For the unversed, an occupational therapy assistant works with an occupational therapist in allied healthcare. All occupational therapists work under the supervision of OTs, as per state laws, and are often engaged in administrative tasks, as well. If you are interested and want to check for occupational therapy assistant programs, here are some facts worth knowing.
What do OTAs do?
The role of an occupational therapy assistant extends to treating patients under an OT, so that they can get back to their normal life and routine as soon as possible. OTAs also check for patient’s activities and record information as needed. They also ensure that meetings and appointments between OTs and patients are coordinated and scheduled as needed. Admin tasks include maintaining weekly progress reports of patients, maintaining office treatment areas, and working closely with caregivers and families of patients, to ensure quick recovery.
How much do occupational therapy assistants make?
Experience, expertise, and certifications determine the salary of occupational therapy assistants, but in the US, the mean median salary is close to $30,000 as of 2017, which is awesome. If you are experienced enough, you can easily make double of that.
Requirements at a glance
You need to have a high school diploma and must complete education and state licensing requirements. You must get your degree from one of the colleges that offer OTA programs accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Most programs have a course duration of 2 years, but this can vary. You can check the website American Occupational Therapy Association, to find more. In most states, there are additional requirements, like passing the COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) exam. In some cases, OTAs may have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Other things to know
Get ready for a busy career as an occupational therapy assistant¸ where you are expected to work with patients directly, so there is a sense of achievement in the job. Most occupational therapy assistants need to have experience to further get better salaries, but this is one of the few jobs that are always in demand. You can find many colleges that have specific programs that are accredited, and it is best to review every detail before joining.
If you don’t want to wait or study for years to join the healthcare sector, becoming an occupational therapy assistant is among the best ways to start. Find the best colleges and programs now!
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