Apr 05, 2026  
Catalog 2025-2026 
    
Catalog 2025-2026

OTA 120 Professional Communication in Healthcare

3 credits
This course addresses effective communication and collaboration in today’s healthcare system. Students focus on written and verbal communication skills with emphasis on documentation. The professional opportunities for and the role of the occupational therapy assistant including that of leadership continue to be explored within the scope of practice.

Prerequisites: OTA 131 , OTA 132 , OTA 140 , and OTA 144  

Corequisites: OTA 180 , OTA 211 , and OTA 217  

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Communicate appropriately and respectfully with patients of different abilities and challenges
  • Write an effective Subjective/Objective/Assessment/Plan (SOAP) note
  • Describe the supervisory role of the OTR and the unique communication required between the OTA and the OTR
  • Function as a successful team member in OTA practice
  • Follow the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics
  • Behave and dress professionally

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Communication, the ability to engage effectively in verbal, non-verbal, written, and/or symbolic expression.

Total Hours: 40 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 20 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 20