Career Information

Career Snapshot: Occupational Therapy Assistant
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Employment is projected to increase much faster than the average, reflecting growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function who require therapeutic services.
• Occupational therapy assistants generally must complete an associate degree or a certificate program.
• In an effort to control rising healthcare costs, third-party payers are expected to encourage occupational therapists to delegate more hands-on intervention to occupational therapy assistants.

About the Profession
Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists. Both provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. For example, occupational therapy assistants help injured workers re-enter the labor force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills or help individuals with learning disabilities increase their independence.

Occupational therapy assistants help clients engage in rehabilitative occupations and activities outlined in a collaboratively developed treatment plan. Activities range from teaching the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair to the best way to stretch and limber muscles of the hand. Assistants monitor an individual’s activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement. They also record their client’s progress for the occupational therapist. If the treatment is not having the intended effect, or the client is not improving as expected, the therapist may alter the treatment program in hopes of obtaining better results. In addition, occupational therapy assistants document the billing of the client’s health insurance provider.

Working Conditions
The hours and days that occupational therapy assistants work vary with the facility and whether they are full- or part-time employees. Many outpatient therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to help coincide with patients’ personal schedules.

Occupational therapy assistants need to have a moderate degree of strength, because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. For example, assistants may need to lift patients. Kneeling, stooping, and standing is part of the job.

2006-2007 Occupational Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides