Occupational Therapy Assistants
Also called: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed (COTA-L), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
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:
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
Knowledge
Math and Science
- psychology
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Health
- therapy and counseling
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
- understanding people's reactions
- looking for ways to help people
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Concern for Others
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Self Control
- Dependability
- Stress Tolerance
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
- BrainTrain Captain's Log
- Laboratory information system LIS software
Accounting software
- Billing software
- Bookkeeping software
Computer based training software
- BrainTrain IVA+Plus
- Language arts educational software
Education
associate's degree
usually needed
usually needed
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$52,040
per year, on average
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