Occupational Therapy Assistant
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Annual openings
145
BLS median wage
$75,340
Typical education
An associate’s degree or a one-year certificate program
10-year growth
+17%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
An associate’s degree or a one-year certificate program
Credential requirement
A certification is required for this job.
Credential detail
To practice, you will need to be certified as an occupational therapy assistant by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Work experience
Entry-level
Experience detail
This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.
Training
To practice, you will need to successfully complete an educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Employer competency information
Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills — Working very closely with other team members and patients is critical. It will be very important to understand, connect with, communicate to, and provide instructions to patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- Customer Focus — Providing excellent customer service is critical, reimbursements are based on patient feedback and outcomes.
- Critical & Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving & Decision Making — An important skill in developing and implementing patient care plans.
- Psychology — Understanding patients is important in order to be able to motivate them to make positive changes.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.