- A5 Statement of Understanding for Students
Fieldwork Overview
- B1 What is Fieldwork?
- B2 Guidelines and Professional Standards for Students
- B3 Fieldwork Requirements
- B4 Fieldwork Student Meeting
Fieldwork I
- C1 Fieldwork I Timeline
- C2 Fieldwork I Student Evaluation
Fieldwork II
- D1 Fieldwork II Timeline
- D2 AOTA Fieldwork Data Form (Explanation and Form)
- D3 Preparing for Level II Fieldwork - Assignment (Intro Letter and Student Data Form)
- D4 Possible Assignments for the Fieldwork Site to Utilize
- D5 Week Two Site Review - Assignment
- D6 Understanding the FWPE
- D7 Eval of FW Coordination Process
Tools for Addressing Special Concerns
- E1 Improvement Plan
- E2 Core Ability
Inclusion of Psychosocial Content into the Level II Fieldwork Experience
- F1 Incorporating Psychosocial Issues into Fieldwork II
- F2 Table of Contents for Psychosocial Tools
- F3 Values
- F4 Interests
- F5 Self-Concept
- F6 Role Performance
- F7 Social Conduct
- F8 Interpersonal Skills
- F9 Self-Expression
- F10 Coping Skills
- F11 Time Management
- F12 Self-Control
Supervision Guidelines
- G1 Program Director/Fieldwork Coordinator Process for Supervision of Fieldwork
- G2 Fieldwork Level II and Occupational Therapy Students: A Position Paper
- G3 Physical Agent Modalities
- G4 AOTA PAMs
- G5 State of WI OT Practice and Supervision
- G6 State of WI OT Definitions
- G7 State of WI OT Licensure of OTs and OTAs
- G8 State of WI OT Biennial Registration
- G9 State of WI OT Unprofessional Conduct
- G10 Materials to Enhance Fieldwork Supervision
- G11 Practice Advisory Services
- G12 Example Amount of Supervision FW Chart
- G13 Methods to Prepare to be a Fieldwork Educator
Northwood Tech OTA Program Mission and Philosophy
- H1 (HS-01) Northwood Tech Mission, Vision, Values, and Tenets
- H2 (OTA-04) OTA Program Mission
- H3 (OTA-06) OTA Program Philosophy
OTA Program Course Information
- I1 (OTA-02) 2024-25 OTA Catalog Page and Course Descriptions
- I2 Fieldwork I Course Outcomes Summary
- I3 Fieldwork IIA Course Outcome Summary
- I4 Fieldwork IIB Course Outcome Summary
- I5 (OTA-07) OTA Curriculum Design
- I6 (OTA-03) 2024-25 OTA Program Required Courses
- I7 (OTA-05) OTA Program Outcomes
Site-Based Objective Samples
- J1 NEOTEC FPWE Objective, Directions
- J2 NEOTEC FPWE Objective, Form
- J3 NEOTEC FPWE Objective, Checklist
- J4 NEOTEC FPWE AOTA Form
Fieldwork Policies
- K1 Fieldwork Policies
- K2 Fieldwork Placement Policy
- K3 Contacting Fieldwork Educators
- K4 Travel During Fieldwork
- K5 Termination of Fieldwork
- K6 Attendance During Fieldwork
- K7 Fieldwork Grading
- K8 (HS-17) Confidentiality-HIPAA
- K9 (OTA-30) Background Check Fieldwork Policy for Student Placement
- K10 (HS-20) Health Status
- K11 (HS-22) CPR Medic 1st Aid Requirements
- K12 (HS-24) Health Sciences Professional Expectations/Dress Code
- K13 (HS-16) Communication Guidelines
- K14(OTA-21) Failure/Course Repeat Policy
- K15 (OTA-23) Reentry Process
Glossary
- L1 Glossary

OTA Program Orientation-Fall 2025

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
- Complete OTA online orientation and all required steps. The link for the OTA online orientation will be emailed to you and is located in the Welcome to the OTA Program letter. If you need a second copy sent to you, please reach out to the OTA Program Director.
- You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download and use the files in the OTA online orientation.
  - 2024-25 Academic Calendar
  - 2024-25 OTA Required Courses - 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 Northwood Tech OTA students for fieldwork courses have significantly increased their demands for background check scrutiny over the past several years. Northwood Tech 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, LLC:
  - Verified Credentials for Ashland OTA students
  - Verified Credentials for New Richmond OTA students
  - Verified Credentials for Rice Lake OTA Students
- In addition to that, if you are a student who will complete a clinical rotation in Minnesota, you will also be required to complete a Minnesota Caregiver Background Check. Your Program Instructor/Advisor will inform you if a Minnesota background check is needed.
  - 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 Northwood Tech a copy of an Acceptable Form of ID for DHS Background studies (scroll down to What documents can be used to verify ID?), the completed Minnesota Caregiver Background Check and $44.
  - Northwood Tech staff will verify the information provided and enter it into the MN DHS website. Background Study subjects will receive an email from IDEMIA-IdentoGO that includes an individual specific tracking number called a Universal Enrollment Identification (UE ID). The email will be sent within a few minutes of the background study application being submitted in NETStudy 2.0 by the provider. The email includes instructions for study subjects to use IDEMIA-IdentoGO's pre-enrollment system and information on locating a fingerprint location.
  - Students MUST present a form of ID to be fingerprinted and photographed and will be required to pay the $10.50 fee at the fingerprint and photo location.
  - Within 14 days of receiving the email from IDEMIA-IdentoGO, students must be fingerprinted and photographed. If not completed within 14 days, the above process and fee payment will need to be repeated.
  - Background Study Notice of Privacy Practices
- After background checks are completed, students are expected to self report any changes.
Health Form and Directions
- 1. Complete the HS Health Form and save it.
- 2. Follow instructions on the form for submission.
To Complete and Submit with OTA online orientation
- Learning Styles -- check your learning style
- Health Sciences Confidentiality Statement
- OTA Student Information Sheet -- Please complete and submit with OTA online orientation.
Information Only
- 2024-25 OTA Program Cost Sheet
- Insurance Information
- 2024-25 OTA Program Technology Needs
- 2024-25 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
- Health Sciences Professional Expectations/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.

2025-26 OTA Reentry

OTA Reentry Instructions
- In the event an OTA student who is matriculated into core OTA (514-XXX) and/or core science (806-XXX) courses has to temporarily leave the program, the student is considered a "reentry" student. This may occur because the student:
  - 1. Must temporarily take leave from core OTA courses due to personal or other reasons that do not allow the student to continue in the program at the current time. This includes military service.
  - 2. Failed and is eligible (see OTA Failure/Course Repeat/Dismissal Policy) to repeat either a core OTA or science course that is a prerequisite for the following semester.
  - 3. Withdrew from a core OTA or science course that is a prerequisite for the following semester.
  - If you are on this web page, the OTA program director has determined you are a reentry student.
  - Reentry students have priority reentry status for one year if space is available. For example, if you leave the program during or at the end of the Fall 2024 semester, you will maintain priority reentry until Fall 2025. Should you decide to postpone your reentry to the OTA program during the priority year you will forfeit your priority reentry status and will be eligible for reentry after other students waiting to reenter have had the opportunity to reenter.
- Please carefully review the Intent to Reenter OTA Program form. Sign and return this form within one month of your exiting the program to Becky Mika at becky.mika@NorthwoodTech.edu.
  - If you return your Intent to Reenter OTA Program form you will receive an email through your Northwood Tech email account giving you further details regarding course registration for the semester of your reentry. If you do not return your Intent to Reenter OTA Program form by the deadline, it will be assumed that you are no longer interested in enrolling in the Northwood Tech OTA program courses, and your name will be removed from the reentry priority list.
  - Please note that while you may not be eligible to continue with core OTA courses at this time due to pre/corequisite requirements, you are still eligible to take general studies or elective courses required for graduation from the OTA program.
  - If you plan on retaking coursework through another WTCS college, you must still complete and return the Intent to Reenter OTA Program form. This will ensure your reentry priority status for the one-year time limit.
  - If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Becky Mika, OTA Program Director, at becky.mika@NorthwoodTech.edu or 715-319-7263.
  - Reentry Student Checklist

OTA Withdrawal

Instructions for Withdrawal from OTA Core Courses
- If you are on this web page, your OTA Academic Advisor has been notified that you dropped your OTA core (10-514-XXX) courses.
  - If you are withdrawing from your OTA core (10-514-XXX) courses, the OTA program would like to gather data regarding your decision to withdraw. This data is useful in the OTA planning process. Thank you for providing this information.
  - Reentry students have priority reentry status for one year. For example, if you leave the program during or at the end of the Fall 2024 semester, you will maintain priority reentry until Fall 2025. Should you decide to postpone your reentry to the OTA program during the priority year, you will forfeit your priority reentry status and will be eligible for reentry after other students waiting to reenter have had the opportunity to reenter.
  - Please carefully review the Withdrawal from the OTA Program form. Please complete the form and email it to becky.mika@NorthwoodTech.edu or print and mail this form within one month of your exiting the program to the following address:
  - Becky Mika
    Northwood Technical College
    2100 Beaser Ave.
    Ashland, WI 54807
  - If you plan to return to the Northwood Tech OTA program, please review the Reentry process and complete the Intent to Reenter OTA Program form.
  - If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Becky Mika, OTA Program Director, at becky.mika@NorthwoodTech.edu or 715-319-7263.

Technology Requirements

If using Macintosh or Linux based computers, coursework must be submitted using your Office365 tools provided with your Northwood Tech email account. It is important to verify with your Program Faculty if non-Windows based computers are acceptable in the program.

View All Technology Requirements