Occupational Therapy Assistant
Career Description
Occupational therapy assistants work with patients to complete the
treatment regimen established by
occupational therapists. They monitor the patient’s progress
and make explicit notes for a report to the
therapist. On a typical day, an occupational therapy assistant may
teach a disabled patient how to move
around despite limited mobility, perform routine strengthening or
muscle toning exercises with the
patient or simply complete office tasks, such as managing insurance
forms and other paperwork.
Academic Requirements
An associate’s degree from an accredited training program usually is required for an occupational therapy assistant. Most states regulate occupational therapy assistants, who must pass a certification exam.
Schools
Sanford-Brown College - Hazelwood
314/731-1101
St. Charles Community College
636/922-8000
St. Louis Community College - Meramec
314/984-7500
Professional Associations
National
American Occupational Therapy Association
State
Missouri Occupational Therapist Association
Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy
