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Occupational Therapy Assistants

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.

Median salary

$68,340

Typical range

$49k – $87k

Job outlook

+19% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Entry / Junior

    $49,070

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Established

    $68,340

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Senior

    $77,635

Key skills

A typical day

  • Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
  • Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
  • Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
  • Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.

Fields of study

Any field

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