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See Available Occupational Therapist Assistant
Occupational therapist assistants work
under the direct supervision of occupational therapists,
providing rehabilitative services to people with mental,
physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities in
order to help them lead more normal, productive lives.
OT assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities
and exercises that are outlined in a specific treatment
plan developed by an occupational therapist. They may
help the client learn to use special equipment such
as wheelchairs and prostheses, or help with stretching
exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.
They also record the client’s response and progress
so that the occupational therapist can make changes
to the therapy program as needed.
Most OT assistants work in private offices
or nursing homes. They usually work a 40 hour week,
but may work evenings and weekends in order to provide
better care for their clients. Their salaries vary according
to the capacity in which they are employed, ranging
from $25,660 to $38, 170, with the average being $36,660.
In order to become an occupational therapy
assistant, one must obtain an associate’s degree
from an accredited OT assistant program. Occupational
therapist assistants are regulated in most states and
must pass a national certification exam upon their graduation
from the OT assistant program.
The outlook for occupational therapist
assistants is good, and expected to grow faster than
the average for all occupations. This is due to the
increasing number of elderly people, as the nation’s
largest population, the baby boom generation, passes
into old age. It is also due to the fact that advances
in medical technology are allowing more people with
serious injuries to survive, even with serious medical
complications. Occupational therapists are also starting
to utilize assistants more in order to lower the high
cost of therapy.
Florida
Keiser
College
(Ft.Lauderdale, Melbourne)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist
Assistant
Pennsylvania
ICM
School of Business and Medical Careers
(Pittsburgh)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist
Assistant
Idaho
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