1-877-206-4279
Occupational therapy assistants work with patients to help them gain or regain important life skills. For example, an OTA might work with children who need assistance with motor skills or with individuals suffering from injuries that require changes in mobility.
As an OTA, one workday won’t be the same as any other workday. You’ll get to work with new patients each day and deliver many unique treatments and therapies. You have the opportunity to work in many healthcare facilities such as:
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Out-patient facilities
- Long-term care facilities
The Day Begins: Coffee & Communication With the Occupational Therapist
As a medical professional, you can expect to wake up with the sun. The good news is, occupational therapy assistantsoften work traditional business hours, instead of the night shift. For a boost of energy, you may grab a coffee (or a tea) and head to work.
Once you arrive at work, you can expect to discuss the day with the occupational therapist you assist. You’ll go over which patients you’ll see that day as well as other responsibilities to expect. You may need to review medical reports to ensure you deliver the right treatment based on a patient’s care plan.
The first part of your day is also typically reserved for administrative tasks such as answering emails and scheduling appointments. Plus, this is the best time to prepare any therapy equipment, if required, for the day.
Working With Your Patients
Throughout the rest of the day, you’ll spend your time working with patients. Depending on where you work, you’ll assist patients of all ages and needs. For example, you may start your day by assisting a patient struggling with a back injury through various exercises. On any given day, you might do any of the following (and so much more):
- Help a child gain the muscle strength and dexterity required to hold a pencil
- Teach an individual with a developmental disability how to tie their shoes
- Assist elderly patients struggling through dementia with eating and correct swallowing
- Advise a patient’s family on how to use therapies at home or how to better manage a medical condition or injury
- Help an individual learn how to use a cell phone again after suffering a stroke
All patients are unique with their own individual therapy needs. This means your work will be creative in nature. You may find yourself using music, art, flashcards, games and more with patients throughout the day.
Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant With Cambridge
Does a career in occupational therapy seem like a good fit for you? Cambridge can help you get started with our Occupational Therapy Assistant program. To learn more about the program, give us a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.