Occupational Therapy Assistant and Aide Job Description:
Occupational Therapist Assistants help clients with activities and exercises specified in a treatment plan developed with an occupational therapist. OT Aides prepare materials and equipment used during treatment. They also perform clerical duties.
Employment Facts for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides:
Occupational therapist assistants held about 25,000 jobs and occupational therapist aides held approximately 8,200 in 2006. Most jobs were in hospitals and in the offices of other health care practitioners and nursing care facilities.
Educational Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides:
Occupational Therapist Assistants are required to have an associate degree or a certificate from an accredited community college or technical school. Occupational Therapy Aides usually receive most of their training on the job.
Other Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides:
In most states OT Assistants must pass a national certification exam.
Job Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides:
Employment of occupational therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
How Much Do Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Earn?:
Median annual earnings of occupational therapist assistants were $42,060 in 2006. Median annual earnings of occupational therapy aides were $25,020 for the same year.
A Day in an Occupational Therapist Assistant's Life:
On a typical day an occupational therapist assistant will:
- help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist;
- monitor an individual�s activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement;
- record their client�s progress for the occupational therapist;
- document the billing of the client�s health insurance provider;
A Day in an Occupational Therapist Aide's Life: On a typical day an occupational therapist aide will:
- prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment.;
- schedule appointments, answer the telephone, restock or order depleted supplies, and fill out insurance forms or other paperwork.;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm (visited August 4, 2008).
Should You Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
Should You Become an Occupational Therapy Aide? Take a Quiz to Find Out.
