Difference Between an OT and an OTA

An OT works independently and is responsible for developing and carrying out treatment plans to help a person increase their independence in daily activities. ... An OTA does similar work to an OT, but they work under the supervision of an occupatonal therapist in carrying out the treatment plan.

1. What can an ot do that an OTA Cannot?
2. Can an OTA become an OT?
3. Do you have to be an OTA before an OT?
4. Do occupational therapist assistants make more money than physical therapist assistants?
5. Where do OTAs make the most money?
6. Is being an OTA stressful?
7. Is the OTA exam hard?
8. Is occupational therapy a dying field?
9. Do OTAs make good money?
10. Is Occupational Therapy harder than nursing?
11. Is OT school worth the debt?
12. How long does it take to be an OTA?

What can an ot do that an OTA Cannot?

The occupational therapist is responsible for directing the entire treatment process (evaluation, treatment, outcome, discharge). ... OTA's cannot independently do evaluations but can contribute under the direction of the OT, and must wait until the evaluation is complete before initiating treatment.

Can an OTA become an OT?

While it depends on the program and courses that you have completed, you can advance from occupational therapy assistant (OTA) to occupational therapist (OT). To become an OT, you must complete a master's program in occupational therapy, which OTA's can apply to directly or complete a bachelor's degree before doing so.

Do you have to be an OTA before an OT?

Schooling. An OTA requires a two-year associate's degree while an OT requires a four-year masters degree. You can find OTA to OT schools with programs that work for your current schooling.

Do occupational therapist assistants make more money than physical therapist assistants?

No, they are in the same pay range, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for established OTAs is more than $60,000. The median salary for established PTAs is $58,040. Because OTAs have a unique skill set, the demand for OTAs is estimated at more than 32% through 2028.

Where do OTAs make the most money?

Considering examples like these, it makes sense that in Ohio, the state that employs the most OTAs (and has the highest concentration of OTAs), occupational therapy assistants don't earn as much as in New Jersey, the highest-paying state for OTAs.

Is being an OTA stressful?

OTA is consistently listed as one of the best healthcare jobs, and for a good reason. Generally speaking, there is a high growth, low stress and a great work-life balance in the field.

Is the OTA exam hard?

The NBCOT® exam strikes fear in the hearts of occupational therapy students everywhere, and for good reason. The exam has developed a well-earned reputation for being extremely hard to pass.

Is occupational therapy a dying field?

OTA is a dying field. There are NO jobs. ... If you love OT and have some flexibility about getting a job maybe go ahead.

Do OTAs make good money?

The average annual salary for OTAs is $56,950, according to a BLS report from May 2014. ... According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the best-paying jobs are in clients' homes, nursing facilities, and hospitals. OTAs in Texas, Nevada, California, and New Jersey can make as much as $60,000+ per year.

Is Occupational Therapy harder than nursing?

OT and PT school are definitely not easier than nursing. Different subject matter in some regards, but not an easy route, especially considering that OT/PT school are graduate level degrees and nursing is only a Bachelors. Graduate programs, as mentioned, are more strict regarding grades.

Is OT school worth the debt?

The financial answer is yes but there is a significant price to pay. ... Job choice is the #1 financial factor that will impact how an OT can pay back their loans. If they are fortunate enough to work full time for a non-profit, it could save a ton of money and make the degree a no-brainer.

How long does it take to be an OTA?

Education and Training

These programs generally require 2 years of full-time study and include instruction in subjects such as psychology, biology, and pediatric health. In addition to taking coursework, occupational therapy assistants must complete at least 16 weeks of fieldwork to gain hands-on work experience.