Pathway: Social Services
Job: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. They help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises, record their clients’ progress, and document billing.

Necessary Education

Associate’s Degree or certificate program

Helpful High School Courses

Biology, Health, Mathematics

Working Conditions:

• Schedule varies, dependent on the employer and facility
• May work evening and weekend hours
• May kneel, stoop, and stand for long periods of time
• Susceptible to injuries when helping to lift and assist patients

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary $40,670
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $19.56

• Occupational therapy assistants are regulated in most States, and must pass a national certification examination after graduation in order to become certified.
• Many positions can be found in hospitals, offices of occupational therapists, nursing and personal care facilities; others include offices and clinics of physicians, social service agencies, outpatient rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.

Personal Qualities and Interests

     You:

• Are caring and desire to help people who are not able to help themselves
  
• Have a moderate degree of strength (due to the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment)
  
• Are responsible and patient
  
• Are willing to take directions and work as part of a team
  

Did you know?

• Applicants to occupational therapy assistant programs can improve their chances of admission by performing volunteer work in the healthcare field
  
• Employment is expected to be good

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
  
• The American Occupational Therapy Association: http://www.aota.org

  
  

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