Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational therapist assistants, also known as occupational therapy assistants, are part of a team that provides treatments for emotional, physical, mental and developmental impairments and disabilities. The goal of the treatments is to enhance the patients' quality of life and improve the patients' ability to perform daily activities.
The treatment plan is created in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Occupational therapist assistants help patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises. They ensure the client is performing the activities properly. They work under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
Some of the common job titles are certified occupational therapy assistant-licensed (COTA-L), certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), licensed occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapy assistant.
Responsibilities
- Consult with an occupational therapist to develop a treatment plan
- Teach patients to stretch and strengthen their muscles
- Record the billing of the patient's health insurance provider
- Evaluate the the daily living skills and capacities of clients that are developmentally or emotionally disabled
- Supervise clients to ensure that are following their treatment plan
- Teach clients how to dress and feed themselves
- Help choose activities that meet the needs and capabilities of clients
- Monitor treatment plans and make adjustments to the plans when necessary
- Provide a report to occupational therapists regarding the progress of patients
Job Characteristics
Occupational therapy assistants usually work 40 hours per week. Many outpatient therapy offices and clinics provide evening and weekend sessions to accommodate their clients' schedules. Occupational therapy assistants need to have patience, compassion and a desire to help people. They need to be good at working with their hands. They may have to lift patients and they continually stoop, kneel and stand.
Employment Outlook
Employment for occupational therapist assistants is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow 30 percent between 2008 and 2018. The growing elderly population will increase the demand for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistants. In addition, occupational therapy assistants have opportunities to advance into administrative jobs.
The median annual wages in 2008 for occupational therapist assistants was $48,230. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $65,160. Regarding the industries employing the largest amount of occupational therapist assistants, the home health care services sector provided the highest median annual earnings in 2008.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
In order to take the national certifying exam for occupational therapist assistants, candidates are required to attend a school that has received accreditation form the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. The programs typically provide an associate degree.
Completing at least 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community environment is part of the education programs. Applicants can improve their chances of being admitted to an occupational therapy assistant program by completing high school courses in health and biology, and by volunteering at a occupational therapist's office or a nursing care facility or another type of healthcare setting.
The practice of occupational therapist assistants is regulated in forty states through licensing, certification or registration. The eligibility requirements vary by state.
Occupational therapist assistants are certified by the National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapists. Certification is voluntary. The title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is given to those that pass the test. In some states, passing the national certification exam meets the requirement for regulation.
Resources
Major Employers
The top job providers are hospitals, residential care facilities, occupational therapists' offices and home healthcare agencies.
Schools for Occupational Therapist Assistants are listed in the Browse Schools Section.