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Being an occupational therapist assistant is a very rewarding career. They work alongside occupational therapists, assisting them in various tasks. They work in four key divisions: emotional, mental, physical, and developmental impairments. Under close supervision of an occupational therapist, they help to rehabilitate people in these target areas. The goal of this career is to improve the quality of life of others.
The tasks performed by an occupational therapist assistant range from a wide variety of skill levels. In collaboration with occupational therapists, they set up a treatment plan for an individual. This can be anything from teaching them how to strengthen a damaged limb to helping them with everyday activities such as showering or getting dressed in the morning. They are also responsible for reporting progress to the occupational therapist. If no improvement is seen within a reasonable time frame, they can make up a new treatment plan with guidance from their supervisor. During sessions, an occupational therapist generally sets up and maintains the equipment that is to be used by the patient.
Not only are they involved in patient care, but in the behind the scenes action, too. They can schedule appointments and send out insurance notices. They must fill out paperwork documenting a patient’s progress and treatment options. They answer phones and restock empty supply cases. Although this may not seem like glamorous work, it is what keeps a business running smoothly.
Skills are a huge necessity to excel in this field. Strength is needed to lift patients when assisting them as well as some of the heavier equipment. It is important to practice good body mechanics because this job requires long periods of standing, bending over, and kneeling. Comfortable footwear should always be worn. Occupational therapist assistants must be patient and have good people skills. They must be able to comprehend things quickly and think on the spot. They must be problem solvers and positive thinkers.
Another large component is intelligence. The road to this career is not an easy one. An associate degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is required. This is a two year program that will help to prepare students for the national examination they must pass to receive licensure. Sixteen hours of shadowing or clinic duty must be completed before taking the test. Forty states require a license in order for an occupational therapist assistant to practice. Some states even insist upon certification on top of that.
Although the education is rigorous, the hard work will pay off. The employment rate for this career is steadily increasing. More agencies are in need of occupational therapists assistants, making it a very stable career. The salary base normally starts around $40,000 a year and extends up to $55,000 annually. The prospects in this field are amazing and only going up from here.
The main goal of occupational therapy is to help change the lives of others. An occupational therapist assistant can reap the benefit of knowing that he or she makes a difference. Enjoying a job overshadows all its pitfalls and makes work seem like play. Being an occupational therapist is a gratifying career that is incomparable to anything else.
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