Harcum's OTA Program Earns 100% Pass Rate

According to the most recent pass rates issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, Harcum College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program now boasts a 100% pass rate for 2014. In other words, every student who took the exam in order to obtain the designation of COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) passed the national test.

Even after classes officially ended for Fall Semester on December 12, Dr. Michael Gerg, OTA Program Director, worked with students preparing to take the NBCOT exam later in the month.

The COTA exam is constructed based on the results of practice analysis studies. The ultimate goal of a practice analysis study is to ensure that there is a representative linkage of examination content to practice.

Besides faring well on national exams, Gerg says Harcum OTA graduates do well in the world of work. “There is a shortage of OTAs,” he said, one reason being that the largest swath of the U.S. population—the Baby Boomers—are aging. Many are already senior citizens. Gerg also explained that OTA is the fastest growing segment within the Occupational Therapy field. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports Gerg’s claims. According to their website, the job outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides is expected to grow 41% through 2022, much faster than average.

“Our graduates can obtain positions in the high 40s and low 50s, so there is definitely a financial incentive to pursuing this degree,” Gerg concluded.