Is becoming an occupational therapy assistant right for me?
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How to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
To become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), follow these general steps:
- Earn an Associate Degree: The first step is to complete an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting from an accredited program. These programs typically last about two years and provide both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Complete Clinical Fieldwork: As part of the degree program, you will complete supervised clinical fieldwork, where you gain real-world experience working with patients under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists.
- Pass the Certification Exam: After graduation, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a certified occupational therapy assistant. Certification is required to practice in most places.
- Obtain State Licensure: In many locations, you must also obtain a state license to work as an OTA. Licensing requirements vary, so it’s important to check with your local regulatory body for specific guidelines.
- Continue Education: Once employed, OTAs may be required to complete continuing education courses to maintain certification and licensure. Staying current with new therapies, techniques, and industry standards is important for career growth.