What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Career 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.
What Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Do On a Daily Basis?
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
- Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client’s abilities or progress.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients’ needs and capabilities.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Required Skills
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.
Types of Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (COTA/L)
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Behavior Specialist
- Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
Job Opportunities 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.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants 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 & Technology do Occupational Therapy Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Occupational Therapy Assistants:
- 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 many years of work experience do I need?
Occupational Therapy Assistants Sector
Below are examples of industries where Occupational Therapy Assistants work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Occupational Therapy Assistant may also be interested in:
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:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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