Occupational Therapy Aide

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Occupational Therapy Aide?

An Occupational Therapy Aide supports occupational therapists and therapy assistants in providing rehabilitative services to patients with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. They play a crucial role in facilitating therapy sessions and maintaining a therapeutic environment.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Occupational Therapy Aide.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Occupational Therapy Aide earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$35K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

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What does an Occupational Therapy Aide do?

Work environment

Occupational Therapy Aides typically work in settings such as hospitals, private occupational therapy practices, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists and assistants and are often involved in preparing materials and equipment for therapy sessions.

Quick task list

Prepares and cleans therapy areas and equipment.
Assists therapists in conducting therapy sessions.
Organizes and maintains equipment and materials.
Performs clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing records.
Assists patients in moving to or from therapy areas.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Therapy Aide: Specializing in assisting with therapy for children with developmental challenges.
Geriatric Therapy Aide: Focusing on aiding elderly patients in maintaining and improving their daily living skills.
Physical Rehabilitation Aide: Assisting in therapies for physical recovery, such as post-surgery rehabilitation.
Mental Health Therapy Aide: Supporting occupational therapy in mental health settings.
Hand Therapy Aide: Specializing in assisting with rehabilitative therapy for hand injuries and conditions.

Description

Occupational Therapy Aides play a supportive yet vital role in the rehabilitative process. They are responsible for ensuring that the therapy environment is organized and conducive to patient recovery. Aides must be knowledgeable about therapy procedures, although they do not perform therapy themselves. Instead, they provide logistical and administrative support to therapists and assistants.

Good communication skills are essential for Occupational Therapy Aides, as they often interact with patients, helping them to feel comfortable and informed about their therapy sessions. They must also collaborate effectively with therapists and other healthcare staff to provide seamless care.

The role of an Occupational Therapy Aide is an excellent entry point into the field of occupational therapy. It provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into the therapy process, which can be beneficial for those planning to advance in this field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of a team that helps people regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Seeing tangible improvements in patients' abilities and well-being.
Working in a dynamic and supportive healthcare environment.

You might make a good Occupational Therapy Aide if you are...

Interested in the healthcare field and passionate about helping people.
Organized and attentive to detail, ensuring therapy sessions run smoothly.
A good communicator, able to provide clear instructions and comfort to patients.
Physically able to assist with moving patients and equipment as needed.
Eager to learn and grow in a supportive role within occupational therapy.

Pros:

Rewarding work assisting in the rehabilitation of patients.
Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings.
Stepping stone for further career growth in occupational therapy.

Cons:

Physically demanding tasks, including moving patients and equipment.
Potential for emotional stress in dealing with patients with severe impairments.
Lower pay scale compared to licensed therapists and assistants.

How to become an Occupational Therapy Aide

Typical education

A high school diploma is generally required to become an Occupational Therapy Aide, along with on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional coursework in healthcare or rehabilitation.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Anatomy to understand basic human physiology.
Psychology to gain insights into human behavior and mental health.
Health Sciences for a foundational understanding of healthcare.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
Joining health-related clubs or organizations.
Participating in first aid or CPR certification courses.

Preparation after high school

Consider pursuing additional coursework in healthcare, rehabilitation, or therapy assistant programs.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in healthcare settings.
Stay informed about the latest practices in occupational therapy through workshops or online resources.

More resources

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - Provides comprehensive resources and information about the occupational therapy field.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed information about the role and requirements of Occupational Therapy Aides.
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) - Offers resources for those interested in certification and professional development in occupational therapy.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - Provides global perspectives and resources on occupational therapy.

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