The Role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant: An Integral Member of the Rehabilitation Team

An occupational therapy assistant or OTA performs tasks to help the occupational therapist fulfil the physical medicine and rehabilitation team's ultimate goal of returning the patients as near as possible to their former functional level.

There is a diverse range of patients that may be encountered depending on the work setting. Children and adults with behavioral disorders may require the therapy to perform instrumental activities in a school or work environment where a patient's social problems would otherwise get in the way. People with neurological damage as with stroke survivors would benefit from an assistant's role of executing the intervention plan made by the occupational therapist (OT). Assistants can also facilitate proper use of prostheses and adaptive devices.

There are several requirements an OTA must possess to work a long and rewarding career. As with all healthcare jobs, compassion is fundamental in caring for other people. An OTA should see each patient as an individual human being and not just simply a case to handle. Strength is imperative because patients are often bound to wheelchairs and require assistance with various kinds of transfers.

OTs finish their education with a bachelor's degree or higher. They are thus in charge of supervising assistants who are eligible for employment when they have graduated with an associate's degree. The two-year program for assistants includes both theoretical and clinical approaches to patient management. Students must accomplish training from hospitals or private clinics in order to gain the necessary hands-on experience to treat future patients and clients. OTAs are responsible for caring out the OT's rehabilitation plan to reach patient goals. Duties however do not include altering of the plan.

In most parts of the U.S., OTA graduates must first successfully pass a licensure exam before they can acquire a position in a rehab facility. Besides a license, other states also require an OTA to complete continuing education courses prior to annual license renewal. This measure ensures that all licensed individuals stay abreast of advancing technologies and new approaches to managing patient cases.

The title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or COTA is given to those who pass a voluntary certification exam. Depending on the location of work, there may be more job opportunities available to those who have the distinction of being a COTA.

If you have the qualities of a great therapist assistant and the interest in this expanding and in-demand profession, consider making it your career. Be an important member of the therapy team.