What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They work with people of all ages who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. OTAs assist with therapeutic exercises, help patients use adaptive equipment, and provide direct support to enable patients to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Typical Education
An associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program is required. These programs, typically offered at community colleges, combine classroom instruction with supervised fieldwork.
Salary Range in the United States
The median annual wage for an Occupational Therapy Assistant was $62,940 as of May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,510, and the highest 10% earned more than $82,920. Salaries can vary based on the work environment (e.g., hospital, nursing home, school), location, and years of experience.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Day in the Life
How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you must first complete an associate's degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). After graduation, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Finally, you must obtain a state license to practice, which typically requires passing the NBCOT exam.
Essential Skills
- Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and support patients as they work through physical and emotional challenges.
- Problem-Solving: Creativity in adapting activities and environments to meet a patient's individual needs.
- Communication Skills: The capacity to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and the supervising occupational therapist.
- Patience: The ability to remain calm and encouraging when a patient is struggling or progress is slow.
- Physical Stamina: The job can be physically demanding, requiring you to assist patients with movements and exercises.
Key Responsibilities
- Implementing Treatment Plans: Assisting with therapeutic activities and exercises designed by the occupational therapist.
- Patient Education: Teaching patients and their families how to use adaptive equipment and perform daily tasks safely.
- Documentation: Accurately charting patient progress, observations, and care provided.
- Providing Support: Encouraging and motivating patients during therapy sessions.
- Adapting the Environment: Helping to modify a patient's home or work environment to improve accessibility and safety.
Common Interview Questions
- "Tell me about a time you had to deal with a patient who was uncooperative or frustrated. How did you handle the situation?"
- What they're looking for: This behavioral question assesses your empathy, patience, and de-escalation skills. A good answer will provide a specific example where you remained calm, validated the patient's feelings, and found a way to motivate them.
- "Why did you choose to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant instead of an Occupational Therapist?"
- What they're looking for: Interviewers want to gauge your understanding of the role and your career motivations. A strong response will demonstrate a clear understanding of the difference between the two roles and a passion for the hands-on, direct patient care that the OTA role provides.
- "Describe a time you had to be creative to solve a problem for a patient."
- What they're looking for: This question tests your problem-solving abilities and creativity. A good answer will provide an example of a time you adapted an activity or a tool to better suit a patient's unique needs or limitations.
- "How do you ensure clear and effective communication with a supervising therapist and the rest of the care team?"
- What they're looking for: This question evaluates your professionalism and teamwork skills. A strong response will highlight your commitment to regular check-ins, meticulous documentation, and proactive communication about patient progress or concerns.
- "What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of being an Occupational Therapy Assistant?"
- What they're looking for: This question reveals your passion and dedication to the field. A good answer will focus on the satisfaction of seeing a patient regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Questions?
Have questions about this career? Post in our Career Community!