Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description and Career Highlight

By | December 21, 2022
Occupational therapy assistants work with clients to plan their activities and interests.

This post provides detailed information on the occupational therapy assistant job description and career, to boost your knowledge of the duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also shows how to become an occupational therapy assistant, the major requirements to fulfill to be hired for the role, and the various career opportunities an occupational therapy assistant can explore.

Please, read on:

What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

The occupational therapy assistant job description entails promoting and developing occupational therapy as a service to society in accordance with approved national standards.

It also involves implementing and promoting occupational therapy programs in the community.

This is to improve and enhance the health of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

They work with clients to plan their activities and interests so that they can function at their highest level of health and independence.

Occupational therapy assistants provide information on available community services so that they may integrate their individual needs into the larger community.

This includes transportation, housing, and health care.

The occupational therapy assistant job description also includes providing individualized instruction based upon a thorough assessment of patient’s needs.

This is in order to enhance physical, social, or spiritual development (including weekly family involvement).

Furthermore, they ensure that occupational therapy patients are aware of their rights and responsibilities as they relate to their health condition.

It is also their responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients and ensure that potential injury or harm is prevented or minimized.

The occupational therapy assistant’s role also entails assisting families with their needs related to the patient’s therapy and recovery.

This is achieved by implementing the information learned during each visit to the clinic or facility (i.e., referrals, transportation).

The therapy assistant attends pre-treatment emergency room visits, emergency room procedures, and treatment programs when needed.

They also participate in rehabilitation programs, hospitalizations, and home care placement for occupational therapy patients when required.

Therapy assistants may also be required to participate in the assessment of patients (i.e., completion and distribution of pertinent forms to appropriate staff).

More occupational therapy assistant Duties and Responsibilities

They are also responsible for documenting patients’ data accurately and completely on an ongoing basis.

These include occupation, environment, socio-economics, physical abilities, developmental level, and educational level.

Occupational therapist assistants maintain current competencies in accordance with policies and procedures dictated by the state’s practice act.

Their duties also involve observing confidentiality at all times.

It is important that they don’t discuss information outside of the occupational therapy clinic or facility without proper authorization from the patient or legal guardian/representative.

Occupational therapy assistants are responsible for compliance/coordination of preventive maintenance.

They make sure that equipment operates according to manufacturer specifications and recommendations.

In addition, they maintain clinical competencies by attending/participating in seminars, meetings, workshops, and other professional development activities.

The occupational therapy assistant’s tasks also involve maintaining a personal portfolio of completed forms and documents.

These are updated annually or as needed (i.e., CNAs, personal care attendants/attendants).

It also entails meeting with occupational therapy patients to assess their needs for equipment.

This will enable patients to return to a home environment or their residence after discharge from the hospital or rehabilitation center.

The occupational therapy assistant assists in the orientation of new staff members and students when needed.

They may be involved in supervising new student workers/interns.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The occupational therapy assistant job description entails the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

  • Implement treatment plans
  • Assess client’s strengths and needs
  • Work with clients to determine goals and complete treatment
  • Assist in preparing treatment areas and equipment, including maintaining records
  • Provide follow-up services to patients/clients (some states require certification in order to provide this service)
  • May provide basic training on devices used by patients with disabilities
  • May be required to have specialist certification in a particular area of therapy
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge. This can be achieved by attending continuing education workshops and reading professional publications. Others ways include maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations
  • Assist in research activities and may assist with the collection, processing, and maintenance of data
  • Provide information regarding occupational therapy services to patients/clients, public, referral sources, etc., as needed
  • Submit reports as necessary (for example, progress reports).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description for Resume

Have you worked before in the role of an occupational therapy assistant, or are presently working in that position?

If you are and need to make a new resume or CV, then you can apply the sample occupational therapy assistant job description above in making a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume.

You can use the occupational therapy assistant duties and responsibilities in the above job description sample in highlighting your Professional Experience.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the role of an occupational therapy assistant.

And this piece of information in your resume can greatly influence the recruiter/employer to call you up for an interview, especially if the new job requires someone with some occupational therapy assistant work experience.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success

Here are major requirements that most recruiters/employers may want you to meet to be hired for an occupational therapy assistant job:

  • High school education or equivalent
  • Certification may be required, depending on state law
  • Some positions may require candidates to hold a specific certification (i.e., certified occupational therapy assistant). However, this is rare in many areas of employment
  • Must have the ability to work with people and clients on a daily basis in an environment that is fast paced and demanding.  Occupational therapy assistant should be able to resolve conflicting demands of clients and staff members who work in the same area
  • Ability to demonstrate expertise in adaptive equipment and patient assessment skills
  • Possess and demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills
  • Must have effective communication, listening, and verbal skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment where individuals will work closely together
  • Must possess computer skills for data entry, graphic design, printing and creating spreadsheets
  • Ability to interact with physicians and other health professionals on a daily basis
  • Must be able to work with patients and their family members who are in different stages of the patient’s recovery from injury/illness
  • Have the ability to work with different kinds of people, including therapeutic, physical, and occupational therapy assistants.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

The average salary for a certified occupational therapy assistant in the U.S. is $73,517 per year.

The highest paying cities (per year) include:

  • Phoenix, AZ, $97,363
  • Chicago, IL, $93,485
  • San Antonio, TX, $91,627
  • Brooklyn, NY, $82,220
  • Jacksonville, FL, $71,455

In the United States, there are over 44,813 Occupational Therapy Assistants.

The majority of occupational therapy assistants are White, accounting for 71.4% of the total.

10.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% are Black or African American, 5.2% are Asian, 2.0% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1.2% is Unknown.

(Occupational therapy assistant salary informational sources: indeed.com, zippia.com, ziprecruiter.com, glassdoor.com)

With an occupational therapy assistant background, you can work in various roles such as director of therapy, director of rehab, and director of physician services.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Career Opportunities

Here are major career opportunities an occupational therapy assistant can explore:

  1. Director of Therapy

A director of therapy is a healthcare practitioner who manages the occupational therapy team.

Some of the duties of a director of therapy may include: recruiting and hiring, setting treatment goals and objectives, and scheduling treatments and counseling.

Others are, maintaining patient records and supervising clinical staff.

2. Director of Rehab

A director of rehab is responsible for administering occupational therapy services to patients.

Some of the duties of a director of rehabilitation may include: screening patients for possible treatment needs and determining eligibility for services.

Another is, implementing care plans using different therapeutic modalities, such as physical, behavioral or conventional therapies.

3. Director of Physician Services

A director of physician services is a healthcare practitioner who supervises and coordinates the occupational therapy services offered by physicians or licensed physical therapists.

Some of the duties of a director of physician services may include: participating in academic seminars and conferences and providing services through outside agencies.

Others are, managing clinical research studies, coordinating staff developmental training, and on-the-job experience.

4. Marketing Coordinator

A marketing coordinator is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of marketing strategies designed to increase awareness of occupational therapy programs.

Some of the duties of a marketing coordinator may include: developing marketing plans, and producing and distributing information materials.

Others are, organizing students into teams to develop and implement marketing strategies, compiling data on activity level and response rate, and updating databases with current advertisements and promotions.

More Occupational Therapy Assistant Career Opportunities

5. Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for acquiring new clients.

This also includes identifying potential clients, attending conferences and trade shows, and maintaining quality control of the client list.

Their duties also include integrating marketing with sales and providing service assistance.

6. Director of Community Relations

A director of community relations is responsible for coordinating services offered by the occupational therapy department of hospitals and health care centers to the general public.

Some of their duties may include: developing educational programs for physicians, nurses, physical therapists and other allied health professionals.

Others include, conducting public relations programs to increase patient awareness of occupational therapy services.

7. Vice President of Human Resources

A vice president of human resources is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring human resource policies, including employee recruitment, qualification, compensation and benefits.

Some of the duties may include: planning and supervising the action to implement new procedures or new systems to improve coverage of an occupational therapy service area.

8. COO

A COO is responsible for managing the general operations of an organization, including financial reporting, operations planning and budgeting.

They help to create organizational structure, policies, and procedures to help achieve the goals of an organization.

Additional Career Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

9. CEO

A CEO is responsible for controlling the operations, management, and overall strategy of a business.

They report to the board of directors and are responsible for creating conditions that allow the business to achieve its greatest potential.

Some of the duties may include: formulating budgets, preparing financial reports, interfacing with outside organizations regarding patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual properties.

10. Vice President of Operations

A vice president of operations is responsible for managing the daily operations of a company.

They are responsible for making sure that business operations are efficient and productive to meet the demands of customers.

Some duties may include: preparing budgets, planning the installation of new machinery or equipment, and monitoring the performance of operating divisions.

Challenges faced by Occupational Therapy Assistant on the Job

Challenges that occupational therapy assistants face on the job include:

  1. Workload

The workload of an occupational therapy assistant can be stressful.

They are responsible for many tasks, including: working with patients, cleaning the occupational therapy department, and performing administrative duties and medical insurance billing.

Occupational therapy assistants must also communicate with other health care workers and patients.

2. Unstable Income

Occupational therapists have a more stable income since they are paid by the hour or based on salary.

Occupational therapy assistants are usually paid on salary and this can cause their income to fluctuate from one pay period to another due to workload or hours worked.

3. Stressful Job

Occupational therapy assistants are exposed to many scenarios that can be stressful.

Patients can be noisy and demanding, sometimes aggressive.

They may also have a hard time expressing themselves since they may not have the necessary skills for speaking.

Occupational therapy assistants must work with patients who can be apprehensive about getting treatment or surgery done.

They must also deal with insults from their co-workers, family, and friends when they become frustrated by their patient’s lack of progress and poor compliance.

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

If you are interested in becoming an occupational therapy assistant, here are steps you can take to achieve your goal:

  1. Earn an associate’s degree from an OTA program that is accredited.

In order to work as an occupational therapy assistant in the United States, you must first obtain a degree from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

After completing one of the programs listed above, you will need at least an Associate’s Degree.

2. Complete the clinical experience required by your state.

In most states, one must complete a program in which they work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist.

Each state has a different time requirement for such a program, but the average is two months before becoming OTA licensed.

Typically, these clinical experiences are obtained through the college where you studied occupational therapy.

3. Take and pass the NBCOT COTA National Certification Exam.

You must first take and pass the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam before you can become a licensed certified OTA.

This will provide you with national recognition.

The exam will be administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

If you want to take the exam on paper, you must pay $540.

If you want to do it online, the fee is $500.

You can usually take these exams as many times as you need until you pass, but you must wait 45 days to retake them if you do not pass the first time.

More Tips on How to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

4. Obtain a State-Certified OTA License.

Generally, OTAs and other Occupational Therapy professions require passing an exam that tests knowledge of OT regulations and laws.

Most states allow the exam to be taken “open book,” and most allow retesting until the individual passes.

The process of applying for an occupational therapy assistant license varies by state.

Most, however, require a licensing fee in addition to a completed application.

Also, be prepared to show identification, as you will almost certainly be subjected to a background check.

Finally, you will need to obtain your transcripts from the educational facility where you received your education.

5. Apply for OTA positions.

You can now find work in your state with your COTA license.

So it’s time to look for your ideal OTA job and begin the application and interview process.

Now that you can start your search online, go ahead and look for OTA Jobs.

You should also inquire about potential OTA job openings at local hospitals, OT clinics, and elderly care facilities.

6. Keep your license current by completing state-mandated continuing education on OTA.

In most states, continuing education is required; this allows you to retain previous knowledge while also staying up to date on new developments in the field of occupational therapy.

The number of hours of continuing education required for each license period varies by state.

You should also be aware that you will have to pay a fee to renew your license.

Major Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career

Some of the benefits of an occupational therapy assistant career include:

  1. Job Security

Occupational therapy assistants have a very stable job since the industry only requires a small number of people.

In fact, the American Occupational Therapy Association anticipates that demand for occupational therapy assistants will continue to grow in demand.

 This is due to the fact that there are lesser people opting to become occupational therapy assistants and high demand for this profession, especially in assisted living facilities, public schools and hospitals.

Occupational therapy assistant jobs are also considered recession-proof since they will always be needed even in hard times.

2. Higher Income

There is also a lesser difference in pay between occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapists.

Occupational therapy assistants have an overall higher median income than occupational therapists, due to their continuous growth in job market demands.

3. Flexible Work Schedule

Occupational therapy assistants do not have to adhere to a set work schedule and can work around their own schedules, which is considered very flexible.

If a patient is prepared for treatment, the OT assistant can treat him or her on a one-on-one basis.

4. Training and Development Opportunities

Through occupational therapy assistant jobs, you will be continuously trained on new techniques and procedures that are required in order to further your career as an OTA.

You will also be given opportunities to further your training through continuing education programs that are offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

An OTA will also have the opportunity to receive advancement opportunities as his or her professional career progresses.

More Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career

5. Increases Skill Set

Through occupational therapy assistant jobs, you will also have an opportunity to improve your skills in order to further your career as an OTA.

Other skills required of occupational therapy assistants include the ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment.

6. Personal Growth

Through occupational therapy assistant jobs, you will also have an opportunity to continuously grow as a professional since you will be constantly learning new techniques and procedures as a result of continuing education.

You will also have the opportunity to make connections with other OTAs in your area, which will allow you to further your professional career.

7. Social Interaction

Through occupational therapy assistant jobs, you will also have an opportunity to make connections with people from different backgrounds through social interaction.

This may provide you with opportunities to further your career as an occupational therapy assistant.

Conclusion

Occupational therapy assistants are needed currently in many organizations.

They are hired to assist the occupational therapists with the various tasks they perform.

This post is helpful to individuals interested in the occupational therapy assistant career, who want to learn all about the duties of the role.

It is also useful to employers/recruiters in making a detailed job description for the occupational therapy assistant position.

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