Median annual earnings of occupational therapist assistants were $36,660 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,090 and $43,030. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,480.
Median annual earnings of occupational therapist aides were $22,040 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,040 and $29,130. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,400, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $38,170.
Occupational therapist assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. For example, occupational therapist assistants help injured workers re-enter the labor force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills or help individuals with learning disabilities increase their independence.
Occupational therapist assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Activities range from teaching the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair to the best way to stretch and limber the muscles of the hand. Assistants monitor an individual’s activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement. They also record their client’s progress for the occupational therapist. If the treatment is not having the intended effect, or the client is not improving as expected, the therapist may alter the treatment program in hopes of obtaining better results. In addition, occupational therapist assistants document the billing of the client’s health insurance provider.
Occupational therapist aides typically prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment. They are responsible for a range of clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, restocking or ordering depleted supplies, and filling out insurance forms or other paperwork. Aides are not licensed, so the law does not allow them to perform as wide a range of tasks as occupational therapist assistants.
Employment of occupational therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the job market for occupational therapist assistants and aides in the near term. However, over the long run, demand for occupational therapist assistants and aides will continue to rise, due to growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function. Job growth will result from an aging population, including the baby-boom generation, which will need more occupational therapy services. Increasing demand also will result from advances in medicine that allow more people with critical problems to survive and then need rehabilitative therapy. Third-party payers, concerned with rising healthcare costs, are expected to encourage occupational therapists to delegate more hands-on therapy work to occupational therapist assistants and aides. By having assistants and aides work more closely with clients under the guidance of a therapist, the cost of therapy should decline.
An associate degree or a certificate from an accredited community college or technical school is generally required to qualify for occupational therapist assistant jobs. In contrast, occupational therapist aides usually receive most of their training on the job.
There were 161 accredited occupational therapist assistant programs in 2003. The first year of study typically involves an introduction to healthcare, basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. In the second year, courses are more rigorous and usually include occupational therapist courses in areas such as mental health, adult physical disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics. Students also must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community setting. Applicants to occupational therapist assistant programs can improve their chances of admission by taking high school courses in biology and health and by performing volunteer work in nursing care facilities, occupational or physical therapists’ offices, or other healthcare settings.
Occupational therapist assistants are regulated in most States and must pass a national certification examination after they graduate. Those who pass the test are awarded the title “Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.”
Occupational therapist aides usually receive most of their training on the job. Qualified applicants must have a high school diploma, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to help people in need. Applicants may increase their chances of getting a job by volunteering their services, thus displaying initiative and aptitude to the employer.
Assistants and aides must be responsible, patient, and willing to take directions and work as part of a team. Furthermore, they should be caring and want to help people who are not able to help themselves.
Occupational therapist assistants and aides work under the supervision and direction of occupational therapists. Other workers in the healthcare field who work under similar supervision include dental assistants, medical assistants, pharmacy aides, pharmacy technicians, and physical therapist assistants and aides.
For information on a career as an occupational therapist assistant or aide, and a list of accredited programs, contact:
A bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum educational requirement; beginning in 2007, however, a master’s degree or higher will be required. Occupational therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles. More than a quarter of occupational therapists work part time. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing, cooking, and eating.
Summary of: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm
Laboratory experiences enhance skills and techniques used to promote function in daily living skills. The first Level I fieldwork experience is scheduled during spring break. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Applicants may be required to complete a basic skills evaluation during the admissions process. Applicants are invited to visit the OTA Program.
Summary of: http://www.ndscs.nodak.edu/instruct/curriculum/asbfactsheets/occupationaltherapyassistant(new).htm
They enable clients to meet their expected outcomes by contributing to the implementation and to the modification of occupational therapy programs and services. Field placements are an integral aspect of this program, applying theoretical components designed to reflect professional realities. If applicants are enrolled in Grade 12 required subjects (as indicated above), in the second semester (February to June), Grade 11 marks will be used. They should enjoy meeting people and enjoy the challenge of creative problem solving. Additional Costs Textbooks cost about $900, uniforms for field placement cost about $150.
Summary of: http://postsecondary.humber.ca/07591.htm
Generally requires formal training. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/31-2011.00
General education courses may be taken at Blackhawk Technical College . All occupational specific/core courses must be taken through Madison Area Technical College. This program prepares occupational therapy assistants who collaborate with occupational therapists. OT assistants are employed in community settings providing mental health, residential care and home health services as well as in hospitals and schools. Graduates also serve as activity directors conducting health maintenance activity programs for the elderly in senior centers, day-care centers and nursing homes.
Summary of: http://www.blackhawk.edu/eo/associate/occther.htm
Their goal is to help patients live more independently. Occupational therapy assistants help therapists give tests to patients. Activities include self-care and work-related skills. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100392
OT Aides prepare materials and equipment used during treatment. Are you in danger of debt problems.
Summary of: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/ot_asst.htm
What do occupational therapy assistants do?OTAs work with patients to follow a rehabilitation plan developed under the supervision of occupational therapists. OTAs also work with developmentally disabled patients to teach them skills that will help them work successfully in society. Browse Featured Occupational Therapy Schools. OTAs can work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals or community organizations. What kind of training will I need in order to become an occupational therapy assistant.
Summary of: http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/ota.php
Occupational therapists are expected to delegate more hands-on therapy work to occupational therapist assistants and aides. Employment is projected to increase much faster than the average, reflecting growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function who require therapeutic services. Occupational therapist assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Occupational therapist assistants and aides need to have a moderate degree of strength, due to the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,090 and $43,030.
Summary of: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm
They provide treatment and report patient progress and development to the occupational therapist. Occupational therapy assistants work wherever occupational therapists are employed. Rural Alaska opportunities exist with schools, medical facilities, and with state, local, and federal agencies. Graduation from high school. All occupational therapy assistant programs include at least two months of supervised practical experience.
Summary of: http://www.ichs.uaa.alaska.edu/careerguide/careers/ota.htm