CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Occupational therapy aides help get patients ready for their treatment. They prepare the materials and equipment that the patient will need.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$33,780
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
4,733
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Occupational Therapy Aide Job Description
Occupational therapy aides typically perform support tasks and not direct patient care. They perform the clerical duties that are important in keeping the therapy office running smoothly. They schedule appointments, answer the phone, order and restock supplies and assist patients with billing and insurance forms. They set up equipment and keep treatment rooms clean and sanitized.
With its excellent job outlook and no formal education requirements, this may be a great first step in beginning your career in the healthcare field.
Occupational Therapy Aide Job Responsibilities
Occupational Therapy Aides may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Prepare patients for treatment
- Observe and document patient’s progress
- Perform clerical duties
- Transport patients
- Schedule patient appointments
- Prepare, clean and maintain work area
- Take inventory and stock treatment supplies
- Help patients fill out insurance and billing forms
Occupational Therapy Aide Salary
The actual salary of the occupational therapy aide can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $33,780*
National average per hour: $16.24*
- $33,987 per year, $16.34 per hour**
- $25,792 per year, $12.40 per hour***
- $25,702 to $31,260 per year****
- $35,230 per year, $16.94 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Occupational Therapy Aide Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being an occupational therapy aide? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good career outlook
- Variety of job settings
- Variety of patient populations to work with
- Opportunity to work as a team
- Daily work is typically not stressful
Cons
- Entry-level salary
- Risk of exposure to infectious diseases
- May have to work evenings, weekends or holidays
- No career growth without further education
- Not a lot of direct patient contact
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become an Occupational Therapy Aide?
If you are considering a career as an occupational therapy aide, this is the typical path you will need to take.
- Obtain a high school diploma/GED.
- No further formal education is typically required. You may receive on-the-job training that may last several weeks to months.
- Obtain CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association. This is not required by all employers, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the occupational therapy aide is at the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Caregiver > Occupational Therapy Aide > Occupational Therapist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma/GED
- CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association (not always required, but highly recommended)
Typical Work Experience Required
Typically none required, but work experience in healthcare may be helpful in getting a job.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Basic math skills
- Knowledge of insurance and billing forms
- Active listening skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Positive personality
- Excellent communication skills
- Patience
Occupational Therapy Aide Certification
CPR certification may be required.
- BLS, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (AHA)
Click on the certification to find out more.
Occupational Therapy Aide Licenses
None
Occupational Therapy Aide Training and Preparation
Once you have received your high school diploma or GED, typically no further formal education is needed. Occupational therapy aides will typically receive on-the-job training once they are hired. Prior work experience in healthcare as well as CPR/BLS certification may be helpful in getting a job.
CPR certification may be required by some employers. The American Heart Association offers Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers. They offer online courses, blended courses and traditional classroom setting training.
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