Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide services to persons whose lives have been challenged due to injury, illness, developmental deficits or aging. Occupational therapy assistants view individuals in a holistic manner and help people prevent, lessen or overcome disabilities so they are able to function more independently in every aspect of daily living. Occupational therapy assistants use therapeutic activities and exercises to improve a client's skills for performing a variety of important every day tasks safely and independently in their role at work, home, school, and in the community. Students in this program receive fundamental skills in occupational therapy and extensive clinical training. Successful completion of the program prepares students for careers as occupational therapist assistants in hospitals, out-patient clinics, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, assisted living and nursing care facilities, and school systems.