Did you know that Dallas Community Colleges offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science degree? It’s true! You can now study to become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) without leaving Dallas. Do you enjoy working with people and want to be a part of the growing medical field? If so, keep reading and find out how to get started at Mountain View College.
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?
Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help patients develop and recover activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, driving and working. They also help patients improve and maintain skills. As an occupational therapy assistant, you will be directly involved in providing therapy and care to patients.
Where Can I Work?
There are several possibilities of places to work as an occupational therapy assistant depending on what age group you would like to work with.
- Personal homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
- Community centers
- Schools
- Hospitals
Occupational Therapy Degree Option
Mountain View College offers an associate degree if you are interested in becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in four semesters. Heads up — length of time is based on catalog degree plans and prerequisites.
How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Graduates of the OTA program can sign up to take the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam. Once you earn your associate degree, complete field experience and pass the NBCOT exam, you may apply for state for licensure.
What Are Some Possible Job Responsibilities?
The primary role of an occupational therapy assistant is to help patients recover and develop the skills needed for daily living and working. But that’s not all — as an OTA you may also:
- Work with injured patients to regain function.
- Help patients with disabilities develop skills to live more independently.
- Collaborate with occupational therapists to develop treatment plans for patients.
- Teach patients how to use equipment such as feeding devices.
- Record patient progress and report to the occupational therapist.
Skills of a Occupational Therapy Assistant
You may be wondering if you have the skills to be an occupational therapy assistant? Check out some of the skills that you can check off your list or start working on.
- Physical strength. You need to have a moderate amount of strength because of the physical demand required to assist patients.
- Adaptability. You must be flexible when working with patients. Remember that not every patient will receive the same kind of therapy.
- Interpersonal skills. You will spend a lot of time talking and communicating with patients to ensure their needs are being met.
Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a Good Career? Are They in Demand?
You bet! Employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 29% from 2016-2026. Demand for occupational therapy assistants will grow over the next decade due to the health needs of aging populations.
Occupational Therapy Doesn’t Appeal to You? Check Out Some Other Options
- Dallas Community Colleges offer more than a dozen options for degree plans and certificates in nursing and health care.
- Find out more about Dallas Community Colleges other certificate and degree programs on our website.