Advancement In large hospitals and clinics, occupational therapy assistants may become supervisors. Licensure/Certification To practice as an occupational therapy assistant in Florida, both national certification and state licensure are required. To be eligible for the certification exam the applicant must be a graduate of an accredited OTA program. Accreditation is granted by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. A state license is obtained from the Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Continuing education is required every two years for license renewal. Salary The average hourly wage of occupational therapy assistants in Florida was $22.45 in 2006. Educational Programs Associate Degree Central Florida Community College Chipola College Daytona Beach Community College Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus Keiser University Manatee Community College Palm Beach Community College Polk Community College Professional Associations American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. Florida Occupational Therapy Association

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) assist occupational therapists in providing rehabilitative treatment and exercises to people suffering from physical, mental, emotional, or developmental illnesses or disabilities. The goal of the collaboratively developed treatment plan is to help the patients overcome limitations to improve quality of life. Activities may include teaching the proper movement from bed to wheelchair, or the best way to stretch and limber the muscles of the hand. OTAs provide monitoring and encouragement to ensure that patients perform and practice these activities correctly and safely.

In accordance with Florida’s laws, OTAs may assist in developing treatment plans, carrying out routine functions, directing activity programs, and documenting the progress of treatments in detail. The work is essentially the same as that of an occupational therapist except for evaluations.

Occupational Therapy Assistants also maintain equipment used in therapy, order supplies, and perform other clerical tasks.

Areas of Specialization
Occupational therapy assistants may specialize in a particular field of concentration as it relates to the lifespan cycle (pediatrics vs. gerontology) and to the various conditions and diagnoses (neurology vs. mental health). There is ample opportunity to change field of concentration through continuing education and/or mentoring by senior therapists.

Work Environment
Assistants usually work 40-hour weeks, although some weekend hours may be required. They are part of a multidisciplinary medical team working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health care. They are also found in schools, community health programs, and adult day care centers.

Job Outlook
The number of occupational therapist assistants employed in Florida in 2006 was 1,156. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 1,544. This represents an annual average growth rate of 4.2 percent.

Length of Training/Requirements
Most training programs last two years, resulting in an associate of science degree from a community college. The intense curriculum covers courses in medical sciences such as anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, medical diseases, and specialty courses such as daily living skills, therapeutic media, and adaptive equipment. Applicants can improve their chances of acceptance by volunteering in occupational therapy departments. This professional must possess people skills and enjoy working and motivating the sick and disabled.