Occupational/Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under supervision of Registered Occupational Therapists (OT) to provide diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation programs to the clients having functional challenges. The challenges may be caused by physical or mental issues, injury, delays in development, social disorders, or aging. They prepare the equipment and resources and carry out treatment plans (designed by occupational therapists).

They help clients learn skills needed for day to day activities as well as work activities. They also contribute to completing splints and create or repair assistive devices. They train the clients and caregivers use of wheelchairs and other assistive devices (high- and low-tech).

Average Hourly

$26.01

Range Hourly

$22.67 – $44.21

Average Yearly

$50,710

Range Yearly

$44,207 – $86,208

NOC Code

Other Technical Occupations In Therapy And Assessment ( 3237 )

Alias Job Titles

Occupational therapist assistant

Occupational therapy assistant

Occupational therapy technician

Physical rehabilitation technician

Qualifications Required

Occupational therapy assistants require completion of a two-year occupational therapy assistant (OTA) college program.

Salary Range

Average hourly	Range hourly	Average yearly	Range yearly
$26.01	$22.67 - $44.21	$50,710	$44,207 - $86,208

Job Demand

Medium

Employment outlook is good to fair across provinces. More information is available here.

Growth Opportunity

Without further education, advancement opportunities for Occupational Therapist Assistants are limited.

Years' Experience Required

0-1 year

Training Options (if available)

Having a diploma in Physiotherapy assistant program from an accredited institution is usually required. Some examples of such programs:

Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant at SAIT

Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant at Vancouver Community College

Therapist Assistant Program (PTA & OTA Major) at MacEwan University

Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant at Centennial College

Find more programs

Personal Qualities

Excellent communication skills; empathetic; ability to work independently, Physical and mental stamina; Critical thinking skills, Patience, Flexibility, Organizational skills and attention to detail; Manual dexterity; teamwork

Notes/Other Information

No certification is currently required.

Occupational/Rehabilitation therapist assistants work in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals, continuing or long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and private homes. They generally work weekdays but may be required to work some evenings and weekends.

The work can be physically demanding and they need to help clients transfer, stand, walk, and exercise. They may be on their feet for long periods of time. They may also be required to move heavy equipment.

Steps towards capacity building to become competitive for this job

Getting admitted into diploma in Occupational Therapy/Rehabilitation Assistant program.
If not possible, one can start having a certificate program/ on-the-job training as a Rehabilitation aide or assistant, then enter into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

References

i. Alberta Learning Information Service

ii. Job Bank Canada

iii. National Occupation Classification ESDC

iv. Neuvoo

v. Indeed