Application Packet Instructions

  • Deadline for submission (hand-delivery or postmark date) – April 15
  • Students may apply to more than one program without penalty
  • Separate application packets need to be completed for each program
  • Preference given to those applicants who have successfully completed all required prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester of application year
  • The following documents should be completed, placed in a sealed single large envelope, and addressed to:

    Bossier Parish Community College
    Division of Science, Nursing, and Allied Health
    Attn: OTA Program Selection Committee
    6220 E. Texas St.
    Bossier City, LA 71111

 

  1. Signed Essential Requirements FormPDF File
  2. Completed and Signed Application FormPDF File
  3. Official Transcripts (not required if all pre-OTA (qualification) coursework is from BPCC)
  4. Two Clinical Observation Rating Forms completed and signed by the OTs or OTAs with whom you completed the required 20 hours observation, volunteer or work experience. (See detailed instructions below)
  5. Typed narrative summary of clinical observation experiences.
  6. Prerequisite Course Verification Form
  7. Two letters of academic or professional reference

Essential Requirements

The OTA Program has established Essential Requirements,PDF File identifying occupational-specific technical standards required of students in the program. Please print, read and Sign this document and include it in your application packet. If you have questions or concerns related to your ability to meet these described requirements, please contact your academic advisor.

Application Form

Neatly type all information requested on OTA Program Application Form.PDF File It must be printed, SIGNED, and included in your application packet.

Clinical Observation Rating Form

You are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours observation, volunteer or work experience in two different occupational therapy settings (10 hours each) under the supervision of two different licensed OT/OTAs. If unfamiliar with OT facilities in the area, you may elect to contact a suggested OTA observation site to request an observation opportunity.

  • Plan ahead and start early – These observation experiences should be scheduled to take place beginning in the fall semester and should be completed and submitted by April 15 of the year in which you plan to apply.
  • Observation hours are honored for one year
  • Please inquire about the dress at each facility prior to arrival.
  • After your observation experience is complete, print one Clinical Observation Rating Form for each OT/OTA you observed (2 forms minimum) and give them the form along with an ADDRESSED and STAMPED envelope.
  • You should address the envelope to:
    Bossier Parish Community College
    Division of Science, Nursing, and Allied Health
    Attn: OTA Program Selection Committee
    6220 E. Texas St.
    Bossier City, LA 71111
  • The OT/OTA should be asked to complete the form, seal it in the provided envelope, sign across the seal and mail directly to the college at the address above.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with the OT or OTA completing the forms so that they are mailed with a postmark date of no later than the April 15th deadline.

Clinical Observation Narrative Summary

Students must independently complete one typed narrative summary of OT observation and submit with application. Narrative should be limited to one page with a minimum of 300 words, double spaced in 12 point font. Narrative should include:

  • Overview of types of diagnoses observed
  • Overview of treatments observed
  • Discussion of most interesting and least interesting components of experience
  • Discussion of your goals and reasons for pursuing occupational therapy assistant as a career choice

Prerequisite Course Verification Form

Use the Prerequisite Course Verification FormPDF File to document each course you have taken (including when, where and the grade you earned for each attempt). The applicant must pay careful attention to and follow explicitly the directions for completion/submission of this document outlined on the bottom of the form. Failure to complete/submit the form following those instructions may result in disqualification of the application packet.

Two Letters of Academic or Professional Reference

Letters must describe the professional behaviors and work ethic of the applicant. Letters must be on professional letter head with the writer’s original signature. Family members may not submit letters.

Official Transcripts/Other Institutions

If you are a transfer student, official copies of your transcript(s) must be received by the BPCC admissions office and be accessible in the BPCC “system” by the application deadline date (April 15th) in order for your packet to be considered.

If you completed pre-OTA (qualification) coursework at another institution, you must include an OFFICIAL transcript from that college in your OTA program application packet. If you completed all coursework at BPCC, you are not required to do this. The submission of the OFFICIAL transcript (for those who attended another school) will ensure the most current, complete listing of course grades will be evaluated. The inclusion of official transcripts in the application packet will NOT be forwarded to the BPCC’s Admissions Department. For more information on how to officially transfer transcripts to BPCC for admission to the School contact BPCC’s Admissions Department (318-678-6004).

Every OTA qualification course attempted will be evaluated. In some instances (when it would improve your score) a higher level course may be substituted for a lower level prerequisite. Check with an OTA advisor if you have questions about whether this applies to you.

Program Student Disclosure of Clinical Requirements

The 20 students selected into the OTA program each year will be required to adhere to additional Program Requirements.PDF File These requirements include providing additional documentation, completing additional immunizations/tests and following additional policies/procedures unique to Allied Health Programs with a clinical component. It is the responsibility of the selected student to (a) complete/fulfill the listed requirements and (b) cover the costs of those requirements. Students will be notified upon selection into OTA program which procedures to follow and what documentation to provide.