See How to Become an Occupational Therapist Assistant

Though helping the elderly with arthritis pain and comfort is a core job but it has changed greatly in a few ways. The field is one of the great fast growing careers that is coming in to age more and more due to the rise in population. Helping the disabled have a better life is as rewarding as it gets! All ages and places becoming an occupational therapist will make you a better person and make you a great living!

What is the process to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant?

STEP 1 – Finish Accredited Occupational Therapy Assisting Program

Occupational therapy assistant programs are offered at local community colleges and even at local technical schools. In the year 2017, 200 occupational therapy assistant programs were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, a part of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Click on the link below to find accredited OTA training near you from AOTA.org’s database.

AOTA Accredited Occupational Therapy Assisting Programs

Check the exam pass rates for previous students if possible

When you select your occupational therapy school, be sure to check the pass rates of prior students. This will help you see if the schools gets its students prepared for the career.

STEP 2 – Get an Occupational Therapy Assisting Certification in your State

It is mandatory to get certified as an OTA. Passing the exam as detailed below will get you on the doorstep of starting your career!

Step 3 – Pass Occupational Therapy Examination

Step 5 – Finding a job as an Occupational Therapist Assistant/Aide

The overall outlook for employment of occupational therapy assistants is being predicted by bls.gov to grow 29% over the next decade. Occupational therapy assistants that have some experience working in an occupational therapy office will have the best job opportunities for finding work. But that being said, occupational therapy aides may find that due to the small amount of requirements over qualified applicants will have the advantage.

What does an Occupational Therapist Assistant do?

As we shortly stated above, occupational therapists help injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They will also assist in the recovery process for any injures. Below we show you a detailed description of the field of occupational therapy and how the occupational therapy assistant fits in to it.

About Occupational Therapy salary

Occupational therapy assisting is one of the fastest growing fields within healthcare at 29%! And it is also one of the best paying as you can see below.

What is the average salary for an Occupational Therapist Assistant?

The median annual wage for occupational therapist assistant is $56,690. Below for all the salary and hourly wage details from top to bottom.

Nursing care facilities – $36,900
Educational services – $35,750
Hospitals – $29,310
Social assistance – $26,270
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists – $26,190

OTA salary by state