Introduction
Occupational Therapy (OT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) are two distinct professions that collaborate to care for patients suffering from various diseases, impairments, and injuries. Occupational therapists are responsible for assessing, creating, and implementing interventions to help clients achieve their goals in daily living tasks (O’Brien et al., 2018). On the other hand, OTAs operate under OTs’ supervision and help with treatment plan execution. In this talk, we will examine the educational requirements and areas of practice for both professions.
Educational Requirements
A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an approved university is required to become an occupational therapist. Obtaining a Bachelor’s degree usually takes two to three years of study. Occupational therapists must do at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork as part of their degree (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Occupational therapy assistants typically finish a two-year Associate’s degree program at an authorized college or university. Students must undergo at least 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork as part of their OTA program.
Professional Duties
The responsibilities and areas of practice that OTs can do are not state-specific and must be decided by the licensing board’s particular rules and requirements (O’Brien et al., 2018). OTs, on the other hand, have a broader scope of practice and are accountable for doing assessments, developing action plans, and providing direct patient care. OTs are also in charge of managing and allocating assignments to OTAs and other support staff.
Conclusion
Finally, both OTs and OTAs play vital roles in providing patients with occupational therapy treatments. While work-related therapists require more teaching and training, they have a broader area of practice and can do a wider range of duties. OTAs assist in the implementation of treatment regimens and work under the supervision of OTs. The particular responsibilities and areas of practice that OTs can conduct cannot differ by state and must be determined by the licensing board’s unique laws and standards.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). AOTA Press.
O’Brien, J. C., Hussey, S.M., & Sabonis-Chafee, B. (2018). Introduction to occupational therapy (5th ed). Mosby Elsevier.