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Occupational Therapy Assistants

Also called: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Math and Science

  • psychology
  • sociology and anthropology

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • understanding people's reactions

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Concern for Others
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability

Medical software

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • Laboratory information system LIS

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Accounting software

  • Billing software
  • Financial record software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $64,250

Education

Associate's degree is usually needed.

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See other careers in the Health & Counseling industry.