How to Become an Occupational Therapist Aide
Occupational Therapist Aides work under the direction of occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.
Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.
Demand continue to rise, due to growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function.
Job growth will result from an aging population, including the baby-boom generation, which will need more occupational therapy services.
Advances in medicine that allow more people with critical problems to survive and then need rehabilitative therapy has also caused demand to increase.
Here's what you need to know:
1) What is an Occupational Therapist Aide?
2) Requirements for the career
3) Salary Potential
4) Schools
1) What is an Occupational Therapist Aide?
Occupational Therapist Aide is an entry-level position which does not require a state license.
They perform tasks that are less complex than an occupational therapist assistant.
They typically prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment.
They are responsible for a range of clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, restocking or ordering depleted supplies and filling out insurance forms or other paperwork.
2) Career Requirements
Below are some career requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent
- desire to help people in need
- strong interpersonal skills
- must be responsible, patient, and willing to take directions
- fingerprint clearance may be required
3) Salary Potential
Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting, and years of experience.
The average annual salary of an Occupational Therapist Aide is approximately $22,000.
Salaries can range from $15,000 to over $38,000.
4) Occupational Therapist Aide Schools
An associate degree or a certificate from an accredited community college or technical school is generally required to qualify for occupational therapist assistant jobs.
Occupational therapist aides, however, usually receive most of their training on the job.