Occupational therapy assistants, or OTAs, help patients regain skills to do everyday tasks. They work with people with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities.
Occupational therapy assistants must be good at working with people, have strong organizational skills, and stay calm under pressure. If you want to become an occupational therapy assistant, there are some things you need to know.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) Do?
Occupational therapist assistants work with patients to help them regain skills necessary for everyday life. This may include helping a patient learn how to cook, dress, or use the restroom. OTAs also work with people who have emotional or mental disabilities.
They help these patients by teaching them how to cope with their emotions and manage their stress levels. Occupational therapy assistants must stay calm under pressure and work well with people. They also need strong organizational skills.
Types Of Occupational Therapist Assistants
There are two types of occupational therapist assistants:
- Certified
- Registered
Certified
Certified occupational therapy assistants have completed an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program and have passed a national examination.
Registered
Registered occupational therapy assistants have completed an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program but still, need to take the national examination.
Becoming An Occupational Therapist Assistant
As an occupational therapy assistant, you will need to complete an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. These programs typically take two years to complete and result in an Associate’s degree. You must also pass a national examination to become certified or registered.
Many Occupational Therapy Assistant programs across the country are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
What Is The Employment Outlook For An Occupational Therapy Assistant?
The employment outlook for occupational therapy assistants is very good! According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the number of jobs for OTAs is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2018 and 2028.
This means there will be many job opportunities for Occupational Therapy Assistants in the coming years! If you are interested in helping people regain skills necessary for everyday life, then becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant may be the right career choice for you! Be sure to research Occupational Therapy Assistant programs to find one that is right for you.
With a little hard work and dedication, you can become a certified or registered occupational therapist assistant and start making a difference in the lives of others!
The Relationship Between OTs And OTAs Explained
=Occupational therapists (OTs) professionally design and carry out treatment plans to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They may work with patients with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) are the professionals who help OTs carry out treatment plans.
They may also provide direct patient care under the supervision of an OT. The working relationship between an OT and an OTA is similar to that between a doctor and a nurse.
The OT is responsible for designing the treatment plan, and the OTA is responsible for carrying out the plan. OTs and OTAs must be good at working with people and have strong organizational skills.
Conclusion
In your position as an Occupational Therapy Assistant you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to help patients regain daily living and work skills. You could work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or schools. No matter where you end up working, you will be making a difference in the lives of others.
In order to learn more about what it takes to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, please visit our website at iconiccare.com.au or feel free to reach out to us if you’d like a free consultation on how we can help you achieve your career goals.
