How To Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistants 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.

Salary
$63420
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Associate’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Occupational Therapy Assistants what degree they had when they became an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Here are the results.
Associate’s Degree
81.61%


Master’s Degree
10.08%


Bachelor’s Degree
8.31%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Occupational Therapy Assistants or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Occupational Therapy Assistants what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. These programs generally require 2 years of full-time study. They include classroom instruction in subjects such as psychology, biology, and pediatric health. Occupational therapy assistants also must complete at least 16 weeks of fieldwork as part of their education to gain hands-on work experience.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Not Too Hard

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.


Related work experience required
6 months to 1 year

6 months to 1 year
24.15%


3 to 6 months
21.55%


1 to 2 years
14.61%


Job training
Up to 1 month

Up to 1 month
38.01%


3 to 6 months
19.42%


1 to 3 months
16%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by state

Most states require occupational therapy assistants to be licensed or registered. Licensure typically requires the completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program, completion of all fieldwork requirements, and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Some states have additional requirements.


Skills required

We asked other Occupational Therapy Assistants if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Active Listening what does this mean
2. Speaking what does this mean
3. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
4. Writing what does this mean
5. Social Perceptiveness what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Occupational Therapy Assistants are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
2. Psychology what does this mean
3. English Language what does this mean
4. Education and Training what does this mean
5. Therapy and Counseling what does this mean


Learn more about Occupational Therapy Assistants

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Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Occupational Therapy Assistants Requirements

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