There are good reasons why choosing an occupational therapy assistant school is so popular these days. More people need assistance in recovering from injuries and disorders than ever before. The current emphasis on making occupational therapy assistant programs more available is proof that the demand is real. Learn more about becoming an OTA now!
In September 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a 20+% growth in the field through at least 2031, far faster than the national average for most jobs – even those in the healthcare sector.
It’s easy to find information about becoming an OTA. Still, it’s a bit harder to tell the better occupational therapy assistant schools from the ones that aren’t up to speed in the demands of this profession.
Ask these questions to help you choose the right occupational therapy assistant school for you:
Occupational therapy assistant school is a physical, people-focused work environment. Getting the technical skills needed requires hundreds of hours of fieldwork because OTAs will use different procedures and practices for the diverse ages of the audience they serve.
A vital component of mastering how to be an occupational therapy assistant is the intensive fieldwork that happens toward the end of the two-year curriculum. This involves observing client therapies by occupational therapists and practicing OTAs in various settings.
You may find occupational therapy assistant programs offered by a university or school with little or no experience in the healthcare field.
The ideal environment for an OTA education is one in which you’re taught by those with experience in the OT field. The academic coursework matches employer expectations. There’s an overall commitment to advancing the healthcare industry through many healthcare-centered degrees.
Remember that occupational therapy assistant schools aim to achieve real-world employment for their students. The wise choice is to visit the campus or talk to an advisor to make certain laboratory and training areas emulate actual working world conditions.
Ask about your OTA school’s network with area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and medical offices. Employers love to see time in internships and experience with patients.
If you like one-on-one contact with people and want to be a part of the healthcare field, an occupational therapy assistant program is for you.
The A.A.S. Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) consists of 15 core courses, including approximately 4-5 months of fieldwork education. Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro.
Focused 8-week courses integrate the class subjects. The two-year CUKC degree prepares students for national certification and professional occupational therapy assistant job opportunities.
Other program highlights:
Contact the CUKC Office of Admissions today to learn more about an OTA career and get the free eBook: Your Complete Guide to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.
