Program Name: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Campuses offering Program:
Lone Star College-Kingwood and Lone Star College–Tomball
Definition of Occupation:
Occupational therapist assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. For example, occupational therapist assistants help injured workers re-enter the labor force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills or help individuals with learning disabilities increase their independence. Occupational therapist assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Activities range from teaching the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair to the best way to stretch and limber the muscles of the hand. Assistants monitor an individual’s activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement. They also record their client’s progress for the occupational therapist. If the treatment is not having the intended effect, or the client is not improving as expected, the therapist may alter the treatment program in hopes of obtaining better results. In addition, occupational therapist assistants document the billing of the client’s health insurance provider. Description of typical work activities/transferable skills: Helps plan and administer educational, vocational, and recreational activities. Helps evaluate the daily living skills and capabilities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients. Helps instruct patients in basic living skills and in the care and use of adaptive equipment. Helps professional staff demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games. Transports patients to and from occupational therapy work areas. Keeps clients records, and prepares written reports. Helps administer tests to measure a client’s progress. Prepares work material, assembles and maintains equipment, and orders supplies.
Levels of Education:
Certificate: Not Offered
Associate: The Associate of Applied Science Degree is offered at both Kingwood and Lone Star College–Tomball
PLEASE NOTE: Not designed to transfer to most Bachelor degree programs. Speak to a counselor or advisor for options.
Special Admissions/Prerequisite Courses:
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program DOES have special admission requirements.
Please refer to the Lone Star College System catalog and Tomball and Lone Star College-Kingwood’s websites for detailed information.
Method of Delivery:
Traditional/On-Campus
Some typical job titles for Occupational Therapy Assistant:
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Types of Companies that typically hire graduates:
- Nursing care facilities
- Occupational or physical therapists’ offices
Workplace Skills:
Social and technical skills are needed. Occupational therapist assistants and aides need to have a moderate degree of strength, due to the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. For example, assistants and aides may need to lift patients. Constant kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.
The following information is provided for individuals seeking career counseling. The MBTI provides information regarding an individual’s personality preferences and the Holland code provides information regarding an individual’s interest. If you are interested in learning more about how your interests and personality fit in with this and other career options, please see a career counselor at any of the Lone Star College System campuses
Myers-Briggs Type (MBTI):
Holland Interest Code:
Working Condition Requirements:
The hours and days that occupational therapist assistants and aides work vary with the facility and with whether they are full- or part-time employees. Many outpatient therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to help coincide with patients’ personal schedules.
Occupational therapist assistants and aides need to have a moderate degree of strength, due to the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. For example, assistants and aides may need to lift patients. Constant kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.
Industry Certification/Licenses:
Most states require certification (licensure). Voluntary certification is available from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). For additional information, you may visit the following Web sites: www.aota.org
Earnings:
The National Average annual earnings is $36,170. The Texas statewide average annual earnings is $36,600 and the Houston average annual earnings is $$39,890.
Source: Choices
PLEASE NOTE: Earnings and salaries will vary with industry, region and experience of employee.
Employment Outlook:
The employment outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistant is increasing. The employment change from 2000to 2010 is estimated to be +39.7% (The National average is+13.6%). Growing much faster than the average.
Source: Choices/Occupational Outlook Handbook-OOH