Occupational Therapy Assistant - Marion Technical College

Occupational Therapy Assistant from Marion Technical College is a Campus Associate Occupational Therapy degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is a health profession that uses purposeful occupations and meaningful activities with individuals whose lives have been disrupted by physically disabling injury or illness, cognitive deficits, developmental challenges, the aging process, and psychosocial challenges. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist (OT). Under the guidance of an OT, OTAs play an important role in carrying out treatment programs. They may choose or construct equipment that helps clients to function more independently, plan and carry out treatment occupations for individuals or groups of clients, and work closely with families as clients prepare to return home. The OTA focuses on treatment and health restoration through meaningful occupations and finds ways to restore function so that people can continue their pursuit of what means most to them in their lives. Which qualities or personal traits are useful in practicing occupational therapy? OTAs need patience, understanding and compassion when dealing with clients facing health problems. Patience is important because many clients may not show rapid progress and practitioners must be prepared for that challenge. Compassion and understanding are also vital when working with clients who have disabilities that require them to undergo extensive and sometimes painful treatment in order to improve function. OT professionals must have a passion for performing life-changing work. Part of that passion includes a drive to use creative problem-solving to come up with treatments and adaptations that will be meaningful to the people they serve and that will help them fulfill their life's most important occupations and roles. What is the job outlook for occupational therapy assistants? The U.S Department of Labor predicts that employment for OT assistants will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012 and will increase by 36% or more. View more details on Marion Technical College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Occupational Therapy courses.