Mississippi In Demand Career Highlight: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Summary

Talisha Davis, a certified occupational therapist assistant (COTA), shares her passion for helping patients improve their daily living skills. She was inspired by her great-grandmother's experience with dementia and the therapies she received. Talisha encourages aspiring COTAs to complete a two-year degree and certification exam, highlighting various specializations and the potential to work with diverse age groups. She emphasizes the rewarding nature of the job, which typically involves working with 6-10 patients daily in settings like hospitals and home health, with an average salary of $60,710 per year.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Talisha Davis is a certified occupational therapist assistant (OTA).
• 🔑 The role of an OTA is to help patients develop, recover, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
• 👵 Talisha's interest in occupational therapy was sparked by her great-grandmother's experience with dementia and the decline in her independence.
• 🏫 To become an OTA, one must complete a two-year degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.
• 📝 After degree completion, one must pass a national certification exam to become a certified OTA, also known as a COTA.
• 🤝 There are specialized certifications available, such as certified hand therapy, for those interested in specific areas of occupational therapy.
• 🕗 The average workweek for a COTA is 40 hours, with some home health workers having more flexible schedules.
• 💰 The average salary for a COTA is $60,710 per year across the state.
• 📈 COTAs typically see between six to ten patients a day, with sessions ranging from 15 minutes to 60 minutes.
• 🏥 Occupational therapy assistants can work in various settings including hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, therapy clinics, home health, and pediatric settings.
• 👶👵 COTAs work with a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly.
• 🎓 High school students interested in this career path are advised to take as many prerequisites as possible to get a head start and save on costs.
• 💖 Talisha loves her job and finds it fulfilling, which has given her a different perspective on life, teaching her patience and empathy.

Q & A

What is Talisha Davis's profession?

Talisha Davis is a certified occupational therapist assistant.

What role do occupational therapy assistants play in patient care?

Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

What personal experience influenced Talisha Davis's career choice?

Talisha Davis's interest in occupational therapy was sparked by her great-grandmother's experience with dementia and the decline in her independence, which required occupational and physical therapy.

What is the educational requirement to become an occupational therapy assistant?

To become an occupational therapy assistant, one must complete a two-year degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

What certification exam must be taken after completing the educational program?

After completing the educational program, one must take a national certification exam to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

Are there any specialized certifications available for COTAs?

Yes, there are specialized certifications available, such as certified hand therapy, which focuses mainly on the hands.

What is the average weekly work schedule for a COTA?

Most COTAs work a total of 40 hours a week.

How flexible are the schedules for COTAs working in home health?

COTAs working in home health may have more flexible schedules compared to those working in other settings.

What is the average salary for a COTA across the state according to the script?

The average salary for a COTA across the state is sixty thousand seven hundred ten dollars per year.

How many patients does Talisha Davis typically see in a day?

Talisha Davis typically sees between six to ten patients a day.

What is the range of time Talisha Davis spends with each patient?

The longest amount of time Talisha Davis spends with a person is 60 minutes, and the shortest is 15 minutes.

In which settings can COTAs find work opportunities?

COTAs can find work opportunities in hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, therapy clinics, home health, and pediatric settings.

What advice does Talisha Davis give to those considering this career path straight out of high school?

Talisha Davis advises getting as many prerequisites as possible in high school to get a head start and save money.

What personal growth has Talisha Davis experienced in her career as a COTA?

Talisha Davis has experienced personal growth in patience and empathy through her career as a COTA.

What is Talisha Davis's perspective on pursuing a career in occupational therapy assistance?

Talisha Davis encourages pursuing a career in occupational therapy assistance if it is something one truly wants to do, as it has given her a different perspective on life.