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Occupational Therapy Assistant and Occupational therapist Careers

June 17, 2010 by admin in occupational education courses degree 11 | Comments Off

Are you looking for a career that will lead to an exciting future, expected to grow faster than average, and have plenty of job opportunities? Then Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or Occupational therapists (OT) are the path for you!!!

Occupational therapy assistants (OTA)
Work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists. They give rehabilitative services to patients with emotional, mental, physical or developmental impairments. Their primary goal is to improve the patient’s capability to carry out daily activities and quality of life. OTA’s collaboration with an occupational therapist to outline a treatment plan developed to help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises.

Entry-level education for occupational therapist assistants usually is an associate degree. The practices of occupational therapist assistants in many States are regulate either by licensing, registration, or certification; these requirements vary by State. In order to sit for the national certifying exam for occupational therapist assistants, the school an OTA attends must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Occupational therapists (OT)
Help patients improve their ability to carry out responsibilities in living and working surroundings. They work with patients who suffer with emotional, mental, physical or developmental impairments. OT’s use treatments to maintain expand or improve the everyday living and working skills of their patients. The therapist helps patients to improve their reasoning abilities and basic motor functions; as well as to compensate for permanent loss of function. The main objective is to help patients have productive, independent, and satisfying lives.

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The minimum requirement for entry into the field of Occupational Therapist is a master’s degree or higher. The occupational therapists must attend an academic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and graduate in order to sit for the national certifying exam. This exam must be passed to obtain a license and they in turn are awarded the title “Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). The practice of occupational therapy are regulated by all States.

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Listed below are the industries employing the largest numbers of Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) & Occupational Therapists (OT) Median annual wages as of May 2008

Home Health Care Services: $53,090(OTA) / $74,510 (OT)

Other Health Practitioners Offices: 50,810(OTA) / $72,790 (OT)

Nursing Care Facilities: $50,790 (OTA) / $69,360 (OT)

Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $45,760(OTA) / $68,100 (OT)

K-12 Schools: $41,850(OTA) / $60,020 (OT)

Median annual wages: $48,230(OTA) / $66,780 (OT)

Middle 50 percent earned between: $39,240 & $57,810(OTA) / $55,090 & $81,290 (OT)

Lowest 10 percent earned less than: $31,150 (OTA) / $42,820 (OT)

Highest 10 percent earned more than: $65,160 (OTA) / $98,310 (OT)

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Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist Assistant?

May 31, 2010 by admin in occupational education courses degree 11 | Comments Off

What is Occupational therapy? US Legal Definitions describes it as “a type of rehabilitation therapy that uses real life activities in specific areas and with specific goals, to help patients of all ages prevent, lessen or overcome physical disabilities. Occupational therapy helps patients maximize their functional capabilities at home, at work and at play.” Occupational therapy is a career that is continuing to grow. According to the United States Department of Labor, employment is growing faster than average and should continue so. As the “baby boomer” generation ages, there will be a definite climb in the need for OT services. The Journal of Gerontology (2001) reveals that occupational therapists can help seniors with their independent lifestyles by developing a routine of daily activities that is planned especially for the individual.


Occupational therapy is a rewarding and well paid field with room for advancement. You can go into a specialized area, or work in the administrative sector. The average annual wage in 2008 was about $66,000. Becoming a licensed occupational therapist requires a master’s degree or higher. The school or program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Most schools have full time programs, but many are trying to work around your schedule and offering part-time and weekend programs. Perhaps you are interested in such a field, but not the required amount of schooling. The Occupational Therapist Assistant may be a better fit. An OTA usually requires an associates degree (about 2 years). This field will continue to grow as long as the OT profession is growing. The difference between the OT and OTA is the OT will prescribe the treatments necessary for the client, while the OT assists in carrying out the treatments. The OTA may also record the client’s progress, set up needed equipment, restock and order needed supplies, and give the client some needed encouragement. There is also room for advancement.


Most community colleges offer OTA programs, as well as online classes. Like the OT’s education, the OTA’s program or school must also be accredited by the ACOTE. While the OT must have 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork, the OTA will learn most of what they need training on the job. Here too, there is room for advancement. In 2008 the the median annual wage was in the upper $40,000 range. Occupational therapist or occupational therapist’s assistant; both are well-paying and rewarding careers.

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