To be a successful Occupational Therapist Assistant you must be patient, compassionate, cheerful and hardworking.  As lifting and supporting may be involved, you must be in good physical condition.  You must also be able to take direction , have good communication skills, and a desire to help others.

The need for skilled Occupation Therapist Assistants is growing rapidly due to an aging population, war, accidents, and the ravages of diseases such as diabetes.

Working under the direct supervision of an Occupational therapist,  Occupational Therapist Assistants work with those who have difficulty coping with everyday activities due to accident, advanced age, or mental or physical disability.   Occupational Therapists Assistants usually work a forty hour week in hospitals, health care centers, patients homes, and in any area where skills may need to be practiced.  Some work may need to be done during the evening or on weekends.
An Occupational Therapist Assistant helps patients practice a specific program of rehabilitation as formulated by the Occupation Therapist.  Programs usually concentrate on adaptive measures to help the patients function more normally in their daily lives.  This may involve rising or lying down more easily, eating, taking care of ones personal hygiene, cooking, or cleaning.  Some patients may need to relearn skills which will enable them to return to the work force.  Occupational Therapist Assistants keep patient records which cover appointments, progress reports, and anything that needs to be brought to the attention of the Occupation Therapist.

Education

To become an Occupational Therapist Assistant, you must first obtain a high school diploma.  Science, English, and health care courses will be useful.  It would be advantageous to get some experience working or volunteering in a hospital, rehabilitation center or seniors’ home.

After high school, you will need to take a two year training course at a vocational school or community college.  Make sure to take a course that is accredited.  These courses are two years in length and provide you with an Associate Degree.  They cover both academic courses and practical experience.

Most states now require some form of registration or certification for Occupational Therapist Assistants.  However, whether it is required or not, certification will greatly improve your chances for both employment and advancement.

To become certified, you need to pass a national certification exam.  Passing the exam enables you to call yourself a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.  Some states give their own certification.

Experienced Occupational Therapist Assistants can advance to positions in management, supervision, and education.