Your OTA Questions Answered
Whether you are interested in the occupational therapy field as a client or as a future practitioner, occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) have the potential to add significant value to your everyday life. Read on to learn more about occupational therapy and the OTA profession.
When Does Someone Need Occupational Therapy?
Have you or a family member ever been diagnosed with a new health condition and found yourself asking, “Now what?” Maybe you have a child or a sibling with autism who is struggling to succeed in school. Maybe you have an aging parent or grandparent who wants to remain living in their own home, but you are concerned about their safety. Or maybe you or someone you know is struggling with depression and having trouble doing daily tasks. Occupational therapy can help you answer that “now what” question.
Occupational therapy assistants will keep the focus on the things you need and want to do — your goals, your activities, and your independence. With occupational therapy services, you can:
Achieve goals, such as helping your teenager or brother/sister with a developmental disability gain the skills to transition from high school to independent living as an adult
Stay healthy and as productive as possible while managing a chronic condition or illness
Maintain or regain your independence, such as using adaptive equipment so you can care for yourself after a stroke
Participate in the daily activities important to you, such as playing with grandchildren, driving, going to church, and cooking a meal
In short, an occupational therapy assistant can help you live life to its fullest no matter your health condition, disability, or risk factors.
Who Are Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)?
OTAs are highly skilled healthcare professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With a solid knowledge base of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social needs learned in their occupational therapy degree, these practitioners use a holistic approach to achieving your goals.
Where Do OTAs Work?
OTAs work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, community centers, and in individuals' homes (called “home care”).
How Do I Become an OTA?
To become an OTA, you will need to be accepted into an OTA program and complete a bachelor’s or associates degree. You will be required to successfully complete the degree, including fieldwork experience (this is when you get to go out and work with a licensed therapist in the field). You must then pass a national board examination to become licensed and practice. From there, each state requires different activities to keep your license current. Typically, these are attending or participating in conferences and seminars on topics of your choice.
Interested in earning a degree in occupational therapy? Go to huntington.edu/OTA to learn more about the first fully accredited OTA bachelor’s degree in the United States.
