Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) are allied health professionals who work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. OTAs work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Day-to-day

An Occupational Therapy Assistant's daily duties vary based on patient needs, but occupational therapy assistants typically provide one-on-one or group therapy sessions. During these sessions, OTAs may:

• Help patients develop and improve fine motor skills and coordination
• Teach patients how to use adaptive equipment
• Help patients regain or improve their range of motion
• Educate patients on how to prevent further injury or disability
• Document patient progress and communicate with other members of the healthcare team

Education and Experience Requirements

Occupational Therapy Assistants must have at least an associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting from an accredited program. In addition, they must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam in order to become certified. Once certified, OTAs must complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification.

Projects in the Role

OTAs may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Developing and implementing treatment plans for patients
• Conducting patient evaluations
• Creating and modifying adaptive equipment
• Educating patients and their families on occupational therapy
• Advocating for patients' rights

Skills Needed to be an OTA

To be successful in this career, OTAs must have strong:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Compassion
• Patience
• An understanding of human anatomy and physiology
• A knowledge of occupational therapy principles and practices

Personal Growth and Challenges in This Field

Occupational therapy assists are committed to helping people improve their quality of life. They are constantly learning new techniques and strategies to help their patients achieve their goals. OTAs work in a variety of settings and with a variety of people, which makes the job both challenging and rewarding.

Self-Guided Projects to Prepare

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• Volunteer or intern at a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting
• Observe occupational therapists and OTAs at work
• Take courses in anatomy, physiology, and psychology
• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Gain experience working with people with disabilities

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the field of occupational therapy assisting and to prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Some of the online courses that may be helpful to OTAs include:

• The Skin, Bones, and Muscles
• Professionalism in Allied Health
• Support for Visual Processing with Microsoft Word

These courses can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this field.

Conclusion

Occupational Therapy Assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to grow in the coming years. If you are interested in a career in healthcare that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of others, then a career as an OTA may be the right choice for you.

Are Online Courses Enough?

While online courses can be a great way to learn about the field of occupational therapy assisting and to prepare for a career in this field, they are not enough on their own. In order to become an OTA, you must complete an accredited occupational therapy assisting program and pass the NBCOT exam.