We all enter the field with the intention of helping as many people as possible through our direct interactions. In fact, OTA regularly appears on lists of top-paying jobs that require an associate’s degree. Ability to be supportive to patients and set up a great working environment for them on the road to become healthy. To help you make the best choice, we’ll be taking a look at the pros and cons of an occupational therapy assistant career. Though helping people live their best lives is immensely rewarding, it can be emotionally draining at times — something anyone who has worked in healthcare can attest to. All too often, occupational therapists come out of school and are eager to work with people, only to find that a majority of their time is spent handling paperwork, helping plan discharges, and doing other administrative things. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. A recent report by CareerBuilder ranked OTAs as the most in-demand, high-paying job in both California and Michigan right now. As with many healthcare careers, you can’t begin practicing as an OTA the day you graduate. However, it’s not just the demand that makes this little-known field an attractive career option …. ... Pros of OTA. Pros and Cons of Each Profession. Being a COTA myself, I am laying out my list of all the pros and cons in this post in hopes it will help you decide if you want to go the COTA route. If you’re looking to become an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, it’s important to know and anticipate these “ugly” types of situations. Physical Therapist Assistants. While being a COTA is a very rewarding job, there has been an increased difficulty for COTAs in many cities to find jobs right out of school. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you decide to work as a COTA, there is certain amount of autonomy and responsibility that you lose. However, it may be more difficult for a COTA to get into certain management positions if a bachelor’s or graduate OT degree is required. Where advancement is typically seen is within the therapy department of the facility in which you work. COTAs generally work under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist. Here are a few of the advantages and drawbacks of working as a CNA. Good pay. And on top of that …. In fact, most places they work are unique, too. As we previously discussed, the demand for occupational therapy services has never been greater, yet because occupational therapy is not as well-known as, say, nursing or physical therapy, a lot of people don’t pursue it as a career choice. Just be aware that it may take students with very limited (or no) college experience longer to complete our program curriculum and thus earn a degree. Between longer life spans, an increase in chronic illness, and the wave of aging baby boomers, there is an ever-growing need for skilled Physical Therapists. Unpredictable schedules. Occupational Therapy Assistants assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. OTs understand the challenges faced by physical therapy as well as speech therapy, making an excellent middleman. If you are not OK with this, you can opt-out if you wish. It is only reasonable for the patient or family to want to know details about progress and discharge. In this article, I cover both the pros and cons of working as a PRN occupational therapist. Maybe you received occupational therapy when you were a child and now want to pay that forward by working in a school. There are a number of basic differences between the two outlined here, but we thought it would be great to share the experiences of an actual COTA. Additionally, while your fieldwork coordinator will work diligently to find you Level II Fieldwork opportunities near where you live, if nothing can be found in your immediate area, you may be required to commute or even relocate temporarily to complete the required 640 hours of supervised practice. Keep in mind that as part of your Level II Fieldwork, you will spend 320 hours in a physical disabilities setting and another 320 hours in an emerging practice setting. Occupational therapy is one of the most unique health care careers. This is a factor that has to be considered. Before heading back to school, consider the pros and cons of an occupational therapy assistant career. OTAs work within six practice areas, encompassing the full human life spectrum, meaning they can find work in a number of settings. Others may be difficult to work with because of a mental health or memory condition. Before you even begin trying to decide where you want to work, you need to decide whether you want  to become an occupational therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA for short). Thanks to St. Kate’s convenient online coursework, much of your OTA education will take place on your time at your home, local library or favorite coffee shop. Self-Care Tips & Strategies for Occupational Therapists and Students, 5 Hand Dexterity Assessments for Occupational Therapists, 12 Perfect Gift Ideas for Occupational Therapists [2020]. 1. “I always tell people considering being a travel therapist to think about the pros and cons,” said Host Healthcare recruiter Sarah Powell. Meanwhile, the COTA is the one handling the routine treatments day in and day out. However, both levels of education focus on the same amount on patient treatment. ... Cons of OTA. But one fact that needs to be considered is money. Pros: 1) Steady hours/paycheck ... Cons: 1) Less flexibility in schedule As an employee, you generally don’t get to set the hours that you work. Hate driving and long commutes? However, there is also a benefit. Pro: Short training time Most certified nursing assistant programs take between 4 … You’ve seen how much good can truly be accomplished through the occupational therapy process. 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