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All About Occupational Therapy Assistants
Example of Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
What Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Do On a Daily Basis?
- Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities.
- Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
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What an Occupational Therapy Assistant Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Occupational Therapy Assistants say are important on the job.
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.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (COTA/L)
- School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Behavior Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 39,300 jobs for Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 29% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,400 new jobs for Occupational Therapy Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 6,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Occupational Therapy Assistant are Arizona, Georgia, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Wisconsin, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants make between $39,620 and $80,980 a year.
Occupational Therapy Assistants who work in Texas, New Jersey, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $58,700 |
| Arizona | $59,090 |
| Arkansas | $58,580 |
| California | $67,470 |
| Colorado | $57,230 |
| Connecticut | $65,150 |
| Delaware | $59,130 |
| District of Columbia | $56,330 |
| Florida | $61,340 |
| Georgia | $64,630 |
| Hawaii | $58,440 |
| Idaho | $56,100 |
| Illinois | $60,200 |
| Indiana | $56,070 |
| Iowa | $56,020 |
| Kansas | $58,970 |
| Kentucky | $55,080 |
| Louisiana | $60,730 |
| Maine | $50,490 |
| Maryland | $62,950 |
| Massachusetts | $62,530 |
| Michigan | $52,410 |
| Minnesota | $50,470 |
| Mississippi | $57,050 |
| Missouri | $57,310 |
| Nebraska | $58,250 |
| Nevada | $68,200 |
| New Hampshire | $56,160 |
| New Jersey | $69,530 |
| New Mexico | $57,810 |
| New York | $60,890 |
| North Carolina | $62,880 |
| North Dakota | $48,670 |
| Ohio | $59,910 |
| Oklahoma | $60,830 |
| Oregon | $62,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,580 |
| Rhode Island | $61,640 |
| South Carolina | $64,060 |
| South Dakota | $41,050 |
| Tennessee | $60,640 |
| Texas | $74,650 |
| Utah | $56,460 |
| Vermont | $60,710 |
| Virginia | $66,240 |
| Washington | $63,570 |
| West Virginia | $59,090 |
| Wisconsin | $38,650 |
| Wyoming | $52,200 |
What Tools do Occupational Therapy Assistants Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Occupational Therapy Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Scheduling software
- Graphics software
- Billing software
- Accounting software
- Bookkeeping software
- Laboratory information system LIS
How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
What education or degrees do I need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
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