Career overview
Occupational Therapy Assistants
O*NET-SOC 31-2011.00
Median pay / yr$68,340
OutlookRapid Growth
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Skills employers look for
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
- Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- PsychologyKnowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Therapy and CounselingKnowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Certifications that help you get hired
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