The medical field offers diverse career paths beyond becoming a doctor or nurse. Options like occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), and aides are essential roles within healthcare.
OTAs play a vital part in assisting those facing challenges due to aging, injury, or illness, helping them regain independence in daily routines through rehabilitation exercises and support.
Key Qualifications for OTAs
A career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant requires a strong desire to help others, physical stamina, and patience.
Aide vs Assistant
Unlike aides, OTAs must complete a two-year degree program, including clinical experience. Aides, on the other hand, require only a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training rather than formalized education.
Roles and Responsibilities of OTAs
OTAs assist Occupational Therapists in delivering rehabilitation services tailored to individuals’ physical and emotional needs. Their tasks may include helping patients with exercises, such as stretching and moving from bed to a wheelchair, and ensuring that therapy plans are followed effectively.
OTAs also document patients’ progress, which aids therapists in adjusting treatment plans, and prepare billing documents for health insurance.
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) undergo training similar to certified occupational therapy (OT) practitioners, equipping them with the skills to support patients with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
OTAs play a crucial role in assisting clients who struggle with daily routines and must learn to provide both physical and emotional support.
Key Skills for OTAs
OTAs are trained to administer medication as directed by physicians and OTs and to handle emotional and behavioral challenges effectively. Their ultimate goal is to help patients achieve as much independence as possible, which includes making adjustments to the environment to ensure comfort and safety.
Primary Responsibilities of OTAs
- Coaching Clients in Daily Tasks
OTAs coach clients in performing everyday activities, promoting self-reliance and encouraging them to handle tasks independently. This skill-building in life tasks is a valuable and growing area within the medical field, especially for those aiming to become certified OT practitioners. - Following and Implementing OT Schedules
OTAs support OTs by helping implement treatment schedules, an essential part of therapy for clients who need structured routines. Establishing consistent daily tasks helps clients regain a sense of normalcy and routine, which is particularly beneficial for those reintegrating into their home environments. - Managing Paperwork and Documentation
OTAs often handle documentation and paperwork, ensuring that patient records and treatment plans are up-to-date. This support is crucial for continuity of care, especially when the OT is not present, as it allows OTAs to follow up on necessary administrative tasks.
Educational Path for OTAs
To become an OTA, candidates must earn an associate degree from an accredited program. The first year of study typically includes medical terminology, healthcare basics, physiology, anatomy, and natural sciences.
In the second year, students learn specific therapy techniques for various patient groups, including mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and physical disabilities. Before graduation, students complete a 16-week internship to gain hands-on experience.
Florida Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in Florida, applicants must fulfill certain prerequisites outlined in the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code.
Per the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy, candidates need to have graduated from an accredited OTA program, completed at least two months of supervised fieldwork, and passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.
Additionally, they must demonstrate good moral character, often verified through background checks and professional references.
Reentry Requirements
For individuals reentering the OTA profession after an absence of five years or more, Florida mandates 50 hours of continuing education, 12 of which may be completed as home study.
These hours must be completed within the year preceding licensure, and applicants must submit proof of completion before a license can be issued.
Criminal and Disciplinary History Documentation
Applicants with any history of criminal convictions or professional disciplinary actions are required to provide detailed documentation, including a personal statement explaining each incident. Supporting records such as court documents, employment verifications, and recommendation letters must also be included.
Some applicants may be referred to the Professionals Resource Network (PRN) for an evaluation, and any costs related to this evaluation are the responsibility of the applicant.
Felony and Medicaid Restrictions
Florida enforces strict restrictions on applicants with past felony convictions related to fraud, drug offenses, or Medicaid-related issues. Depending on the severity and timing of the conviction, candidates may face obstacles to licensure unless sufficient time has passed since completing any probationary period.
Additionally, applicants with a history of Medicaid program termination or those listed on the federal exclusion list may also be restricted from licensure.
Types of OTA Jobs
Role of Occupational Therapists in Educational Settings
In educational institutions, occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role in evaluating students for admission. They assess students’ developmental levels and provide data used by schools to place students in appropriate educational tracks.
Disabled students, in particular, undergo specific assessments designed by OTs to determine suitable support and interventions.
Supporting Student Development and Progression
OTs provide guidance on handling students based on their developmental progress. For younger children, such as those in nursery or kindergarten, OTs may recommend advanced placement for those with high aptitude or advise rehabilitation for those needing additional support. This helps ensure that students receive the appropriate education and care tailored to their abilities.
OT Support for Disabled Students in Schools
Occupational therapists in schools may serve as teachers, coaches, or developmental advisers for students with disabilities. They provide tailored support based on each student’s specific needs, whether physical or emotional. For example, an OT might assist a physically disabled student in adapting to daily school routines, fostering independence and confidence.
Occupational Therapists in Hospital Environments
In hospitals, OTs often work in specialized areas such as pediatric or orthopedic wards, helping patients—particularly children and those recovering from accidents—relearn essential physical skills. OTs support the rehabilitation process by working closely with patients to improve their mobility and overall functioning in daily activities.
Freelance and Traveling Occupational Therapists
Traveling or freelance OTs provide flexible, high-demand services, often earning higher pay as they select their clients and work locations. These OTs must meet state-specific certification requirements to practice independently, ensuring they maintain a high standard of care for their clients in diverse settings.
Career Prospects and Earnings
Rising Demand for OTAs in Florida Due to OT Workforce Shortage
The forecasted occupational therapy (OT) workforce shortage in the United States, driven by rising demand from an aging population, poses significant implications for Florida occupational therapy assistants (OTAs).
According to an NIH study, by 2030, Florida will be one of the states experiencing the most significant OT shortages due to high demand and limited supply. As the need for specialized care increases, OTAs in Florida will likely encounter strong job prospects, with the potential to take on expanded roles in assisting OTs in delivering essential rehabilitative and therapeutic services.
Expanding Opportunities for OTAs in Geriatric and Community Care
In response to the anticipated shortfall, OTAs in Florida may see increased employment opportunities in diverse settings, particularly within geriatric and community-based care environments.
OTAs, who work under OTs, could become instrumental in mitigating workforce shortages by providing hands-on support in therapeutic activities, helping clients maintain independence, and managing rehabilitation plans.
This demand highlights the growing importance of OTAs as integral to the OT workforce, especially as OTs will need reliable assistants to manage rising caseloads efficiently.
Policy and Training Initiatives to Support OTAs in Florida
Given these factors, the study underscores the necessity for health care providers and policymakers in Florida to address OT workforce shortages proactively.
This may include initiatives to expand OTA training programs, create incentives to attract OTAs to underserved areas, and support ongoing professional development for OTAs.
As the workforce gap widens, OTAs in Florida will play a crucial role in sustaining quality patient care, making this an opportune time for those considering a career in occupational therapy assistance.
Types of Occupational Therapy Degrees
The different occupational therapy programs offer student or anyone who wants to study and become an occupational therapist. Like other medical courses, occupational therapy programs are divided into different levels so that anyone can choose how much education they want to get.
Choosing which occupational therapy programs are available will depend on how much the student wants to learn, how much time they want to spend in learning, and how much budget they have to spend. Here are the different occupational therapy programs available at most schools and Universities:
Certificate Program – choosing this program allows the student to have a certificate in occupational therapy. They can become an occupational therapist aide. This occupational therapy program only lasts for a year of education.
Among the different occupational therapy programs available, the certificate program does not really give the student a license to practice as an occupational therapist. They will only be certified to aid occupational therapists.
Associate’s Degree – this occupational therapy program last for two years. A student taking this program will have an associate’s degree in occupational therapy which will allow them to be an occupation therapist assistant.
After completing the two year program, a licensure exam must be passed by the student before they can become an occupational therapist assistant.
Bachelor’s Degree – this occupational therapy program last for four years. Once the student finishes the program, they will be eligible to take a licensure which will allow them to become an occupational therapist.
Bachelor/ Master’s Degree – this is a joint program which lasts for either 5 or six years. A student who enrolls on this program can get both the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s Degree in occupational therapy when they graduate.
This is faster than getting both degrees separately.
Master of Occupational Therapy – this program is for people who already have a Bachelor’s degree in other fields. The length of the program will vary depending on what the student has already learned.
The program will start with the undergraduate courses of occupational therapy and some liberal art classes. After these two have been completed, the student will move directly to the graduate course program.
Transitional Master of Occupational Therapy – is for students who already have a Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. This occupational therapy program allows them to upgrade their occupational therapy degree into a Master’s degree.
This is another one of those occupational therapy programs which gives the student a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy – similar to Master of Occupational therapy program but grants a Doctor’s degree in occupational therapy.
This is also for students who already have a Bachelor’s Degree in other fields. This program will last for 3 years.