What Occupational Therapist Assistants Do

Occupational therapist assistants are directly involved in patient care, often helping occupational therapists implement a specific treatment or rehabilitation plan. Assistants help patients through various rehabilitative activities, observing and recording their progress throughout different stages of the process. They might also help patients in dressing or grooming themselves when they are physically unable to do so themselves. Occupational therapist assistants are integral in implementing a lasting plan of treatment to help patients in physical rehabilitation with their lifelong goals of recovery.

Types of Work Environments

  • Schools, especially those for children with learning disabilities, behavioral problems, cerebral palsy, or Down's Syndrome
  • Patients' homes
  • Community centers
  • Rehabilitation hospitals
  • Nursing homes

Education and Training Requirements

Occupational therapist assistants have a high school diploma or GED and an associate degree from an accredited program. Most states also require occupational therapist assistants to be licensed.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for occupational therapist assistants is approximately $68,170 per year.

Professional Organization

The American Occupational Therapy Association

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