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An associate degree or a certificate from an
accredited community college or technical school is
generally required to qualify for occupational
therapist assistant jobs. In contrast, occupational
therapist aides usually receive most of their
training on the job.
There were 135 accredited occupational therapist
assistant programs in 2005. The first year of study
typically involves an introduction to health care,
basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
In the second year, courses are more rigorous and
usually include occupational therapist courses in
areas such as mental health, adult physical
disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics. Students
also must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork
in a clinic or community setting. Applicants to
occupational therapist assistant programs can
improve their chances of admission by taking high
school courses in biology and health and by
performing volunteer work in nursing care
facilities, occupational or physical therapists’
offices, or other health care settings.
Occupational therapist assistants are regulated
in most States and must pass a national
certification examination after they graduate. Those
who pass the test are awarded the title “Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistant.”
Occupational therapist aides usually receive most
of their training on the job. Qualified applicants
must have a high school diploma, strong
interpersonal skills, and a desire to help people in
need. Applicants may increase their chances of
getting a job by volunteering their services, thus
displaying initiative and aptitude to the employer.
Assistants and aides must be responsible,
patient, and willing to take directions and work as
part of a team. Furthermore, they should be caring
and want to help people who are not able to help
themselves.
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