April is Occupational Therapy Month, and at Laredo Community College, a group of students wants to raise public awareness about the benefits of pursuing a higher education for this rewarding health career.
Terri Gonzalez, coordinator of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at LCC, said that OTA students will be busy all month tending to their studies and spearheading different activities to promote this career to other students and the community.
One of the activities includes a month-long informative exhibit, set up by the college students, at J.W. Nixon High School’s Vocational Building. Other initiatives include presentations to college students in biology classes, where the potential exists to attract science-minded students toward the OTA field.
Additionally, students and faculty will be touting the rewards of OTA careers to the community via the local news media. They also plan to honor local practitioners who contribute to the advancement of the OTA program at LCC.
Occupational therapy involves rehabilitative treatment for people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social or emotional problems, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.
These healthcare professionals also provide skilled treatment to persons with substance abuse problems or eating disorders, people with burns, spinal cord injuries or amputations and persons with broken bones or other injuries resulting from falls or accidents.
Established in 1997, the two-year OTA career training program at LCC leads toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree upon completing the degree requirements.
Students interested in continuing their education as occupational therapists are able to transition to the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and acquire an entry-level master’s degree in occupational therapy.
For more information about the OTA program at LCC, contact Gonzalez by calling 721-5460.
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443