Occupational Therapy Assistants: Helping Others Achieve Independence

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working alongside occupational therapists to help individuals with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities develop the skills they need for daily living and independence.

What Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Do:

OTAs work under the supervision of occupational therapists to implement treatment plans that help patients achieve their goals. Their duties may include:

• Assisting patients with exercises and activities to improve their physical and cognitive abilities

• Teaching patients new skills, such as self-care and household management

• Adapting activities to meet the needs of individual patients

• Encouraging patients to participate in activities and exercises

• Documenting patient progress and reporting to occupational therapists
  

Where Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Work:

OTAs work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals

• Rehabilitation centers

• Nursing homes

• Schools

• Community-based programs

• Private practices
  

How To Become An Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• To become an OTA, you typically need:

• An associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting

• Completion of an internship or fieldwork experience

• Certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

• Licensure or registration in some states
  

Average Salary For Occupational Therapy Assistants:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants was $61,730 in May 2020. The top 10% earned more than $87,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $40,000.

Occupational therapy assistants play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence and improve their quality of life. 

If you're passionate about helping others and enjoy working in a dynamic and rewarding environment, consider a career as an OTA.