Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Occupational therapy helps the patient improve their quality of life even if they have injuries or disabilities. The increase in the demand for occupational therapists also increased the demand for occupational therapy assistants and aides to help these therapist with the interventions that are routine in nature, and assist the patients with their activities of daily living such as mobility, and grooming. They play a very important role in caring for people with mental, emotional, physical and developmental delays, inborn or residual disabilities and illness.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Occupational therapy assistants and aides needs to have a high school diploma before they can start taking up programs for this career. They should be interested in Health, Social Sciences and Biology. Like in other career, English and Communication classes are important since they will be interacting with different types of people. For occupational therapy aids, they receive on-the-job training while occupational therapy assistants need to have an Associates’s degree or should obtain certificate from Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Before they can get certified, they need to complete a two year program which includes courses in Human Kinesiology, Biology, Therapeutic Media and techniques. Certification is not necessary for occupational therapy aides but occupational therapy assistants need to pass the test from National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Passing the exam will make them certified occupational therapy assistants. In some states, license for occupational therapy is required.
Skills and Abilities
Since occupational therapy assistants and aides will directly report to occupational therapist, the need to have the ability to follow instructions easily. They will also be interacting with patients so it is preferable to have someone with good communication skills, and strong people skills. They need to have the willingness to help people in need. They should be detail oriented, responsible and patient.
Being organized with paperwork and equipment will be helpful.
Duties
Occupational therapy assistants help in taking care of the patient as well as implementing therapeutic programs designed to treat them. They engage their patients in different activities and exercises. It is their responsibility to help the patient in their activities like cooking, dancing, throwing a ball and playing cards. They are also tasked to evaluate the progress of the patient. It is important that they evaluate the activity results and know how to control the movements within the performace, which might also cause more stress and fatigue on the patient. They also schedule therapy appointments and change therapy plans when necessary. Occupational therapy aides are usually involved in clerical work. They usually order equipment and supplies that will be needed, as well as answer phone calls.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The average income for occupational therapy assistants is $39,750 while for the occupational therapy aide is $24,310. Location, type of employers and their experiences are factors that determine their salary or earnings. Increased number of elderly and disabled people will provide more opportunities for occupational therapy assistants and aides in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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