WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT JOB?
A pediatric occupational therapy assistant job involves working alongside licensed occupational therapists to help patients, particularly children, with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. As an assistant, your role is to provide support to the occupational therapist by helping to carry out treatment plans, develop treatment goals, and document progress. You will work with children who have developmental delays, sensory integration disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and physical disabilities, among other conditions. You will also need to work closely with the children's families and caregivers to ensure that they are involved in the treatment process.
WHAT USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION?
As a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, your main job is to help children with various disabilities learn how to perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and writing. You will work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to develop and implement treatment plans that are designed to help children reach their full potential. Some of the tasks you might perform include:
- Helping children with motor skills development
- Teaching children how to use adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs or braces
- Assisting children with sensory integration issues
- Creating a safe and stimulating environment for children to practice their skills
- Documenting and reporting on children's progress to the occupational therapist
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR POSITION
To be successful in this position, you will need to have a range of skills and characteristics, including:
- Patience: Children with disabilities may take longer to learn new skills, so you will need to be patient and persistent.
- Communication: You will need to be able to communicate effectively with children, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Flexibility: Treatment plans may need to be adjusted frequently based on children's progress, so you will need to be adaptable.
- Creativity: You will need to be able to come up with creative solutions to help children learn new skills.
- Empathy: You will need to be able to understand the challenges that children with disabilities face and be able to support them in a compassionate way.
HOW TO BECOME THIS TYPE OF SPECIALIST
To become a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, you will need to complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. These programs typically take two years to complete and are offered at community colleges and vocational schools. After completing your program, you will need to pass the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam to become licensed to practice. You will also need to maintain your licensure by completing continuing education courses.
AVERAGE SALARY
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants, including pediatric occupational therapy assistants, was $62,940 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
ROLES AND TYPES
Pediatric occupational therapy assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Some may work exclusively with children, while others may work with patients of all ages. Some common roles for pediatric occupational therapy assistants include:
- Treatment coordinator: You will work with the occupational therapist to develop and implement treatment plans for children.
- Treatment provider: You will provide hands-on therapy to children, helping them learn new skills and reach their treatment goals.
- Educator: You will work with families and caregivers to educate them on how to support their children's treatment at home.
- Documenter: You will need to document and report on children's progress to the occupational therapist.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN USA
Pediatric occupational therapy assistant jobs are in demand across the United States, but some areas have more opportunities than others. Some of the top locations for pediatric occupational therapy assistant jobs include:
- California: The state has a high demand for occupational therapy assistants, particularly in the Los Angeles area.
- Florida: Florida has a large population of retirees, many of whom require occupational therapy services.
- Texas: Texas has a growing population and a strong healthcare industry, making it a good place to find occupational therapy assistant jobs.
- New York: New York City and the surrounding areas have a high demand for healthcare professionals, including occupational therapy assistants.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a large number of hospitals and rehabilitation centers that employ occupational therapy assistants.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS?
Pediatric occupational therapy assistants may use a variety of tools and equipment to help children with disabilities. Some common tools include:
- Adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and splints
- Sensory integration tools, such as weighted blankets and swings
- Fine motor tools, such as puzzles and manipulatives
- Technology, such as computer programs and tablets
IN CONCLUSION
Pediatric occupational therapy assistant jobs offer a rewarding career working with children with disabilities. To be successful in this field, you will need to be patient, creative, and empathetic. With the right education and training, you can become a licensed occupational therapy assistant and help children reach their full potential.