Occupation
Occupational Therapist Assistant

Industry
Health care

Median wages
$23.19 hourly
$48,230 annually

If you enjoy helping people heal and the world of medicine, you may want to consider becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant or OTA. OTAs work with Occupational Therapists to provide rehabilitation services for patients with physical, emotional or mental disabilities.

Projected Job Growth
Between 2006 and 2016, availability of OTA jobs is expected to grow 25 percent - a much faster than average rate. As the Baby Boomer generation grows older, a large number of people are expected to require rehabilitative services.

Typical Work Tasks

• Observe and record the progress, attitude and behavior of the patient.
• Assist patients in their performance of therapeutic tasks.
• Select therapeutic activities that match a patient’s abilities.
• Instruct patients and their families in home programs, basic living skills, and the care and use of adaptive equipment.
• Assess and report on the daily living skills of patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

Work Styles

• Cooperative
• Dependable
• Work with integrity
• Demonstrate concern for others
• Sensitivity to others’ problems and concerns
• Good communication skills

Stepping Stone Position
This job usually requires an associate’s degree. A basic requirement for OTAs is a high school diploma or GED Diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 126 accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant programs in 2007.

The first year of OTA study typically involves an introduction to health care, basic medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. In the second year, courses are more rigorous and usually include therapy courses in areas such as mental health, physical disabilities, gerontology and pediatrics.

Completion of the coursework usually requires 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community setting.

Additional Resources
BLS site on Occupational Therapist Assistants
American Occupational Therapy Association