Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

Median Annual Wage: $56,950

Education: Associate's degree (82%); Master's degree (10%); Bachelor's degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA); Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed (COTA-L); Occupational Therapist Assistant; Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA); Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant; Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA); Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (COTA/L); School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant; Staff Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (Staff COTA/L)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

More Healthcare Support Careers

  • Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
  • Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
  • Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
  • Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
  • Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
  • Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
  • Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
  • Attend continuing education classes.
  • Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
  • Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
  • Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
  • Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
  • Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
  • Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
  • Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
  • Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
  • Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
  • Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

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