Occupational Therapy Assistant

Clinical (NP and NE) APEA Policy

This policy establishes guidelines and grading criteria for the use of the Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) products in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs.  This policy provides a framework for consistent usage and application of APEA products.

1. APEA Testing

The APEA assessments are used as a component of formative and summative academic assessment in the MSN/PGC/FNP, AGPCNP and for NE (the 3P exam only) programs. The APEA online testing center provides documentation of completion of assigned proctored/non-proctored APEA exams. 

1. The APEA 3P exam measures competency of the core criteria for advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology. This exam evaluates clinical readiness prior to entering the practicum setting. A minimum score of ≥ 67 (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) is the goal. This exam is administered during week eight/nine of NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment, in NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation. Students who do not achieve the minimum score will be enrolled in NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement, a 4 credit, 10/11-week remediation course. A new 3P exam version will be administered in week 10/11. Students who are unsuccessful after two cumulative (2) attempts will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1  APEA 3P Grading Rubric

1. The APEA Pre-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation The Pre-Predictor Exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the APEA Post-Predictor exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week two of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week two of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Pre-Predictor exam is 15% of the MSN FNP NSG6440 and MSN AGNP NSG6430 course grade. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.2 below.

Table 1.2 APEA Pre-Predictor Grading Rubric

Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics

1. The APEA Post-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management by testing knowledge areas and testing domains that include: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation. The APEA Post-Predictor exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the certification exam The APEA Post-Predictor exam considered a national standardized exam or exit exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Post-Predictor exam is worth 40% of the final grade in MSN FNP ( NSG6440) and AGNP ( NSG6340). The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.3 below.

Table 1.3 APEA Post-Predictor Grading Rubric

Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics

1. Remediation
   1. Individualized remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment.
   2. Remediation is required for all APEA assessments. Students must utilize their test results to complete remediation. Content areas with a score of ≤ 66 on the 3P exam and ≤ 69% on the pre and post predictor exams require remediation (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics).
   3. Failure to comply with the APEA testing policy may result in a course failure.

Retesting is required for any student not achieving a minimum grade of ≥ 67% (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) on the APEA 3P exam. Retesting of the APEA 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023. A different test version will be utilized for retesting.Students who achieve a minimum grade of ≥ 67% on the retest of the 3P exam will receive an 80% for the APEA grade. Students who are unsuccessful after two (2) attempts on the 3P exam will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.  Any retakes/retesting of the APEA 3P or APEA pre and post-predictor exams must be approved by the College of Nursing and Public Health Dean or their designee.

1. Comprehensive APEA Program

Students have access to and are assigned the APEA resources to be used. Courses are listed in Table 3.1 and identifies APEA resources to be used in the corresponding courses.

Table 3.1 Courses with Corresponding APEA Resources

The occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of the occupational therapist to help individuals regain or accommodate to decreased range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, perception and activities of daily living, which includes dressing, eating, toileting, hygiene and home management.  

The Associate of Applied Science and the Associate of Science degrees in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree program are dedicated to providing educational opportunities of the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. Through its carefully balanced and sequenced curricular design over eight quarters or nine quarters, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to prepare qualified graduates to seek entry-level employment as occupational therapy practitioners. The program prepares students with knowledge and skills for competent entry-level practice in a variety of contexts for an ever-changing world. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program further seeks to lead the profession and community through its contributions in educational leadership, community and professional service, lifelong learning, and scholarship.

The Professional Phase of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is delivered on campus at each of the campuses wher the program is offered.  It is offered on the Virgina Beach cain two modalities: fully campus-based or blended.  Students enrolled in the blended modality meet face-to-face in the classroom and asynchronously online over the 11-week quarter.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The OTA program goals address student competency in the following areas

1. Prepare occupational therapy assistants who appreciate and adapt to diverse and alternative cultures, settings, systems, processes, and ideas. (adaptation thread)
2. Foster student skill in accessing relevant literature and information, using research-based evidence to make informed decisions in occupational therapy practice. (information literacy thread)
3. Cultivate student skill in effective critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning with clients across the lifespan in diverse practice settings. (critical thinking thread)
4. Foster development of student's communication skills to promote effective, appropriate interaction with all stakeholders. (professionalism thread)
5. Instill in the student the values, attitudes and behaviors consistent with the occupational therapy profession's philosophy, standards and ethics. (professionalism thread)
6. Provide the student with opportunities to acquire skills in advocacy for the profession of occupational therapy to other professionals, service providers, consumers, third-party payers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and the public. (professionalism thread)
7. Provide the student with a challenging curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to deliver occupational therapy assistant services with entry-level competency under the supervision of an occupational therapist in a variety of practice settings. (professionalism and critical thinking threads)
8. Impart to the student a passion for lifelong professional development to meet changing societal needs. (lifelong learning thread)
9. Provide ongoing opportunities for stakeholders in the OTA program to have input into the development and evaluation of the OTA program to ensure the program remains true to its mission and philosophy. (information literacy thread)

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at South University, Columbia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Tampa and West Palm Beach are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. http://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, 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. More information on ACOTE may be obtained at http://www.acoteonline.org.

Effective April 1, 2017, ACOTE changed the accreditation status of the Associate of Science degree offered by the OTA Program on the South University-West Palm Beach campus to Probationary Accreditation for noncompliance with ACOTE Standard A.5.6 (certification exam pass rate).  The program remains accredited. In April 2018 ACOTE granted to extend the period for compliance with the Standards A.5.6 until March 2020.

Effective March 27, 2020, ACOTE changed the accreditation status of the Associate of Science degree offered by the OTA Program on the South University-West Palm Beach campus to Probationary Accreditation - Inactive. 

Clinical (NP and NE) APEA Policy

This policy establishes guidelines and grading criteria for the use of the Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) products in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs.  This policy provides a framework for consistent usage and application of APEA products.

1. APEA Testing

The APEA assessments are used as a component of formative and summative academic assessment in the MSN/PGC/FNP, AGPCNP and for NE (the 3P exam only) programs. The APEA online testing center provides documentation of completion of assigned proctored/non-proctored APEA exams. 

1. The APEA 3P exam measures competency of the core criteria for advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology. This exam evaluates clinical readiness prior to entering the practicum setting. A minimum score of ≥ 67 (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) is the goal. This exam is administered during week eight/nine of NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment, in NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation. Students who do not achieve the minimum score will be enrolled in NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement, a 4 credit, 10/11-week remediation course. A new 3P exam version will be administered in week 10/11. Students who are unsuccessful after two cumulative (2) attempts will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1  APEA 3P Grading Rubric

1. The APEA Pre-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation The Pre-Predictor Exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the APEA Post-Predictor exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week two of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week two of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Pre-Predictor exam is 15% of the MSN FNP NSG6440 and MSN AGNP NSG6430 course grade. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.2 below.

Table 1.2 APEA Pre-Predictor Grading Rubric

Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics

1. The APEA Post-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management by testing knowledge areas and testing domains that include: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation. The APEA Post-Predictor exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the certification exam The APEA Post-Predictor exam considered a national standardized exam or exit exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Post-Predictor exam is worth 40% of the final grade in MSN FNP ( NSG6440) and AGNP ( NSG6340). The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.3 below.

Table 1.3 APEA Post-Predictor Grading Rubric

Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics

1. Remediation
   1. Individualized remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment.
   2. Remediation is required for all APEA assessments. Students must utilize their test results to complete remediation. Content areas with a score of ≤ 66 on the 3P exam and ≤ 69% on the pre and post predictor exams require remediation (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics).
   3. Failure to comply with the APEA testing policy may result in a course failure.

Retesting is required for any student not achieving a minimum grade of ≥ 67% (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) on the APEA 3P exam. Retesting of the APEA 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023. A different test version will be utilized for retesting.Students who achieve a minimum grade of ≥ 67% on the retest of the 3P exam will receive an 80% for the APEA grade. Students who are unsuccessful after two (2) attempts on the 3P exam will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.  Any retakes/retesting of the APEA 3P or APEA pre and post-predictor exams must be approved by the College of Nursing and Public Health Dean or their designee.

1. Comprehensive APEA Program

Students have access to and are assigned the APEA resources to be used. Courses are listed in Table 3.1 and identifies APEA resources to be used in the corresponding courses.

Table 3.1 Courses with Corresponding APEA Resources

The occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of the occupational therapist to help individuals regain or accommodate to decreased range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, perception and activities of daily living, which includes dressing, eating, toileting, hygiene and home management.  

The Associate of Applied Science and the Associate of Science degrees in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree program are dedicated to providing educational opportunities of the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. Through its carefully balanced and sequenced curricular design over eight quarters or nine quarters, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to prepare qualified graduates to seek entry-level employment as occupational therapy practitioners. The program prepares students with knowledge and skills for competent entry-level practice in a variety of contexts for an ever-changing world. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program further seeks to lead the profession and community through its contributions in educational leadership, community and professional service, lifelong learning, and scholarship.

The Professional Phase of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is delivered on campus at each of the campuses wher the program is offered.  It is offered on the Virgina Beach cain two modalities: fully campus-based or blended.  Students enrolled in the blended modality meet face-to-face in the classroom and asynchronously online over the 11-week quarter.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The OTA program goals address student competency in the following areas

1. Prepare occupational therapy assistants who appreciate and adapt to diverse and alternative cultures, settings, systems, processes, and ideas. (adaptation thread)
2. Foster student skill in accessing relevant literature and information, using research-based evidence to make informed decisions in occupational therapy practice. (information literacy thread)
3. Cultivate student skill in effective critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning with clients across the lifespan in diverse practice settings. (critical thinking thread)
4. Foster development of student's communication skills to promote effective, appropriate interaction with all stakeholders. (professionalism thread)
5. Instill in the student the values, attitudes and behaviors consistent with the occupational therapy profession's philosophy, standards and ethics. (professionalism thread)
6. Provide the student with opportunities to acquire skills in advocacy for the profession of occupational therapy to other professionals, service providers, consumers, third-party payers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and the public. (professionalism thread)
7. Provide the student with a challenging curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to deliver occupational therapy assistant services with entry-level competency under the supervision of an occupational therapist in a variety of practice settings. (professionalism and critical thinking threads)
8. Impart to the student a passion for lifelong professional development to meet changing societal needs. (lifelong learning thread)
9. Provide ongoing opportunities for stakeholders in the OTA program to have input into the development and evaluation of the OTA program to ensure the program remains true to its mission and philosophy. (information literacy thread)

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at South University, Columbia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Tampa and West Palm Beach are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. http://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, 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. More information on ACOTE may be obtained at http://www.acoteonline.org.

Effective April 1, 2017, ACOTE changed the accreditation status of the Associate of Science degree offered by the OTA Program on the South University-West Palm Beach campus to Probationary Accreditation for noncompliance with ACOTE Standard A.5.6 (certification exam pass rate).  The program remains accredited. In April 2018 ACOTE granted to extend the period for compliance with the Standards A.5.6 until March 2020.

Effective March 27, 2020, ACOTE changed the accreditation status of the Associate of Science degree offered by the OTA Program on the South University-West Palm Beach campus to Probationary Accreditation - Inactive.