Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are healthcare support workers who help individuals improve their daily living skills through therapeutic activities and exercises. As one of the fastest-growing career fields, OTA is an increasingly popular degree program to pursue. But is OTA a good career? Aside from terrific job security, OTA graduates can expect financial stability and personal fulfillment from their new career prospects. If you’re passionate about working with others to improve their lives and seeking a secure career after graduation, here’s what you need to know about how to become an OTA and what to expect when you enter the field.
Reasons to Become An OTA
1. You’ll get your degree fast
Unlike other healthcare degrees that demand a lot of schooling, you can become an OTA after earning your two-year associate degree. However, there are a couple of other occupational therapy assistant education requirements you’ll need to complete during and after your college experience. First, you’ll need to complete clinical rotation requirements as a student. Once you’ve graduated, you will need to pass the NBCOT’s certification exam to receive your license.
2. There’s a great job outlook
We mentioned that OTA is a buzzing career opportunity, and we weren’t kidding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OTA employment is expected to grow by 23% between 2022 and 2032. That’s a 20% increase in projected job growth compared to the average of 3% for all other occupations. It also means that close to 11,000 new OTA jobs across nursing facilities, hospitals, primary care offices, schools, and home health centers will need to be filled. With so many different options, a day in the life of an OTA offers a lot of variety!
3. You’ll likely get paid well
OTA graduates do very well for themselves financially, especially compared to other two-year degree holders. It’s even been noted as one of the 25 highest-paying associate degree jobs available today. Median salaries are listed at just under $65,000 a year, making an OTA degree well worth the college tuition investment for many students.
4. There’s high job satisfaction
OTA ranks seventh among the best healthcare support jobs in the industry. Those currently working as OTAs report low levels of work-related stress despite the job’s potential for physical and emotional tolls. OTAs also have a lot more job flexibility than other fields since they can work in various environments with patients of all ages and seek out jobs that fulfill their work/life balance needs. There is also a clear path to career advancement, which isn’t always true for other jobs. OTAs can further their education to become occupational therapists. Despite these benefits, it’s important to remember that OTAs may not always have the chance to work conventional hours. They may need to work evenings and weekends depending on where they are employed and what kind of patients they work with.
5. You’ll make life-changing differences for patients
OTAs work with individuals who have lost the ability to perform essential daily tasks or activities due to illness, injury, or age. Their role serves to enhance a patient’s quality of life through the use of adaptive equipment, online tools, and learned tasks. Helping someone in need reach their goals is an extremely rewarding experience. OTAs and patients often develop close bonds since they routinely work together to learn newfound skills that improve a patient’s life physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Become an OTA at Villa
OTA students belong at Villa. Not only is our campus home to some of the leading OTA-focused facilities in WNY, but we commit to helping our students succeed with free books and supplies! Get in touch today to learn more about our OTA program. Contact us to learn more!
