How to Become an Occupational Therapist Assistant
Training and Education Jobs and Salaries
An associate degree or a certificate from an accredited community college or technical school is generally required to qualify for occupational therapist assistant jobs. In contrast, occupational therapist aides usually receive most of their training on the job. There are over 125 accredited occupational therapist assistant programs in 2007.
The first year of study typically involves an introduction to health care, basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. In the second year, courses are more rigorous and usually include occupational therapist courses in areas such as mental health, adult physical disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics. Students also must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community setting.
Applicants to occupational therapist assistant programs can improve their chances of admission by taking high school courses in biology and health and by performing volunteer work in nursing care facilities, occupational or physical therapist offices, or other health care settings. Occupational therapist aides usually receive most of their training on the job. Qualified applicants must have a high school diploma, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to help people in need.
Applicants may increase their chances of getting a job by volunteering their services, thus displaying initiative and aptitude to the employer. In most States, occupational therapist assistants are regulated and must pass a national certification examination after they graduate. Those who pass the test are awarded the title Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Assistants and aides must be responsible, patient, and willing to take directions and work as part of a team. Furthermore, they should be caring and want to help people who are not able to help themselves. Occupational therapist assistants may advance into administration positions.
They might organize all the assistants in a large occupational therapy department or act as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Some assistants go on to teach classes in accredited occupational therapist assistant academic programs or lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly.
Median annual earnings of occupational therapist assistants are around $42,000. The middle 50 percent earn between $34,000 and $50,000. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $26,000, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $58,000. Median annual earnings of occupational therapist aides are around $25,000. The middle 50 percent earn between $20,500 and $32,000 while the lowest 10 percent earn less than $17,000, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $44,000.