Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants help clients complete the rehabilitative activities outlined in the treatment plans created by occupational therapists, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for clients with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. Those entering the field should have an associate's degree or certificate from a community college or technical school. Further, they should have at least a moderate degree of physical strength in order to assist patients with their rehabilitation needs. In addition, many states require assistants to pass a certification examination in order to receive license. For the effort, occupational therapy assistants are rewarded with a median annual earnings of $42,060, with the middle 50 percent earning as much as $50,230 per year. Employment in the field is projected to grow faster than average due to the increasing demand for occupational therapy services, and job prospects for qualified applicants are expected to be very good for the foreseeable future.