Occupational Therapist Assistant (job, career, money, education)

[max's mama]

Hi guys,
Recently I've been thinking about going back to school and I even posted not so long ago how I'm trying to have a career change.
Initially I looked into diagnostic sonography, since it's a stable job with good money, but someone also mentioned Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Does anyone know anyone in this field?

[max's mama]

Any takers? I'll take that as a good sign. Perhaps all the OTAs are outthere working and not hanging out on C-D like me.

[annerk]

I don't know about "assistant" but I can tell you that there is an absolute shortage of licensed OT's here in this area. Good luck!

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by annerk

I don't know about "assistant" but I can tell you that there is an absolute shortage of licensed OT's here in this area. Good luck!

Where do you live if you don't mind me asking?

[annerk]

Originally Posted by max's mama

Where do you live if you don't mind me asking?

The greater Orlando area.

[DressageGirl]

I don't know anything about OT Assistants, but why wouldn't you just go ahead and become an OT?

[annerk]

Originally Posted by DressageGirl

I don't know anything about OT Assistants, but why wouldn't you just go ahead and become an OT?

It might be a matter of education. I believe (and I could definitely be wrong) that to become an OT you need five years of college. My guess is that you can become an assistant in a year of "technical/trade school" or two years in community college.

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by DressageGirl

I don't know anything about OT Assistants, but why wouldn't you just go ahead and become an OT?

Well, to become an OTA is only 2 years of schooling. OTAs are more "hands-on" while the OTs do most of the paperwork, I don't exclude the possibility though of me going for an OT if I really like the field.

[max's mama]

Bumping just in case someone else has something to add.

[TFW46]

OTAs are more "hands-on" while the OTs do most of the paperwork

I had daily OT and PT sessions for six-plus months after my stroke three years ago. I never saw an OTA. OT's (and PT's) worked with me and they also filled out the paperwork. It was the same for every other patient I saw at that facility. I'm not saying there isnt a need for an OTA but there were none at the large rehab facility I used in Houston.