Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) support occupational therapists by providing assistance during client examinations, treatment administration, and monitoring.They maintain client health records and related information, and also perform a wide range of practice-related duties.
Occupational Therapist Assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities as outlined in a treatment plan.
The work includes activities such as teaching an ailing elderly person the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair or teaching a client with arthritis how to perform daily living activities more effectively.
Occupational Therapist Assistants monitor a client's treatment activities to make sure they are performed correctly and provide encouragement to clients.
They also record their client's progress and track time for billing purposes.
Requirements
- Completion of an associate's degree or certificate from a college or technical school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
- Pass examination offered by the National Board of Occupational Therapists.
- Certification by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
- Ability to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing and to follow instructions.
- Ability to listen to or observe the reactions of others and respond appropriately.
- Fingerprint clearance is required.
Wages
- Occupational Therapist Assistants Median hourly wage: $21.85
- Average annual wage: $44,896
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Occupational Therapist Assistants in 2002: 1,300
- Estimated number of Occupational Therapist Assistants in 2012: 2,000
- Estimated annual job openings: 90
Possible Career Paths for Occupational Therapist Assistants include becoming a: