Every April, the American Occupational Therapy Association celebrates Occupational Therapy Month to honor this vital profession and its life-changing difference in so many patients’ lives.
What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
With an OTA degree, graduates serve others through targeted therapy and care. OTAs must earn a two-year associate degree from an American Occupational Therapy Association-accredited school. This comprehensive degree allows students to serve and care for others while preparing them for the multifaceted healthcare field. OTAs help implement patient treatment plans and help patients learn how to better complete challenging daily activities due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.
OTAs and occupational therapists work together to ensure positive results for patients. Occupational therapy serves various patient needs, and OTAs often work in hospitals, rehab centers, occupational therapy offices, nursing homes, schools, etc.
OTAs work with children to improve cognitive and motor skills, help people with Down’s syndrome learn self-care skills, assist those with dementia, help manage arthritis, work with patients who have experienced an injury, and more.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Fast Facts:
- Overall employment of OTAs and aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031.
- Projected employment for occupational therapy assistants and aides is 11,500 by 2031.
- The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $61,510 in 2021.
Parker University Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree Program
Parker University is proud to offer an OTA degree program for those interested in serving in this field. Students learn to care for others while working toward this comprehensive degree and develop the skills needed to succeed in this fast-growing field.
Parker University’s OTA track teaches students to customize treatment plans, provide adaptive recommendations, perform skills assessments, and offer guidance to patients and other healthcare providers.
Guided by the mission and vision of Parker University, the OTA associate degree in Applied Science (A.A.S) is a high-quality, comprehensive program. Through combined instruction, clinical practice, and research, graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to transform patients’ lives. Students serve and have an overall positive influence on community wellness.
A degree from Parker University equips those who desire to serve with the skills and fortitude needed to help move wellness forward. To learn more about Occupational Therapy Month, check out aota.org. For more information about Parker University’s OTA program, click here.
