OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Occupational therapy assistants help persons who are impaired due to injury or illness, emotional disorders, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, or the aging process. Rehabilitation programs are used to improve the patient’s daily living skills and boost confidence in their abilities to do things for themselves. Some examples of what an occupational therapy assistant does would include teaching someone to plan and cook a meal, to fabricate a hand splint, to purchase items from the store, to use adaptive equipment with dressing, to complete an exercise plan, or fill out an application for work. Assistants always work under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
HOW DO I BECOME AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT?
High school preparation for a program in occupational therapy assisting should include course work in the physical and social sciences, mathematics, and health education.
A high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) is necessary for entrance into a two-year associate degree program. To become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), you must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy assisting program and pass a certification exam.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?
Programs in occupational therapy assisting include course work in the physical sciences, English, behavioral sciences, pathology, group process, and health care systems. A twelve-week clinical field work practice where students acquire work experience and practical knowledge on occupational therapy techniques is required.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations due to the increased demand for rehabilitation and long-term care services.
Most occupational therapy assistants work in hospitals. Schools for handicapped persons and the mentally retarded are the second largest employer followed by private practice, home health, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Occupational therapy assistants usually work a 40-hour week, sometimes working evening shifts, holidays, and weekends.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
Louisiana Occupational Therapy Association
P.O.Box 14806
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
(888) 780- 6306
www.lota.org