?? Frequently Asked Questions ??
The following are some frequently asked questions about the Occupational
Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) programs.
- What is the difference in physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy
(OT)?
Although both therapist work across the life span, the difference can be
explained this way. Physical therapy works with large muscle groups
(e.g. legs, trunk, and arms) to help an individual be more mobile and
perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like cooking, grooming and
hygiene, dressing, and community re-entry, to name a few. Both
therapies work together to complete the health picture for their consumers.
- Does the name "Occupation" have to do with employment?
No, not in the strict sense of occupation being what we do to earn a living,
although employment is included in Activities of Daily Living Skills.
By definition, occupation means all the activities a person performs to
sustain themselves in their environment and socioeconomic settings.
- How much education is required to become an occupational therapist?
OT education is offered at two levels, professional and technical.
Professional degrees usually take four to six years to complete and are
taught at universities. Technical degrees, like the Associate in
Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant offered at St. Philip's
College take two to three years to complete.
- What kind of salary can I expect to make with a technical degree?
It depends on what area of the country you choose to take employment.
In Texas, most metropolitan facilities start a new graduate at $27,000 to
$29,000 on the average. If you work in an area that is medically
underserved, such as a rural setting, you can expect to start at around
$30,000 annually. Clinics are competitive with salaries and benefits
as well.
- What types of credentials are required to have a job in occupational
therapy?
To practice occupational therapy in the State of Texas, you must have
- graduated from an accredited program with a degree in occupational
therapy,
- successfully completed the national examination for either registry
or certification,
- hold a permanent license to practice occupational therapy in Texas.
Additionally, to keep that license, a therapist is required to complete
continuing education hours as part of their responsibility to renew their
license.
- Can I take the program part time or evenings?
At this
time, our program is not offered on weekends or evenings. Part-time is
possible, but not encouraged due to the amount of information that
must be learned and the amount of time needed to study.
- Can I work while enrolled in the program?
Understandably, often our students must work to meet their obligations.
it is preferred that students work a minimal amount the first three
semesters. The final semester is performed in a clinical setting and
often requires a commitment of 40 hours per week to meet test eligibility.
- What is the job market like for occupational therapy assistants?
After the Balance Budget Act of 1998, the reduction of Medicare funding
left the job marked tight and less favorable for the OT assistant.
Recent trends show an increase in jobs in the San Antonio metropolitan area
and a fair to good job market is reflected in both the urban and rural
areas.