Liri Care

An occupational therapy assistant career (OTA) is directly involved in the therapy of people who need to improve or regain the skills necessary for daily life after illness or injury. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists and assist patients in their treatments, such as stretching and other therapeutic activities.

How to become an occupational therapy assistant

An occupational therapy assistant requires an associate's degree from an accredited therapy assistant program. You can find it on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website. These OTA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

OTA programs typically last 2 years and are offered at technical colleges or community colleges. The coursework includes psychology, life sciences, and pediatric health. In order to gain practical work experience, at least 16 weeks of fieldwork must be completed. Schools usually set it up during a program study.

In addition, you must pass a board certification exam to practice and obtain a license in the state you plan to live or work in. The National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers the certification exam. However, you should check with your state office to determine their licensing requirements. Many schools have this information, but each state varies slightly.

Job title of an occupational therapy assistant

An occupational therapy assistant works with occupational therapists to develop and implement treatments for patients recovering from illness or injury. They help them improve the skills they need for their daily routines, such as B. balancing, standing or sitting, stretching, and other forms of movement.

They teach patients to use specific devices that will improve their mobility or make them easier to use. They record the patient's developments and pass the information on to the occupational therapist. He or she helps children with developmental problems or disabilities to develop coordination and socialization skills through therapeutic play activities.

The occupational therapy assistant trains the patient in safe maneuvering in bed or in a wheelchair. An important part of this work is to motivate and encourage patients to overcome their challenges. Some jobs can also include routine office work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average growth in this occupational field, in part due to the baby boom and an aging population.