Occupational Therapist Assistant Career Guide
Looking for a different career guide?
Overview
An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) is a vital member of the healthcare team who helps individuals of all ages regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities and achieve a higher quality of life. Under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist (OT), OTAs work with clients facing physical, mental, developmental or emotional challenges.
Essential Job Functions:
Staff and
Education
To become an OTA, aspiring candidates typically need to complete an associate degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). These programs often span about two years and include coursework and hands-on clinical experience.
Qualifications
Skills
Successful OTAs possess a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and human development. They need excellent communication skills to interact effectively with both clients and other healthcare professionals. OTAs must be compassionate, empathetic and patient as they work with individuals facing a range of challenges.
Thousands of
healthcare jobs in
your pocket.
4.8
13.6k Ratings
4.4
1.5k Ratings
Responsibilities
Occupational Therapist Assistants collaborate with Occupational Therapists to create customized treatment plans and interventions. They implement therapeutic activities, monitor clients' progress and provide feedback to the OT. OTAs also maintain accurate documentation of therapy sessions and communicate regularly with clients' families or caregivers.
Salary Insights
The average salary for a Occupational Therapist Assistant is $1,443.92 per week.
Last updated on December 14, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Pros & Cons
Becoming an OTA offers numerous advantages, including the satisfaction of making a positive impact on clients' lives, the ability to work in various healthcare settings and competitive salary potential. OTAs also enjoy a relatively short educational path compared to other healthcare professions.
However, the role can be physically demanding, requiring OTA to assist clients with mobility and perform hands-on activities. It
Related Articles
The Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers in 2025
How Can Physical Therapists Earn More Money?
Top 10 Pros and Cons of Being a Speech Language Pathologist
Top 10 States to Work as a Physical Therapist Today
Physical Therapist Licensing Requirements by State
What the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Means for OTs
Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.
Join over 1 million healthcare workers that are getting a head start with Vivian.
Join Vivian