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Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Discover occupational therapy assistant training and careers.

As an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), you'll help developmentally and physically challenged people gain skills that will increase their quality of life.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description

OTAs work with patients to follow a rehabilitation plan developed under the supervision of occupational therapists. Some of your typical duties as an occupational therapist assistant will likely include the following:

  • Teaching injured patients to stretch and strengthen muscles
  • Working with developmentally disabled patients to teach them skills that will help them work successfully in society
  • Supervising patients to be sure that they are following treatment plans
  • Recording patients' improvements for the occupational therapist to review

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

According to Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of occupational therapy assistants made between $36,418 and $42,594 per year. The top 10 percent earn and annual salary of at least $46,428.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Work Environment

As an occupational therapy assistant, you'll be able to work in any of the following settings:

  • Clinics
  • Public and private educational services
  • Nursing care facilities
  • Home health agencies
  • Outpatient care services
  • Community care centers
  • Government agencies

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Occupational Therapist Assistant Education & Training

To become an occupational therapy assistant, you'll need to complete a 2-year associate's degree or a 1-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school. Most students complete two years of study, including the following courses:

  • Medical terminology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation Theory
  • Gerontology

You'll also complete supervised fieldwork in clinics or community organizations to gain hands-on experience before completing your program.

For more information about occupational therapy degree programs, please see the Occupational Therapy Programs page.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification

Occupational therapy assistants need to pass national certification exams before they can practice in most states as certified occupational therapist assistants. Your program adviser will be able to give you more information about these tests.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant

Did You Know?

  • The first occupational therapists, who worked to rehabilitate soldiers after World War I, were known as "reconstructive aides."
  • According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, over 30 percent of occupational therapists and their assistants work with children.

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