UPDATED MARCH 31, 2020
The Occupational Therapy Assistant ranks as the No. 14 “best health care support job” in the nation, according to the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. It also ranks in the “100 best jobs” overall. The average OTA salary more than $58,000, according to Salary.com.
Demand for OTAs is Rising
The aging baby-boom population seeks a more active and independent lifestyle, yet they still face health problems associated with aging. And not so long ago, an injury on the job or disease could signal the end of a career.
Other factors include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure educational opportunities for school children with special needs, a new emphasis on recuperation strategies, and a better understanding of a need to adapt workplaces and homes for this population. It’s no wonder occupational therapy is such an in-demand profession.
The outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants is particularly strong. The Bureau of Labor Statics predicts 33% growth in the field between through 2028, far faster than the national average for other job categories.
In comparing the OTA salary, OTAs do earn more than other health care and health care support jobs. For example, OTAs make 40% more than medical assistants and 60% more than home health aides. The higher salaries trend toward metropolitan areas and demand is higher for home health care and nursing care facilities than in other areas, such as clinics and hospitals.
The OTA Salary is Right; Is It a Good Fit?
An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works directly with people to improve or regain their ability to perform daily activities because of an accident, a lifelong health condition, or disability. The goal for each person depends on the desired outcome.
Personal qualities that are ideal for an OTA program are interest in people and appreciation for teaching techniques. Graduates from an OTA program not only learn technical skills but how to partner with clients to develop long-term solutions for chronic pain and other issues.
No day is the same, but on an average day, an OTA might:
CUKC has the A.A.S. Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare university. Our A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program teaches the skills and best practices occupational therapy assistants use every day for their clients. We believe our students learn best through guided experiences and practice with the opportunity for self-reflection.
Our OTA program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
The goal of the A.A.S. Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at CUKC is to get you the OTA salary you deserve. The OTA program consists of 16 core courses that include four to five months of fieldwork education. Focused eight-week courses immerse you into your class subjects and allow for completion of the degree in as little as two years.
To learn more about the OTA program, download a copy of this free ebook: Your Complete Guide to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.
