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The hours and days that occupational therapist
assistants and aides work vary with the facility and
with whether they are full- or part-time employees.
Many outpatient therapy offices and clinics have
evening and weekend hours, to help coincide with
patients’ personal schedules.
Occupational therapist assistants and aides need
to have a moderate degree of strength, because of
the physical exertion required in assisting patients
with their treatment. For example, assistants and
aides may need to lift patients. Constant kneeling,
stooping, and standing for long periods also are
part of the job.
Occupational therapist assistants and aides work
under the supervision and direction of occupational
therapists.
Employment is projected to increase much faster
than the average, reflecting growth in the number of
individuals with disabilities or limited function
who require therapeutic services.
Occupational therapist assistants generally must
complete an associate degree or a certificate
program; in contrast, occupational therapist aides
usually receive most of their training on the job.
In an effort to control rising health care costs,
third-party payers are expected to encourage
occupational therapists to delegate more hands-on
therapy work to lower-paid occupational therapist
assistants and aides.
Many occupational therapist aides and assistants work with the following
professionals:
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist Assistants and
- Physical Therapist Aides.
Other workers in the health care field who work
under similar supervision include dental assistants,
medical assistants, pharmacy aides, pharmacy
technicians, and physical therapist assistants and
aides.
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