Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Entry level education: Associate’s Degree
Projected 10-year growth: 25% from 2021 to 2031 (much faster than average)
Number of jobs: 47,000 (2021)
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist (OT). OTAs help people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities improve their ability to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming. They may also work with individuals recovering from injuries or illnesses to help them regain their functional abilities.
OTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community clinics. They may assist with evaluating patients’ abilities and developing treatment plans, as well as providing therapeutic interventions such as exercises, activities, and adaptive equipment to help patients achieve their goals.
OTAs must complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and pass a national certification exam to become licensed. They work as part of a healthcare team alongside other professionals, such as physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make? >>
What is the Curriculum in an Occupational Therapy Assistant program? >>
What is the Job Forecast for Occupational Therapy Assistants? >>
Occupational Therapy Assistant Certifications >>
How Much does it Cost to go to Occupational Therapy Assistant School? >>
Financial Aid for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs >>
Scholarships for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs >>
What Will My Duties Be As an Occupational Therapy Assistant? >>
What Are 5 Different Types of Occupational Therapy Assistants? >>
How to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 8 steps >>
20 Reasons to Start an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program >>
12 things to look for when choosing an Occupational Therapy Assistant school >>
Find Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools Near You >>
What Are the Benefits of Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant? >>
What are the Requirements for Starting an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program? >>
How Long Does it Take to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? >>
Additional Career Paths for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs >>
How Much Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $62,940 as of May 2021.
What is the Curriculum in An Occupational Therapy Assistant Program?
The curriculum of an occupational therapy assistant program typically includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, therapeutic techniques, and clinical skills, as well as supervised clinical experiences.
What is the Job Forecast for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The job outlook for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) is positive, with a projected employment growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Technician Certifications
What Are the Benefits of Getting an Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification?
What Is the Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification Process?
What Do I Need to Know About the Certification Exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
What Are The Main Occupational Therapy Assistant Certifications?
How Can I Prepare For the Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification Exam?
How Much does it Cost to go to Occupational Therapy Assistant School?
The cost of attending occupational therapy assistant school can vary depending on factors such as the type of program, the length of the program, and the location of the school. Find out more about these costs.
Financial Aid for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
Financial aid for Occupational Therapy Assistant programs may be available through various sources such as federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. Eligibility for financial aid depends on factors such as income, academic standing, and program enrollment status.
Scholarships for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
There are various scholarships available for aspiring Occupational Therapy Assistants, such as those offered by healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and private foundations. These scholarships typically cover the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses, and may be awarded based on factors such as academic achievement, financial need, and career goals.
What Will My Job Duties Be As An Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients develop or regain the skills needed to perform daily living and work activities.
What Are 5 Different Types of Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Learn about the right type for your career.
12 things to look for when choosing an Occupational Therapy Assistant school
When choosing an OTA school, consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, faculty, program duration, clinical experience, and student support services. Evaluating these aspects can help ensure that the school meets your needs and prepares you for a successful career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
What Skills Are Required to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
To become an occupational therapy assistant, one must possess strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to effectively assist occupational therapists in providing client-centered care.
how do I know if Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant is Right for me?
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a OTA, here are some factors to consider to help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
A Day In the Life of a Patient Care Assistant
A day in the life of a PCT typically involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs, administering medication under supervision, and communicating with healthcare team members.
What is the Difference between an occupational therapy assistant and a physical therapy assistant?
Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily living and work activities, while physical therapy assistants (PTA) focus on improving mobility and reducing pain through exercises and physical interventions.
Why Should I Choose An Online OTA Program?
Choosing an online occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program can offer flexibility in scheduling and location, allowing students to balance their education with other responsibilities such as work or family obligations.
Find Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools Near You
See which schools in your state offer accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant programs.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) can be a rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to help individuals achieve their goals, make a positive impact on their lives, and work in a growing field with diverse job opportunities.
What are the Requirements for Starting an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program?
To become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) student, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and may need to complete prerequisite coursework.
It typically takes 2 years to become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) by completing an accredited OTA program and passing the certification exam.
Additional Career Paths for Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
Completing an occupational therapy assistant program can provide you with a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of careers in the healthcare industry.