Occupational Therapy Assistants
Tasks Include:
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +37.7%
National: +25.6%
Education
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$64,250.00
State
$70,440.00
Regional
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Description
Career Cluster: | Health Science |
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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Education
Required Level of Education
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 91.74%
- Some College Courses = 5.07%
- Bachelor's Degree = 2.74%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 0.45%
Related Work Experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 38.69%
- None = 30.26%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 13.28%
- Up to and including 1 month = 6.72%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 6.13%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.47%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 0.45%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 39.57%
- None = 25.52%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 13.28%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 8.87%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.53%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.22%
On-the-Job Training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 40.02%
- None or short demonstration = 25.52%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 13.28%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10.36%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.09%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.74%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
- Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
- Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
- Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
- Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
- Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Attend continuing education classes.
- Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Keyboards (Alternative computer keyboards)
- Arm orthopedic softgoods (Arm braces)
- Adaptive communication switches for the physically challenged (Augmentative communication systems)
- Commercial use dishwashers (Automatic dishwashing systems)
- Back or lumbar or sacral orthopedic softgoods (Back braces)
- Balance beams or boards or bolsters or rockers for rehabilitation or therapy (Balance boards)
- Bead accessories (Beading needles)
- Braille devices for the physically challenged (Braille writers)
- C clamps
- Canes or cane accessories (Canes)
- Clay or modeling tools (Ceramic modeling tools)
- Kilns for firing ceramics (Ceramics kilns)
- Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs (Cold packs)
- Letter or symbol boards for the physically challenged (Communication boards)
- Vascular sequential compression devices or tubing (Compression devices)
- Vascular or compression apparel or supports (Compressive garments)
- Continuous passive motion CPM devices or accessories (Continuous passive motion CPM equipment)
- Crochet hooks
- Crutches or crutch accessories (Crutches)
- Desktop computers
- Dynamometers
- Facsimile machines (Fax machines)
- Gait belts for rehabilitation or therapy (Gait belts)
- Glue guns
- Goniometers
- Hammers
- Power drills (Hand drills)
- Power sanders (Hand sanders)
- Headpointers or mouthsticks for the physically challenged (Headpointers)
- Heat guns
- Clinical hydraulic lifts or accessories (Hydraulic lifts)
- Full body immersion hydrotherapy baths or tanks (Hydrotherapy equipment)
- Clothes dryers (Industrial dryers)
- Game pads or joy sticks (Joy sticks)
- Hand sewing needles (Knitting needles)
- Lacing or stringing accessories (Lacing needles)
- Weaving accessories (Latch hooks)
- Leather accessories (Leather scissors)
- Laundry type washing machines (Light commercial washing machines)
- Leg orthopedic softgoods or accessories (Lower extremity braces)
- Macrame accessories (Macrame boards)
- Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
- Shears (Metal shears)
- Precious metal die castings (Metalsmith molds)
- Commercial use microwave ovens (Microwave ovens)
- Punches or nail sets or drifts (Mini punch sets)
- Screwdrivers (Mini screwdriver sets)
- Headpointers or mouthsticks for the physically challenged (Mouthsticks)
- Saws (Multi-purpose saw sets)
- Needlenose pliers
- Notebook computers
- Headpointers or mouthsticks for the physically challenged (Optical pointers)
- Orthotics or foot care products (Orthotic devices)
- Commercial use ovens (Ovens)
- Page turners for the physically challenged (Page turners)
- Positioning devices (Patient positioning devices)
- Personal computers
- Photocopiers (Photocopying equipment)
- Utility knives (Precision knives)
- Medical staff isolation or cover gowns (Protective gowns)
- Awls (Punching awls)
- Rasps
- Leather accessories (Rawhide mallets)
- Reflex hammers or mallets (Reflex hammers)
- Rivet tools (Rivet setters)
- Leather accessories (Rotary punches)
- Protective gloves (Safety gloves)
- Goggles (Safety goggles)
- Sewing needles
- Patient shifting boards or accessories (Sliding boards)
- Arm orthopedic softgoods (Slings)
- Slip or groove joint pliers (Slip joint pliers)
- Clay or modeling tools (Slip mixers)
- Blood pressure cuff kits (Sphygmomanometers)
- Squares
- Patient stretchers or stretcher accessories (Stretchers)
- Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Surgical masks)
- T squares
- Tablet computers
- Voice synthesizers for the physically challenged (Talking word processor software)
- Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs (Therapeutic hot packs)
- Touch pads (Trackpads)
- Gait belts for rehabilitation or therapy (Transfer belts)
- Mats or platforms for rehabilitation or therapy (Treatment tables)
- Triangles
- Bench vises (Vises)
- Walkers or rollators (Walkers)
- Wheelchairs
- Leather accessories (Wing dividers)
- Wire cutters
- Wood burning tools (Wood burners)
- Wood chisels
- Writing aids for the physically challenged (Word prediction software)
- Writing aids for the physically challenged (Writing support software)
Technologies Include:
- Accounting software
- Accounting software
- Billing software
- Bookkeeping software
- Fifth Walk BillingTracker
- Financial record software
- Action games
- BrainTrain SmartDriver
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Scheduling software
- Computer based training software
- BrainTrain Captain's Log
- BrainTrain IVA+Plus
- Language arts educational software
- Math educational software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- dBase
- FileMaker Pro software
- Microsoft Access
- Device drivers or system software
- Screen reader software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Graphics software
- Internet browser software
- Web browser software
- Medical software
- Client caseload management software
- Patient documentation software
- Laboratory information system LIS software
- SpectraSoft DocuPRO
- TheraClin Systems iMAPR
- Visual Health Information VHI PC-Kits
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
- Text scanning software
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Spreadsheet software
- Voice recognition software
- Voice recognition software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Special Requirements
Prior to being deemed eligible to take the NBCOT® certification examination, OTR® and COTA® applicants must:
Every third year, practitioners must complete certification renewal requirements in order to maintain use of the OTR or COTA credential.
EXAM:
• Must pass a National Certification exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and pass all state requirements to practice occupational therapy and to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).
Required Fees:
For More Information, Contact:
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
The Eugene B. Casey Building
800 South Frederick Avenue
Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Phone: 301.990.7979
Fax: 301.869.8492
http://www.nbcot.org/
Virginia Board of Medicine
6606 West Broad Street
Fourth Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
Phone: 804.662.7664
Fax: 804.662.7281
Virginia Occupational Therapy Association
2314-C Commerce Center Drive
Rockville, VA 23416
Phone: 804.749.8001
Fax: 804.749.8003
http://www.vaota.org/
[email protected]
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Additional Resources
For information on a career as an occupational therapist assistant and a list of accredited programs, contact:
The American Occupational Therapy Association
4720 Montgomery Ln.
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
http://www.aota.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
92.00 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
82.50 | Psychology | Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. |
72.25 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
68.50 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
68.00 | Therapy and Counseling | Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. |
61.00 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
53.50 | Sociology and Anthropology | Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins. |
53.25 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
51.00 | Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
50.25 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
72.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
72.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
72.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
72.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
65.50 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
62.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
59.50 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
59.50 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
56.25 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
56.25 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
56.25 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
56.25 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
53.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
53.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
50.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
50.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
68.75 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
68.75 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
65.50 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
62.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
59.50 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
59.50 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
59.50 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
56.25 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
56.25 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
53.00 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
53.00 | Static Strength | The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. |
50.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
50.00 | Trunk Strength | The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing. |
50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
50.00 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
50.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
50.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
94.75 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
94.75 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
94.00 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
89.00 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
86.50 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
83.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
80.25 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
80.00 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
79.25 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
77.50 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
77.25 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
76.75 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
76.00 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
74.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
73.00 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
71.25 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
70.50 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
69.50 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
65.25 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
64.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
63.00 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
62.50 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
61.50 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
60.25 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
60.00 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
59.00 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
58.75 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
54.50 | Providing Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
52.50 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
50.75 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
95.00 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
94.25 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
91.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
91.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
90.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
90.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
88.25 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
87.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
86.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
86.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
84.25 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
84.00 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
83.50 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
78.75 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
76.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
74.50 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
83.33 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
66.67 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
63.83 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
61.17 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
55.50 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
98.80 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
97.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
96.60 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
94.00 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
93.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
93.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
92.80 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
92.00 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
91.00 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
89.80 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
89.80 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
89.40 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
86.00 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
85.00 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
83.20 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
82.00 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
81.40 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
81.00 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
78.60 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
71.00 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
70.60 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
68.00 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
67.40 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
65.80 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
64.00 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
59.80 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
59.40 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
57.40 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
56.20 | Deal With Physically Aggressive People | How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals? |
56.20 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
54.40 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
52.20 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
52.20 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
51.20 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed 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.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $47,940.00 | $64,250.00 | $76,270.00 |
Virginia | $48,000.00 | $70,440.00 | $78,410.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | $53,767.59 | $73,853.35 | $82,343.57 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $44,093.14 | $61,369.39 | $73,859.62 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $53,840.75 | $74,739.69 | $78,432.41 |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | $52,780.91 | $65,144.68 | $80,380.67 |
Hampton Roads | $53,578.41 | $67,235.09 | $81,328.68 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $50,523.26 | $67,181.79 | $75,834.02 |
Northern Virginia | $64,152.77 | $75,031.30 | $87,544.53 |
Piedmont Workforce | $54,257.79 | $73,447.81 | $82,003.88 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | $50,069.64 | $63,131.61 | $73,213.68 |
West Piedmont | $55,637.46 | $67,197.46 | $82,503.49 |
Western Virginia | $52,757.92 | $69,756.13 | $76,429.79 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 43,400 | 54,500 | +25.6% |
Virginia | 952 | 1,311 | +37.7% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 103 | 130 | +26.2% |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | 155 | 211 | +36.1% |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | 124 | 200 | +61.3% |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | 102 | 129 | +26.5% |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Acute Care Nurses
- Massage Therapists
- Radiation Therapists
- Medical Assistants
- Occupational Therapists
- Recreational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Psychiatric Aides
- Registered Nurses
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:
- Acupuncturists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Anesthesiologists
- Art Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologists
- Cardiologists
- Chiropractors
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Dental Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Dentists, All Other Specialists
- Dentists, General
- Dermatologists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Genetic Counselors
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
- Hearing Aid Specialists
- Home Health Aides
- Hospitalists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Medical Assistants
- Midwives
- Music Therapists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Assistants
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Optometrists
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Orthoptists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatricians, General
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians, All Other
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Podiatrists
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Prosthodontists
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Psychiatrists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologists
- Recreational Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Surgeons, All Other
- Surgical Technologists
- Therapists, All Other
- Urologists
- Veterinarians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
View Videos
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Physical/Occupational Therapy Services
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Titles
- Behavior Specialist
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant/Licensed (COTA/L)
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed (COTA-L)
- Health Service Worker
- Independent Living Specialist
- Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
- Occupational Therapy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Related Schools
- Eastern Virginia Career College
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Radford University
- South University-Richmond
- South University-Virginia Beach
- Southwest Virginia Community College
- Tidewater Community College
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)