Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions, Occupational Therapy Assistant




Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions Occupational Therapy Assistant Occupational therapy assistants work with patients to complete the treatment regimen set up by therapists. An assistant may recommend changes in treatment or alter the treatment upon the therapist's orders to do so. On a typical day, an occupational therapy assistant may teach a disabled patient how to get around despite limited mobility, perform routine strengthening or muscle toning exercises with the patient, or simply carry out office tasks, such as managing insurance forms and other paperwork. Approximately 30 percent of occupational therapy assistants are employed by hospitals. More than 20 percent work in nursing and personal care facilities. The remainder is employed in private offices or home care agencies. A typical workweek is 40 hours in length and may accommodate clients who prefer evening and weekend appointments. An associate's degree from an accredited training program is usually required for an occupational therapy assistant. There are approximately 185 such programs offered by community colleges and technical schools usually lasting for 2 years. Often, applicants with prior experience in the health field or with an educational background in the sciences will be more readily accepted into these programs. Licensing requirements vary from State to State. Many of the occupational therapy assistant's daily tasks are learned and perfected on the job. An occupational therapy assistant's earnings will vary by employer, state of employment, and extent of job responsibility. In 2000, the average income was reportedly $34,340. In 2000, 17,000 occupational therapy assistants were employed in the U.S. But the field is growing. As baby boomers reach later life and the number of individuals requiring therapeutic services increases, all occupational therapy workers will be in demand. Because their services are not as expensive, assistants will be hired to perform tasks that were performed by occupational therapists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2000-01 Edition. Copyrighted by: The National Health Council, October 1998; reproduced with permission by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further reproduction prohibited without permission of copyright holder, www.nationalhealthcouncil.org.

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