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What is an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Example of Occupational Therapy Aide Job Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapy Aide
- Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
- Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.
- Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients’ progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
- Supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments or arts and crafts projects.
- Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
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Occupational Therapy Aide Needed Skills
These are the skills Occupational Therapy Aides say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Restorative, Rehab Aide
- Direct Service Professional
- Rehabilitation Tech
- Occupational Therapy Aide (OT Aide)
- Program Trainer
Is There Job Demand for Occupational Therapy Aides?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,500 jobs in the United States for Occupational Therapy Aide. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 24% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Occupational Therapy Aide by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,200 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Occupational Therapy Aide are Delaware, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Oregon, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Occupational Therapy Aides Salary
Occupational Therapy Aides make between $18,260 and $58,660 a year.
Occupational Therapy Aides who work in Washington, New York, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Occupational Therapy Aides make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $38,760 |
| California | $35,240 |
| Colorado | $33,060 |
| Connecticut | $33,740 |
| Delaware | $34,220 |
| Florida | $26,770 |
| Georgia | $27,490 |
| Illinois | $28,820 |
| Indiana | $30,360 |
| Iowa | $30,900 |
| Louisiana | $40,940 |
| Maryland | $34,300 |
| Massachusetts | $36,190 |
| Michigan | $35,120 |
| Minnesota | $33,020 |
| Missouri | $29,890 |
| Nebraska | $27,700 |
| New Hampshire | $35,880 |
| New Jersey | $29,330 |
| New York | $46,600 |
| North Carolina | $29,480 |
| North Dakota | $35,900 |
| Ohio | $32,140 |
| Oklahoma | $31,340 |
| Pennsylvania | $32,080 |
| South Carolina | $29,330 |
| Tennessee | $30,540 |
| Texas | $31,390 |
| Utah | $23,930 |
| Virginia | $38,360 |
| Washington | $51,360 |
| West Virginia | $29,120 |
| Wisconsin | $28,970 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Occupational Therapy Aides
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Occupational Therapy Aides:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Billing software
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Aide
Learn what Occupational Therapy Aide education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Occupational Therapy Aide might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Sgt. Courtney Richardson, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs via Public domain
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