Ask Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) why they love their work, and you’re likely to see a huge smile light up their faces. So what makes OTAs smile like they’ve got the best job in the world? Here are 7 reasons.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working to find creative solutions to implement their client’s treatment plans. Every day is different. This means OTAs must be open-minded to understand their client’s strengths and challenges and the environment in which the activities need to be performed. While there are plenty of tools, adaptations, and resources available to them, it’s up to the OTA to determine how to take the lead in helping their clients achieve their goals.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working to see their clients find success in performing daily living activities. OTAs get to witness the strength and courage of their clients who strive to find independence in accomplishing activities such as feeding, dressing, and preparing a meal. OTAs work with the whole person to understand their client’s needs, abilities, and situations so that they may encourage and empower them. In doing these things with empathy and support, OTAs find they see the best in the people they serve.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love getting to know their clients as individuals. It’s this interaction with people that truly makes being an OTA life-changing for the OTA and their clients. Improving an individual’s ability to participate in the things that give their life meaning and freedom can’t be underestimated.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working on their feet throughout the day with their clients. Their work provides them with several opportunities to get out from behind the desk and interact with other people. Depending on their client’s needs, an OTA may be showing someone adaptive ways to reach an object on a shelf, tie shoes, or prepare a meal.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working in one of the fastest growing health care careers. According to U.S. News, Occupational Therapy Assistants are in the top-25 of health care support jobs. Because the need for OTAs is so high, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that employment in this field will grow 30% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working where they and their clients thrive. Clients of all backgrounds and abilities may need occupational therapy due to injury, illness, or disability.
OTAs may choose to work in a hospital, senior living facility, school, or an occupational therapist’s office. Some OTAs enjoy working primarily with children in school settings; others prefer working with adults in nursing homes, and others enjoy working with a wide range of clients at a hospital.
Occupational Therapy Assistants love working in a field that pays well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the career outlook for the profession is 30% through 2030. OTA compensation averages above $53,000, according to Salary.com. This compensation is attainable after earning a two-year college degree.
Some universities, like Cleveland University-Kansas City, even offer a year-round program. These programs allow OTA students to earn an associate of applied science degree and get into the profession they’re passionate about without delay.
If you’re ready to love your job and begin a career that makes you smile, consider becoming an OTA. In as little as two years, you could earn your A.A.S. degree, enter the profession, and have a fulfilling career empowering others to live their lives fully.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. CUKC offers a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.
Click here to receive a free OTA careers eBook: Your Complete Guide to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.
