First MCC occupational therapy students to graduate
Submitted by McHenry County College
The first graduating class of McHenry County College’s occupational therapy assistant program will earn their associate of applied science degrees at the college’s winter commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 14.
This class of 13 students began the program in January 2012. They have completed the required coursework and fieldwork and are eligible to take the national licensing exam. Once they pass the exam, they are qualified to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist in a variety of settings, including outpatient pediatric clinics, school systems, rehabilitation centers, geriatrics and skilled nursing facilities.
“McHenry County and the surrounding area is very short-handed on occupational therapists,” said Marlene Vogt, the program’s director of fieldwork. “There are not enough people to handle the need, but training these MCC students to work as occupational therapy assistants, we will be able to better serve the people in the community who need occupational therapy services.”
Vogt said the case loads for children are behind/overloaded and she knows of children who have been recommended for therapy at age 1, but were put on a waiting list and didn’t receive therapy for six months or longer.
“We’re not only creating job opportunities for students, but we’re able to fulfill that void for people who did not have services previously,” Vogt said.
Nationwide, most OTA students are traditional college age, but the average age of MCC’s OTA students is 37. “This past year, we had at least four students turn 50,” she said.
The degree prepares the students to work in partnership with the occupational therapist to help patients and clients achieve optimal function in their daily lives. MCC students learn how to work with all age groups from infants through geriatric care. At their fieldwork placements at area skilled nursing facilities, schools and pediatric clinics and rehab centers, MCC students applied first-rate professionalism and ethics, culture and diversity and clinical thinking or reasoning at their fieldwork.
Most of the members of this graduating class are either on the honor roll or have earned a silver chord, an award that recognizes students who performed 100 hours of community service or volunteer work while attending MCC.
“Clinicals is where the real learning takes place,” said Colleen Rodgers of Johnsburg, who started taking prerequisite classes needed for a degree as soon as she heard OTA program was starting at MCC two years ago.
Rodgers is not new to MCC. She earned an associate in applied science degree in the 1970s and then transferred to Loyola University to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is excited about the job opportunities in occupational therapy.
“I’ve always been interested in helping people,” Rodgers said. “There are a lot of opportunities in the occupational therapy field, especially if you have a desire to help people.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Nora Porrovecchio of Huntley is a former teacher’s assistant and decided to train for a more fulfilling career as an OTA now that her three children are ages 16, 14 and 12. She said she especially enjoys working with young children, including helping them with handwriting skills and strategies.
“I’ve tried my fair share of occupations. Nothing has held my attention as much as occupational therapy. “Working with the K-6th age group is incredibly satisfying.”
The day before Porrovecchio graduates, she will interview for a new job as an occupational therapist. “It’s amazing the amount of opportunity that is available for OTA’s. In just a few short years, new doors are wide open with an OTA degree,” she said.