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Career Details : Occupational Therapist Assistants

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Description

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.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Fabricates splints and other assistant devices.
  • Assists educational specialist or clinical psychologist in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
  • Maintains observed information in client records and prepares written reports.
  • Assists occupational therapist to plan, implement, and administer educational, vocational, and recreational activities to restore, reinforce, and enhance task performances.
  • Reports information and observations to supervisor verbally.
  • Assists in evaluation of physically, developmentally, mentally, or emotionally disabled client's daily living skills and capacities.
  • Instructs or assists in instructing patient and family in home programs and basic living skills as well as care and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Helps professional staff demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts, and games.
  • Designs and adapts equipment and working/living environment.
  • Transports patient to and from occupational therapy work area.
  • Prepares work material, assembles and maintains equipment, and orders supplies.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Indoors

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Home Health Advance Practiceadd Home Health Advance Practice to MyFSA
    Occupational Therapy Assistantadd Occupational Therapy Assistant to MyFSA
    Occupational Therapy Assistingadd Occupational Therapy Assisting to MyFSA
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