Dr. Jasmine Thomas, a 2018 graduate of Polk State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program, has rejoined her former college as the program’s Clinical Coordinator. Thomas, who holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, aims to motivate students from similar backgrounds, including those from lower-income families or those facing personal challenges. Her career began as a middle school science teacher, where she first encountered students receiving occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist. They provide patients with techniques to perform daily tasks and adapt their environment for independent living. Polk State offers an Associate in Science in OTA degree program. This program prepares graduates for work in the field and the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) licensure exam. The program has a 95% pass rate on the licensure exam, surpassing state and national averages.
Thomas developed a strong interest in occupational therapy during her senior year at Polk State College. She valued the program’s holistic approach, which fostered creativity and challenged her. After graduating in 2018, she worked as an OTA for Life Care Center in Winter Haven and AdventHealth’s Lake Wales Medical Center on a part-time basis.