The Rehabilitation Aide/Technician Occupational Skills Award (OSA) is an embedded credential within the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program. This closed award is available exclusively to students who have been formally accepted into the OTA Program and who have successfully completed the first semester of OTA coursework.
The OSA provides focused instruction in foundational rehabilitation principles, therapeutic procedures, patient safety, documentation, and clinical support skills necessary for entry-level employment as a Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Aide/Technician. Upon completion of the designated coursework, students are academically prepared to sit for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide certification examination through the American Medical Certification Agency (AMCA).
Rehabilitation Aide/Technicians work under the supervision of licensed therapists in a variety of healthcare settings, including outpatient rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, physician offices, and other ambulatory care environments. These roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, making this embedded credential a strategic workforce exit point for OTA students.
This Occupational Skills Award does not replace the Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, but provides an early workforce milestone for students seeking employment while continuing in the OTA program. The OSA supports stackable credentialing, enhances employability, and strengthens students’ readiness for advanced clinical coursework within the OTA curriculum.
Pending Approval from The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board