Certified occupational therapy assistants work with patients to provide rehabilitation and return to the normal, daily activities of life. They carefully follow the therapy plan decided upon by an occupational therapist. The certified occupational therapy assistant should not be confused with the occupational therapy aide. Both are necessary positions, but a career as an aide requires on-the-job training. The certified occupational therapy assistant requires a minimum of an associate’s degree. Many states also require licensure.
Here’s how to become a certified occupational therapy assistant.
- Work Description: Working as an occupational therapy assistant requires you to follow the plan of care set up by the occupational therapist. It will be up to you to implement the therapy and fully document the treatment given. Most of the patients that occupational therapy assistants will work with are those who have muscle injuries that render the patients unable to perform basic tasks, like using their hands or walking. Certified occupational therapy assistants help patients with treatment in order to regain control of their muscles. Careful monitoring of the patient's response to treatment will guide any changes the occupational therapist may need to make. The certified occupational therapy assistant works collegially with the occupational therapist by recommending procedures or tactics that are working well with a particular patient.
- Training and Certification: The accepted education for entry-level positions as a certified occupational therapist is an associate’s degree. The school must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The first year is generally spent learning medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and general education studies. The second year is more in-depth training in therapies and physiology plus practical experience. After completing the two-year training you may need to pass the licensure examination in order to practice. Every state has their own regulation so be sure to check your state’s requirements. The National Board for Occupational Therapy is the group that provides the certification examination. Certification is not mandatory, but it will greatly improve your marketability. Once the exam is passed, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) title is awarded.
- Work Opportunities: The future is bright for certified occupational therapy assistants. The job market is forecasted to grow by about 20% in the next ten years. That is due to the aging population and increased numbers of patients surviving strokes and heart attacks. Jobs are available in hospitals, schools, extended care facilities, adult day cares, and in private practice with occupational therapists, just to name a few.
- Salary: The median wage is $48,000. There is a wide range of salaries, however. Nursing care facilities generally pay much lower wages, as do schools and hospitals. Home health care generally pays the best as well as working privately for an occupational therapist in private practice. There may be some salary redistribution as reimbursement for therapies change in the coming years.
Taking direction well is an absolute must to be successful as a certified occupational therapy assistant. A fair amount of physical strength is also necessary as well as the ability to document clearly and accurately. This rewarding career is not for everyone; it takes a special person to make this their career choice. But it is well worth all the hard work necessary to help people.