What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under occupational therapists to help patients with physical, emotional, or developmental impairments to improve daily living and work skills. They assist with exercises and activities to enhance strength, mobility, coordination, and self-care skills, while monitoring patient progress and ensuring tasks are done correctly. OTAs report their concerns to the supervising occupational therapist.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
OTAs are primarily employed in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, occupational therapists’ offices, health clinics, and public schools.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $66,901
Entry-level salary: $50,314
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
OTAs are expected to grow statewide by 26% between 2022 and 2032, with 381 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
To become an OTA in New York, one must complete a 2 year post secondary or associate degree program approved by the New York State Education Department or accredited by AOTA. The coursework covers anatomy, physiology, mental health, adult disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics, along with supervised fieldwork for clinical experience.
For More Information:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education: https://acoteonline.org/schools/
Licensure Requirements
New York Licensure Requirements
In order to be authorized as an OTA in New York, an applicant must successfully complete a 2 year OTA education program and also pass the COTA examination of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/ot/otlic.htm.
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Occupational Therapy Foundation: https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/Available-Scholarships
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Villa Maria College | AAS | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Suffolk County Community College | AAS | Brentwood | Long Island | Visit |
Rockland Community College SUNY | AAS | Suffern | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Orange County Community College | AAS | Middletown | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Mercy University | AAS | Dobbs Ferry | Hudson Valley | Visit |
LaGuardia Community College CUNY | AAS | Long Island City | New York City | Visit |
Jamestown Community College SUNY | AAS | Jamestown | Western NY | Visit |
Erie County Community College | AAS | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Bryant & Stratton College | AAS | Greece | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Bryant & Stratton College | AAS | Syracuse | Central NY | Visit |