If you’re searching for a career that’s both meaningful and hands-on, you might have come across the role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA, for short).* But what exactly does an OTA do, and how can you tell if this is the right path for you? After all, picking a career is a big decision! In this blog post, we explain in simple terms what an OTA does and offer criteria for determining whether becoming an OTA might be right for you.
What Does an OTA Do?
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you’ll work under the direction of an Occupational Therapist (OT) to help people of all ages learn, regain, or improve the skills they need to live their everyday lives. For example, you might have a client recovering from a stroke or injury. Another case might involve teaching a child with developmental delays how to hold a pencil. A third client might be an older adult you work with on exercises that help them to stay independent.
On an average day, you might:
- Guide patients through creative therapeutic activities focused on everything from completing tasks to learning social skills.
- Advise clients on changing their home or workplace to meet their needs.
- Teach people how to use special tools or techniques for dressing, eating, self-care, driving, working, and other everyday tasks.
- Assist with exercises and stretches to build strength and coordination.
- Document progress and report back to the occupational therapist.
OTAs may specialize by serving specific groups such as children, seniors, or veterans. They may also specialize by condition, such as helping people with mental health impairments, neurological conditions, autism, or low vision.
What Do You Want Out of a Career?
Being an OTA isn’t for everyone. If you crave the same thing every day or you’re not up for working with people experiencing difficult or vulnerable situations, this job might not be for you. On the other hand, you might love being an OTA if:
- You enjoy helping others and making a real difference in their lives.
- You’re interested in health, wellness, or rehabilitation.
- You prefer hands-on work to sitting at a desk all day.
- You’re curious about how the body and mind work together.
What Personality Traits Should OTAs Have?
Patient and compassionate: OTAs work with people facing big challenges. And while most patients will be grateful, everyone has their bad days. Being calm and kind with your patients will go a long way.
Good listeners and communicators: OTAs must listen to and understand each patient’s needs and what is most important in their lives. They also need to explain exercises and activities clearly. In addition to interacting with patients, you may also talk regularly with family members, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Creative problem-solvers: Each of your patients will have slightly different needs, wants, and challenges. While an OT will provide a plan of care, sometimes you'll need to think outside the box. OTAs may use games, simulations, crafts, and other activities to help patients progress toward their goals.
Organized and detail-oriented: OTAs must keep records and follow treatment plans carefully. This is a job that involves note-taking and paperwork.
Team players: OTAs work closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.
What Skills Do You Need as an OTA?
OTA programs provide opportunities for you to develop the skills you need for the job. These are some of the most valuable skills for being an OTA:
- Basic knowledge of anatomy and how the body moves
- Communication and people skills
- Observation and reporting skills
- Physical stamina for moving around during sessions
- Flexibility and adaptability, since every patient is different
What Education Do OTAs Have?
To become an OTA, you typically need to:
- Complete an associate degree program (usually takes about 2 years).**
- Pass a national certification exam.***
- Get licensed in your state (requirements vary).
Many OTA programs include classroom learning plus hands-on fieldwork to help you graduate ready to pursue the workplace.
Is Becoming an OTA Worth It?
Only you can answer that question. However, here are some of the reasons someone might choose to become an OTA.
Strong job outlook: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for OTAs is expected to grow faster than average.
Meaningful work: Helping people regain their independence can be an emotionally rewarding experience.
Flexible work settings: OTAs can work in hospitals, schools, rehab centers, nursing homes, and even in people’s homes.
Take the Next Step in a South University OTA Program
If you want a career that’s active and meaningful and you enjoy working with people and problem-solving, becoming an OTA is an option. As an OTA, you’ll see real results from your work and build strong connections with the people you help.
To get started, look for OTA programs near you and find out what their curriculum and application process looks like. At South University, we offer focused, hands-on OTA programs in Tampa, FL, and Richmond, VA. To talk with our Admissions about either program, request information today.
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*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.
** Average time to completion is based on successful, continuous, and full-time enrollment.
*** Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations.
