University of Charleston Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

SafeHaven Campaign
We have had enough. This is our community. These are our children. This is our responsibility. We are taking our community back. --SafeHaven
The SafeHaven Campaign operates a foster pantry that provides essential infant and children's supplies to foster families when a child is placed in their care. This service is offered at no cost, helping ensure that foster families have immediate access to the necessities needed to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment during a time of significant transition.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and Radiologic Technology (RADT) Programs are proud to support this important initiative by collecting donations of infant and children's supplies to help keep the SafeHaven pantry fully stocked. Through the generosity of our students, faculty, staff, and community members, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the families who open their homes to them.
Donations will be accepted through September 7, 2026, and will be delivered to the SafeHaven Foster Pantry. If you would like to contribute, please contact Jackie Hurt, Shelby Pernell, or Michelle Jude for additional information.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide comfort, stability, and hope to children entering foster care and the families who care for them.

Monetary donations are also accepted so we can purchase these items:
PayPal-
Venmo--Hurt-29
Cash App-$jackiehurt70

Please make a note with monetary donations: SafeHaven

Items needed for donation:
Baby Wipes
Diapers
Bottles
Sippy Cups
Diaper Rash Cream
Pacifiers
Baby soap
Baby lotion
Baby Hangers
Regular Hangers
Toothbrushes
Hairbrushes
Socks (infant and children's sizes)
Diaper Bags
Reusable tote bags

Call now to connect with business.

Are you an OT practitioner in a compact state (in green), please consider joining this webinar to learn how to apply for the OT compact and earn 1 CEU through American Occupational Therapy Association - AOTA

WVOTA CONFERENCE PROPOSALS FOR PRESENTATIONS!!

Have an idea, innovation, or expertise you’re passionate about sharing? We want to hear from you! WVOTA is excited to invite members to submit proposals for the upcoming WVOTA Annual Conference. This conference is a great opportunity to showcase your work and connect with colleagues across the state.

Proposal Deadline: July 24
Presenter Notifications: Mid-August

Submit your proposal here: https://forms.gle/pzKxjcyJaFFE2MKW7

As a COTA of 24 plus years I'm very passionate about my official title - Certified Occupational THERAPY Assistant. A COTA assists the profession of Occupational Therapy and while the OT takes the lead in the process and provides supervision we are not OT assistants. If you currently work for a company who gets this wrong, please correct them. I'm NOT sharing employment information to former students if they can't even get our title right.

Congratulations to the UC MSOT Program!

𝘼 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 👏

We're excited to share that every member of our inaugural occupational therapy graduating class passed the national certification exam on their first attempt! We cannot thank our amazing students, faculty, and clinical partners enough for their dedication in making this possible.

https://www.ucwv.edu/2026/06/ucs-inaugural-occupational-therapy-cohort-achieves-100-pass-rate-on-national-certification-examination/

Congratulations to the OTA Class of 2026 on your Pinning Ceremony!

Today marks an important milestone in your journey toward becoming occupational therapy practitioners. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others have brought you to this special moment. The pin you receive today represents not only your hard work and accomplishments but also the compassion, professionalism, and advocacy that define the occupational therapy profession.

As you move forward into the last bit of your fieldwork and the next chapter of your education, remember the lives you will impact through your knowledge, skills, and caring hearts. We are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved and excited to see the difference you will make in the communities you serve.

Congratulations, OTA Class of 2026! Your future is bright, and this is only the beginning.

Employment opportunity for COTA

⭐️ Faculty Highlight⭐️

Professor Coty Dennler had the opportunity to join the NBCOT Awards Committee meeting this past weekend in San Antonio, Texas. It was a great experience collaborating with occupational therapy professionals from across the country and contributing to conversations that recognize excellence within the OT profession.