Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are healthcare support personnel who work under the direction of occupational therapists and help patients suffering from impairments return to a normal life. Occupational therapy can be used to improve the lives of those experiencing physical, emotional, and mental impairments and disabilities. While the occupational therapist is in charge of determining an appropriate treatment plan for each patient, assistants help therapists execute this plan. They may watch as patients perform prescribed exercises or activities to ensure that they are doing them correctly; they also track patients' improvements and notify therapists about anything impeding their progress. Some perform administrative duties as well, like billing a patient's insurance company or scheduling future appointments.

Most occupational therapy assistants begin their career by completing an associate degree program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. These degrees include an overview of medical science, anatomy, physiology, and treatment plans for different patient populations, as well as a 16-week clinical internship. Along with graduation from an accredited program, many states require OTAs to pass a licensure exam before they can become employed. The national exam offered by the National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapy is required by some states.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a very rapid 30 percent increase in OTA positions by 2018, and job prospects should be very good for assistants with the proper training and licenses. Occupational therapy will increase in demand in the coming years, as the elderly population of the United States grows and requires more rehabilitative services.

Career Specializations

There are no concrete specializations within the occupational therapy assistant career. However, OTAs should not be confused with occupational therapy aides, who perform a more limited set of tasks and often learn their skills on the job. Aides are responsible for more administrative and preparatory tasks, such as answering the phone, assembling equipment, and scheduling appointments.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The educational requirements for occupational therapy assistants are highly regulated; in order to become employed, OTAs must graduate from a two-year program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). During these degrees, students take a combination of coursework in general medical areas, such as anatomy, physiology and natural science, along with courses in particular occupational therapy skills and techniques. By the time of graduation, students will understand therapy techniques for specific patient populations, like children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Students are also required to do at least 16 weeks of clinical practice prior to graduation.

Most states require OTAs to obtain some form of licensure or registration in order to practice. The requirements for this license vary from state to state but usually include completing an accredited associate program and passing an exam. In some states, occupational therapy assistants who work in schools or with very young children are required to have additional certifications. Some state licenses require assistants to complete a number of continuing education courses every few years in order to renew their license.

The National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapy offers the voluntary Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant title to applicants who graduate from a recognized program and pass the board's licensing exam. Some states use NBCOT's exam as part of their state licensing requirements. (BLS)

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Salary Information

New occupational therapy assistants can expect job offers of around $42,000 a year; those with experience can earn $51,000-61,000. Nevada, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, and California are the states with the highest average wages for occupational therapy assistants, with salaries from $60,000-64,000 a year. Most occupational therapy assistants are employed in occupational therapist offices, although some also work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, and home healthcare services. Ohio, California, and Texas are the states employing the most occupational therapy assistants. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assisting will be one of the fastest growing occupations in the coming years, with a growth rate of about three times the national average. As the Baby Boom generation ages and the number of elderly people grows, occupational therapy will be used as a way to assist those with chronic health issues. The elderly are also more likely to become injured or suffer from diseases, and occupational therapy is often part of the rehabilitation plan for these conditions. Furthermore, as emergency care becomes more successful, accident and trauma patients will be surviving more often and needing rehabilitative services. Federal laws surrounding accessibility in schools may also increase the demand for school-based occupational therapy assistants.

Due to the many factors increasing the demand for OTAs, job prospects should be very good for qualified applicants during the 2008-2018 period. OTAs who have interned in a therapy office or worked previously in healthcare will have better employment opportunities. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Medical assistants also work under licensed medical professionals to help carry out patient care. Medical assistants are directed by physicians and may perform clinical tasks like giving injections, taking patient histories, or collecting specimens for analysis. Like occupational therapy assisting, medical assistants usually learn their skills through a two-year associate degree program.

Sports and athletic trainers also assist individuals who have suffered from injuries. In this case, trainers work to rehabilitate athletes and others who have injured themselves during sports; they also work to prevent injuries and treat common problems. Trainers may work with athletic coaches or teams, and they usually work under the supervision of a medical doctor. Athletic trainers need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and many hold graduate degrees.

Physician assistants are similar to medical assistants, except that they have advanced training in clinical procedures and may help carry out therapeutic plans under the supervision of a doctor. A master's degree program is the most common educational path for becoming a physician assistant. In accordance with the increased amount of training required of this career, physician assisting is a high-paying profession.

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