You may not know it, but OTAs – those who’ve graduated from a 2-year occupational therapy assistant program – do many things, including helping individuals to overcome musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal conditions or disorders affect a person’s joints, bones, muscles, nerves, as well as tendons and ligaments. According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal conditions are the second largest contributor to disability worldwide.
Students in an occupational therapy assistant program learn ways to help individuals with musculoskeletal conditions by offering individualized creative solutions for clients to live more independently. Students who choose a 2-year degree to become an OTA can enter the workforce and begin assisting clients in half the time it takes those who choose a 4-year degree option
Strategies for Clients with Musculoskeletal Difficulties
Of course, every occupational therapy (OT) client has unique needs and goals which require a customized therapy plan. To create the right plan for every OT client, occupational therapy practitioners led by an occupational therapist first do an activity analysis. This step allows the OT team to measure the current level of functioning and lay out a doable plan toward success.
Within an occupational therapy assistant degree program, OTAs working toward their 2-year degree learn recovery techniques and methods to use with clients who have various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries causing pain or restricted movements:
OTAs in Action
Some of the ways OTAs work with clients to achieve increased physical functioning include:
An OTA 2-Year Degree Leads to a Promising Career
In addition to addressing issues surrounding the mechanics of physical recuperation for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, OTAs help clients facing developmental, emotional, mental, cognitive, and sensory-processing challenges to work toward a state of maximum life fulfillment and independence.
Each day presents new challenges and new opportunities for occupational therapy assistants, and that’s one of the draws to this in-demand profession. In fact, according to the U.S. News and World Report, OTA jobs are considered one of the top #25 health care support jobs in the nation. OTAs also earn a median salary of more than $58,000 per year. That’s an impressive income opportunity, and one that is achievable with a 2-year degree that prepares students for certification as an OTA professional.
Discover the CUKC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a healthcare-focused, private, nonprofit university with small classes that prepare OTA students for national certification and professional job opportunities. CUKC links the teaching and learning process used by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to ensure a high-quality educational experience.
The full-time, on-campus Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program at CUKC delivers 8-week courses that are intentionally sequenced to allow students to build upon the knowledge and skills gained in each course, so challenging concepts are easier to grasp.
Classes are hands-on and begin each spring, summer, and fall for this 2-year degree program.
For more information about the occupational therapy assistant degree program at CUKC, contact the Office of Admissions today!
To learn more about the OTA profession, download this free ebook: Your Complete Guide to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.
