Here’s Why Occupational Therapy Assistant School is So Rewarding

Those who choose occupational therapy assistant school know their degree is in demand, they get to work day-to-day with people of all ages and backgrounds, and they enter a rewarding healthcare career in as little as two years. What makes becoming an occupational therapy assistant ­ an OTA ­ so rewarding?

It’s a People-first Profession

If you love interacting with people and the satisfaction you feel by helping those with disabilities and injuries accomplish their goals for living a more fulfilling life, learning about an occupational therapy assistant school is worthwhile.

Think of an occupational therapy assistant as someone who helps get clients from whatever challenges they face to whatever goals they want to achieve. OTA clients face challenges due to developmental conditions (poor fine-motor control), an injury (brain trauma), or have a disorder or condition (Autism, Multiple Sclerosis).

An OTA is a coach, a teacher, and a full-time encourager rolled into one person.

What’s So Satisfying About Being an OTA?

In a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Occupational Therapy Assistant school program, you’ll learn how to

• Recommend adaptive tools and assistive equipment to allow independent living
• Show someone how to perform daily living activities safely despite cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and mental conditions
• Demonstrate a beneficial play activity for a child with a developmental disability
• Provide insight about the client’s situation and goals to family members or caregiver
• Make work environment recommendations that allow clients to return to the work they love to do.

OTAs Have Natural Caring Instincts

Who makes a great OTA? Probably you, if you see yourself as

• Friendly, compassionate, a natural encourager
• People trust you because they see you as authentic and honest
• A motivated team member, always ready to contribute
• Creative and adaptable when plans change due to circumstances
• Willing to work one-on-one with people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Here’s What Real-world OTAs Like About What They Do

In a national survey asking, “What’s it like to be an OTA” on Quora.com, the reasons for becoming an OTA included the day-to-day variety and satisfaction of seeing people achieve personal goals.

Some example comments from OTAs in the workplace:

• “The OTA is more hands-on than many occupational therapists are, and with less computer work. OTAs can go home at night knowing they make a real difference.”
• “I work with children that have autism and behavior difficulties. To see them struggle to control themselves in their sessions and succeed brings me such joy.”
• “Becoming an OTA was really appealing to me. I liked having all those client options and understanding how to help with different diagnoses.”

What to Know About OTA Education

Becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Fully accredited OTA degree programs are designed to provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need to take the comprehensive certification exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

A COTA certification assures employers you’re fully qualified for OTA employment. The variety of places OTAs can work provides tremendous career flexibility.

You’ll find OTAs in

• Schools
• Community centers
• Rehabilitation hospitals
• Primary care hospitals (Post-surgery recovery)
• Community mental health offices
• Therapeutic centers.

How to Know if Occupational Therapy Assistant School is for You

Many students want to know if OTA classes are difficult. Like any college program, learning all they can in classes and lab sessions takes determination and hard work. A desire to help others is often the key to success. Unlike many other healthcare professions, there are not many high-level math and science classes.

What you’ll also find is that your OTA instructors – who have experience working as OTA professionals – will do everything they can to ensure your success.

An Exciting Career Outlook

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says demand for OTAs will expand by at least 30% from 2019 to 2029.

Another good reason to consider occupational therapy assistant school is that the OTA profession is the 4th fastest-growing career, according to BLS. Plus, OTAs rank in the top 15 of healthcare support careers, according to the latest U.S.News & World jobs survey.

The salaries for OTAs are very competitive and are often 30% higher than other two-year programs like Certified Nurse Assistant. Newly graduated OTAs typically earn $45,000 or more. OTAs with experience can earn a salary nearing $60,000, according to the BLS.

The OTA Degree from Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university in suburban Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant school at CUKC results in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. In addition to the OTA coursework, you’ll practice OTA skills in our on-campus simulated living quarters lab. You’ll also have four-to-five months of required fieldwork experience that prepares you to join the OTA workforce.

Do our OTA graduates find our program rewarding? Check out what Sophie, a 2020 graduate, says here.

Features of the CUKC Occupational Therapy Assistant program:

• Complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree (A.A.S.) in as little as two years
• Accreditation by the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• Provides the education necessary to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
• Preferred admission for eligible students who complete all required general education and prerequisite coursework at CUKC and meet all other requirements
• Three class starts per year: spring, summer, and fall.

Connect here to learn more about occupational therapy assistant school, or click here for the free eBook: Your Complete Guide to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.