Occupational Therapist Assistant Career Guide

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Overview

An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) is a vital member of the healthcare team who helps individuals of all ages regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities and achieve a higher quality of life. Under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist (OT), OTAs work with clients facing physical, mental, developmental or emotional challenges.

Essential Job Functions:

Staff and

Education

To become an OTA, aspiring candidates typically need to complete an associate degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). These programs often span about two years and include coursework and hands-on clinical experience.

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

In addition to education, OTAs must fulfill any state-specific requirements and obtain licensure or certification, which generally involves passing a national exam such as the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA). Some programs require a certain number of supervised fieldwork hours to ensure practical competency.

Skills

Successful OTAs possess a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and human development. They need excellent communication skills to interact effectively with both clients and other healthcare professionals. OTAs must be compassionate, empathetic and patient as they work with individuals facing a range of challenges.

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Responsibilities

Occupational Therapist Assistants collaborate with Occupational Therapists to create customized treatment plans and interventions. They implement therapeutic activities, monitor clients' progress and provide feedback to the OT. OTAs also maintain accurate documentation of therapy sessions and communicate regularly with clients' families or caregivers.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Occupational Therapist Assistant
$1,157-1,741/week

The average salary for a Occupational Therapist Assistant is $1,471.62 per week.

Last updated on October 30, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming an OTA offers numerous advantages, including the satisfaction of making a positive impact on clients' lives, the ability to work in various healthcare settings and competitive salary potential. OTAs also enjoy a relatively short educational path compared to other healthcare professions.

However, the role can be physically demanding, requiring OTA to assist clients with mobility and perform hands-on activities. It

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Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs


View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • St. Joseph, MO
  • Cross Country Allied
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$2,210/week

Posted 1 day ago
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Ardmore, OK
  • Cross Country Allied
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$2,210/week

Posted 2 days ago
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Aberdeen, SD
  • Triage Staffing
  • 5x8 hrs, Nights

$1,915/week

Posted 13 days ago
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Farmville, VA
  • The Good Life MedStaff
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$1,908/week

Posted 1 day ago

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