Occupational Therapy Assistant

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  Healthcare Support Occupations

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Also Called: Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Acute Care OT Assistant), Certified Occupational Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (LOTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Registered Therapist Assistant, School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (School Based COTA), Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Acute Care OT Assistant), Certified Occupational Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (LOTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Registered Therapist Assistant, School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (School Based COTA)

What they do

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$48,670
Starting Salary (2023)
$67,010
Median Salary (2023)
24.0%
Projected Job Growth
46,090
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
Attend continuing education classes.
Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Concern for Others
Integrity
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Attention to Detail
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Time Management

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

More Info

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