Career Overview

An OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) works under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT) to help patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. OTAs play a vital role in supporting patients with various physical, mental, or developmental conditions by assisting them in performing everyday tasks.

Key Responsibilities

  • Implement Treatment Plans: OTAs follow treatment plans designed by Occupational Therapists and assist patients with activities designed to improve motor skills, cognitive abilities, or emotional well-being.
  • Patient Interaction: OTAs help patients practice exercises, adaptive techniques, and use equipment to enhance their independence.
  • Monitor Progress: OTAs track patients’ progress and report any changes or concerns to the supervising OT.
  • Assist in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): OTAs help patients with tasks like dressing, eating, and bathing, particularly when these activities have become challenging due to illness or injury.
  • Therapeutic Modalities: They assist with physical tasks, such as fine motor exercises or coordination activities, using tools and equipment designed to improve function.
  • Education and Training: OTAs educate patients and their families on how to use assistive devices or techniques at home to continue therapy independently.

Work Environment

OTAs work in various healthcare settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Schools
  • Home health settings
  • Outpatient clinics

Education requirements

  • Educational Program:
    • Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting: This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes both coursework and hands-on clinical training.
  • Clinical Experience:
    • During the program, students must complete a fieldwork or clinical internship, which provides practical experience in real healthcare settings. The internship allows students to work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
  • National Certification Exam:
    • After completing the associate’s degree program, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam for OTAs.
  • Licensure in Louisiana:
    • State Licensure: After passing the NBCOT exam, you must apply for state licensure through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). This includes submitting an application and any required documentation.
  • Continuing Education:
    • After becoming licensed, OTAs in Louisiana must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license. This typically involves completing a certain number of hours of professional development every few years.

 

Programs in Louisiana

Career outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of OTAs will grow by 24% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to several factors, including an aging baby boomer population and an increasing focus on rehabilitation and therapy services for people with disabilities or injuries.

While salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and setting, OTAs generally earn competitive wages. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for OTAs was approximately $64,000 in 2021. With experience, additional certifications, or working in specialized areas (e.g., pediatrics, geriatrics), OTAs can earn higher salaries.

Professional Organizations