Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help to rehabilitate clients with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The OTA works with a certified OT to improve the life and increase the ability of their clients to perform ordinary tasks. The OTA tracks and records the activities and progress of each client and may handle the billing through the client’s insurance providers. Occupational therapy aides will assemble materials and supplies and perform various clerical duties such as making appointments. Since aides usually do not do the same jobs that an assistant performs, most of their training is on the job. Anyone interested in a career as an aide can help themselves by studying high school programs such as biology.
An occupational therapy assistant however, requires an associate’s degree from an accredited program. Both assistants and aids require some physical strength to be able to lift patients. A degree of kneeling and stooping are also required on the job. Anyone wanting a career as an OTA or an aide will want to study biology in high school and other courses that emphasize health care. This may include volunteering in a clinic or hospital. They should also have the ability to interact well with other people, and a sincere desire to help others.
Most States regulate OTAs by licensing, registration, and/or certification. The occupational therapy assistant school must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). A program usually includes medical terminology, anatomy, healthc are, and physiology to start with. After the first year the syllabus becomes more difficult. Courses may include physical disabilities, gerontology and pediatrics and mental health. There is usually required several weeks of working in a health care setting like a clinic or hospital to gain practical experience. After graduating from an accredited OTA program, the person will then be able to take the National Certifying Exam for Occupational Therapist Assistants. Continuing education should then help to maintain certification.
You may be able to find many qualified occupational therapist schools on the internet. You will find also, traditional colleges offering occupational therapy programs. The prospective student however, should make sure that which ever type of school is selected, they verify the school accreditation. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that occupational therapy aids are able to earn from a low of $16,280 per year to a high of $47,590 with an average of $25,730. OTAs earn from a low of $33,350 to a high of $68,450 with an average of $50,250. Demand for jobs in the OT services is expected to rise from 27% to 30% in 2018, faster than any other occupations. This rise is based on an increasing demand for rehabilitation for trauma patients and as the “Baby Boomers” age.