The art and science of occupational therapy are centered on assisting and equipping people with personal challenges to do the things they want and need to do in their life. That’s why it makes total sense to investigate an occupational therapy assistant school. OTAs have the satisfying role of directly assisting their clients, which means you’re helping them achieve their best possible lives.
If you know someone who’s adapted well to a severe disability or returned to a job they love following an injury, you’ve seen the benefits of occupational therapy actions and practices. Those activities were carried out by those graduating from an occupational therapy assistant school.
Here are a few examples where real life gets “real help” from occupational therapists and their on-the-site partners – occupational therapy assistants (OTAs).
Those examples should give you a clearer picture of what OTAs do. Luckily, the healthcare industry understands the benefits of occupational therapy. Indeed, occupational therapy applies to many types of difficulties:
As a result, the need for more people to be occupational therapy school graduates is high, as the demand is set to grow by 30% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OTAs are in demand by schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and home health agencies.
Occupational therapy is particularly valuable in home healthcare. Research studies show that 9 of 10 people prefer home care to nursing home care. Every year, more than 14 million Americans receive home-care services through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration plans, Tricare, and commercial and private pay insurance.
In-home services an OTA might do:
As impressive as becoming an OTA is, many high-caring, people-focused individuals like yourself are surprised they can become an OTA in two years. Most OTAs earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Typical OTA degree components:
The classwork and fieldwork segments taught in occupational therapy assistant school provide the necessary education to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, 100-year-old university in Overland Park, Kansas. CUKC serves students seeking careers in the chiropractic and health sciences.
CUKC offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant. In our two-year program, OTA courses are delivered in sequential 8-week modules year-round. The degree program includes four to five months of required fieldwork experience, ensuring mastery of essential OTA skills and knowledge.
Other features of our 2-year OTA program:
Connect with an advisor today to learn what occupational therapy assistant school is like, then download this free CUKC eBook: Your Complete Guide to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.