Occupational Therapy Aides
Occupational therapy aides, under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patients and the treatment room.
Occupational therapy aides' job is to work under the supervision of occupational therapists and prepare treatment areas, set up therapy equipment, clean treatment areas and equipment, transport patients, help them with billing and insurance forms, and perform clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments and answering telephones.
How to become an occupational therapy aide? They attend to patients’ physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals. They report to therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments. A therapist's aide observes patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments, and records and maintains the information in client records. They also maintain materials and equipment and an inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
Training in vocational school with related on the job experience is required for occupational therapy aide salary. Skills required include good communication, interpersonal skills, assisting and caring for others, and critical thinking and problem-solving. Candidates should be able to use computers and operate billing software, medical records, word-processing and spreadsheets. A therapist’s aide should possess knowledge of therapy and counselling, psychology, medicine, public safety and general administration.
In order to succeed and advance as an occupational therapy aide, one should patiently listen to their clients with diligence, smiles, and even some humour in their time together.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MPT Master of Physiotherapy
- BPT Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Diploma Physiotherapy
Tasks
- Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
- Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
- Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
- Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.
- Evaluate the living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
- Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
- Supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments or arts and crafts projects.
- Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
- Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Progression Routes
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