Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Job Description
A certified occupational therapist assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist and helps individuals perform daily living activities through therapeutic exercises and techniques. Learn what an Occupational Therapy Assistant does. An individual might need occupational therapy after recovering from or coping with an injury or illness. An occupational therapist creates a personalized treatment plan according to the patient’s needs that both the therapist and OTA carry out. A treatment plan includes specific exercises and also teaches the patient how to use certain equipment.
Some duties and responsibilities an occupational therapist assistant may have to carry out include:
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Treat patients by various therapeutic exercises and techniques as directed by an occupational therapist
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Monitor patient’s exercises to ensure they are performing them correctly and offer encouragement
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Document patient’s progress in records
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Record billing information of services rendered
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Maintain office treatment areas, equipment and supply inventory
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Teach families and caregivers techniques and exercises as per the patient’s treatment plan under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
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Adhere to professional standards, policies and procedures
Certain skills that may make you more qualified for the position include:
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Scheduling skills
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Record-keeping
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Verbal communication
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Patient Services
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Teamwork
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Knowledge of medical technologies
For education and certification requirements, you must have the following:
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An associate degree from an OTA program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
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Licensed or certified as per your state requirement
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Some employers may require a certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)