Bryant & Stratton College to Hold Ribbon-Cutting Celebrating Opening of New Occupational Therapy Assistant Lab

Bryant & Stratton College is unveiling a new lab for Rochester’s first and only Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree program. A ribbon cutting will take place Thursday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Bryant & Stratton College’s Greece Campus, located at 854 Long Pond Road. The lab will offer students hands-on opportunities to develop their skills for this fast-growing field.

“Our OTA lab was created on the simple principle that experiential learning is the most effective means for students to learn how to think and perform like competent and caring occupational therapy practitioners,” said Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director, David Merlo.

The new OTA lab will provide a unique educational experience that will help prepare graduates to enter this rapidly-growing career. Demand for certified OTAs is expected to increase 43 percent by 2022, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked OTA as the “Best Healthcare Support Job of 2016.”

Students will learn the skills and clinical reasoning essential for success in OTA positions in healthcare and community based settings. The lab contains simulated living environments including a working kitchen, bathroom, hospital room, and computer stations. It also includes clinical treatment spaces typical of the most current pediatric and adult rehabilitation settings. Additionally, technology-rich classroom areas are designed for students to learn through discussion, reflection, and presentations.

Ribbon-cutting participants include local dignitaries, representatives from Bryant & Stratton College’s senior leadership team, and Merlo, who was recently elected to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s representative assembly. Tours of the new facility will follow the ceremony.

Thursday, March 10 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. (ceremony at 6:00 p.m.)
Bryant & Stratton College Greece Campus

854 Long Pond Road

Rochester, NY

On-Site Contact: Maria Scalise – (585) 752-6913 mobile phone