Occupational Therapy Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

24.0%

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

What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. OTAs help clients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Sample job titles:

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

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

Fit report

Test scores

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

Scores report

How much does an Occupational Therapy Assistant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$49K per year	$60K per year	$68K per year	$77K per year	$87K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant do?

Work environment

OTAs typically work in various settings, including hospitals, private occupational therapy practices, schools, nursing homes, and community centers. They may work full-time or part-time and sometimes need to adjust their schedules to accommodate their clients' needs.

Quick task list

Assists patients with therapeutic activities guided by an occupational therapist.
Teaches patients how to use special equipment to assist with daily activities.
Documents patients' progress and reports to occupational therapists.
Helps in the development of treatment plans.
Educates patients' families about how to provide care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatrics: Working with children to develop motor skills and manage disabilities.
Gerontology: Assisting elderly patients to maintain independence.
Physical Rehabilitation: Aiding patients in recovering from physical injuries.
Mental Health: Supporting patients with mental health issues in developing coping skills.
Hand Therapy: Specializing in rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity.

Description

Occupational Therapy Assistants play a critical role in the rehabilitation process. They work closely with occupational therapists to implement treatment plans that help patients perform a range of daily activities. This might involve teaching a stroke victim how to dress independently or helping a child with developmental delays to improve hand-eye coordination. OTAs need to be compassionate, patient, and have strong interpersonal skills to effectively assist and motivate patients.

The role is both challenging and rewarding. OTAs must be adaptable, as they work with a diverse population with varying needs. They should also possess a good understanding of human anatomy and therapeutic techniques. Continuous learning is a part of the job, as they need to stay updated with the latest practices in occupational therapy.

A career as an OTA offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals facing physical and emotional challenges. It is a field that is expected to grow due to the increasing need for therapy services among aging populations and individuals with disabilities or illnesses.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting patients' lives and aiding their independence.
Collaborating closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.
Variety in daily tasks and patient interactions.

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

Empathetic and patient, with a desire to help people overcome challenges.
Creative in developing and adapting activities to meet individual patient needs.
Physically fit, as the job can be physically demanding.
Good at communicating and working as part of a team.
Interested in healthcare and patient rehabilitation.

Pros:

High demand and job stability in the healthcare sector.
Rewarding work that directly improves clients' quality of life.
Opportunities for specialization and professional growth.

Cons:

Emotionally taxing, dealing with patients in challenging situations.
Physical demands, including moving patients or demonstrating activities.
May involve irregular hours, including evenings or weekends.

How to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Typical education

An associate's degree in occupational therapy, typically a 2-year program, is required. Additionally, OTAs must pass a national certification exam and may require a state license to practice.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and health sciences for a foundation in anatomy and healthcare.
Psychology to understand human behavior and developmental stages.
Art or crafts for developing creative skills useful in therapy activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community centers.
Joining clubs focused on health and wellness.
Participating in sports or physical activities to build stamina.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
Gain experience through internships or job shadowing in occupational therapy settings.
Prepare for and pass the national certification exam for OTAs.

More resources

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - Provides resources, standards, and certification information.
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) - Offers certification and exam resources for OTAs.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools - Information on accredited OTA programs and careers.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - Offers global perspectives and resources on occupational therapy.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about OTA responsibilities, skills, and education requirements.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.