Occupational Therapy Assistant Versus Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy (OT) isn't unlike physical therapy (PT). The therapist seeks to relieve the patient's pain. Both also allow improving mobility and raising flexibility. One difference is that occupational therapy is more holistic when it comes to its approach to care. It is possible to either choose to be an occupational therapist assistant (OTA) or an occupational therapist (OT). Most employers or companies prefer assistants first. If the assistant is preparing to handle heavier obligations, she can become a full occupational therapist.
The Difference
Education for assistants and full therapists varies. Also, there are particular guidelines if you decide to be an assistant now and opt to be an OT down the road. To be an occupational therapy assistant, you have to have at least an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy. Besides that, you need to have a certification together with pass a licensure exam. Another requirement is really a supervised fieldwork of 16 weeks. Occupational therapists on the other hand, need at least a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. They should also pass the licensure exam and have a supervised fieldwork of 24 weeks.
Choosing to be an Assistant First
You may choose to be an assistant first and transition to a complete occupational therapist after. sensorimotor training to create this transition depend on the institution. Some schools give you credit for having experience being an OTA. Some schools do not give any credit for the experience. You need to check your school of interest to determine its policies.
The fastest solution to turn into a full occupational therapist when you're already an assistant is to enroll in an acceleration, master's, or combination program. A combination program would allow one to finish your Bachelor's as well as your Master's as well. Besides that, it would only take around three and a half years to be complete. But if you curently have finished your Bachelor's then it would be easier to just go through a Master's program.
Benefits of Choosing to Be an Assistant First
One of the advantages of as an assistant first is you could gain real experience from just completing an Associate Degree. When you are finishing your Bachelor's and Master's, you can take a distance learning transition program that may let you work as an assistant while you are studying to be a full occupational therapist.
Another benefit of choosing to be an assistant first is that, sometimes, an occupational therapy program will think about the credits and experience you earned as an assistant. You can check with your school regarding what classes can be credited and eliminated.
Should You Become An Occupational Therapy Assistant?
It is not very hard to choose between as an assistant and being a full occupational therapist. The education for a complete therapist is longer but understand that you can further your studies whilst working being an assistant. Becoming an OTA first also puts you at an edge by letting you gain more experience.