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Salary Range | Jobs Available |
---|---|
$47,700 - $83,100 | 7,800+ |
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?
![An occupational therapy assistant helps a patient in a therapy session to improve mobility](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2020-08/Occupational%20therapy%20assistant.jpg.webp?itok=jG37ZYyp)
The job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 36% from 2020 to 2030. That’s one of the fastest job growth rates for any health care occupation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Credit: ALPA PROD/Shutterstock)
Responsibilities
- Evaluate patient abilities
- Consult with occupational therapist to find the most effective activity or rehabilitation program
- Assist patients with therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises
- Ensure patients are doing exercises correctly and encourage them to keep going
- Teach patients exercise and therapy programs to be done at home, including use of equipment
- Record patients’ progress
How To Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant: FAQs
The bottom line:
If you’re a problem-solver, being a therapy assistant is a rewarding way to use your skills while helping others. You can earn a good salary and enjoy the benefits of a profession that allows you to become a specialist or to focus on helping a wide array of people. If this sounds like you, check out SkillPointe’s training opportunities!
![Occupational therapy assistant CG Polirer (far left) enjoys her job because it offers her the freedom to spend time with her family.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2020-10/CG_Polirer_1029.jpg.webp?itok=W8uT52xJ)
What is it like to be an OTA?
CG Polirer enjoys providing patients with the necessary tools to accomplish their day-to-day tasks.
“Seeing them achieve their independence is rewarding,” she says.
It’s not an easy job, she warns. Read more about why she calls it an "extremely rewarding" profession.
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