All About Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description 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.

Life As an Occupational Therapy Assistant: What Do They Do?

• Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
• Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
• Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
• Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
• Observe and record patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
• Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistants state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Types of Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs

• Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Rehabilitation Assistant
• Occupational Therapy Technician

Job Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 39,300 jobs in the United States for Occupational Therapy Assistant. 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. The BLS estimates 6,600 yearly job openings in this field.

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.

What is the Average Salary of an Occupational Therapy Assistant

The average yearly salary of an Occupational Therapy Assistant ranges between $39,620 and $80,980.

Occupational Therapy Assistants who work in Texas, New Jersey, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make in each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Occupational Therapy Assistants

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
• Facebook
• FileMaker Pro
• Scheduling software
• Graphics software
• Billing software
• Accounting software
• Bookkeeping software
• dBASE

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?

Where do Occupational Therapy Assistants Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:

• Physical Therapist Aides

Are you already one of the many Occupational Therapy Assistant in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Residential Advisors

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.