​
(Santa Ana, CA ) - Santa Ana College (SAC) is ready to help Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) obtain their Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Studies this fall.

The program, which began its first two-year cohort in 2017, was initially designed to help COTAs improve their skills and get ahead professionally. Students entering into the fall 2019 cohort will be provided the choice of either obtaining an associate degree or working directly to complete a bachelor’s in occupational science studies. COTAs planning on continuing their education and obtaining their registered occupational therapist licensure can take the first step by earning their bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost.

“Being in SAC’s Occupational Studies B.S. program has given me confidence and has made me a better therapist,” said Griselda Vanover, who will graduate in May. “I am able to apply the knowledge I have learned here and think critically on how I can improve my treatments to deliver the best quality care to my patients.”

Current COTAs will not have to quit their job or reduce their hours to attend. SAC’s program was developed to cater to working COTAs with classes offered Wednesday nights, Saturdays, online and through hybrid courses that allow students to continue working while they attend. Graduates will have the latest clinical training and be prepared for master’s degree occupational therapy programs.

The number of students admitted to each cohort is limited. Applications must be received by May 10 for fall. SAC offers lower division units at $46 each and upper division courses at $130 per unit. Financial aid is available to eligible students. To apply for SAC’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies students must have graduated from an ACOTE accredited OTA program or entered with the intent of completing the four-year program. Although many of the required courses are included in the program, some general education classes may need to be taken in addition to those required for the OS degree. Contact Michelle Parolise, program coordinator, at (714) 564-6833, with any questions. Occupational Science Studies information sessions are held monthly. Visit sac.edu/os for a complete list of dates and times and to schedule an appointment with a counselor to go over educational goals and outcomes.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

# # #