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The differences between certified occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a certified occupational therapy assistant and an occupational therapy assistant. Additionally, a certified occupational therapy assistant has an average salary of $50,872, which is higher than the $50,653 average annual salary of an occupational therapy assistant.
The top three skills for a certified occupational therapy assistant include patients, rehabilitation and home health. The most important skills for an occupational therapy assistant are patients, rehabilitation, and home health.
| Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapy Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $50,872 | $50,653 |
| Hourly rate | $24.46 | $24.35 |
| Growth rate | 25% | 25% |
| Number of jobs | 70,679 | 39,881 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 84% | Associate Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are professionals who work with licensed occupational therapists in providing therapy to patients. This therapy is usually related to the physical or mobility challenges of a patient. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients retain their skills, improve on their challenges, and eventually recover. They record the patient's progress after every therapy session. They may also help out in creating treatment plans for the patient. Since they spend a lot of time with patients, their inputs and recommendations are valuable in crafting and adjusting the treatment plan.
An occupational therapy assistant is primarily responsible for assisting an occupational therapist when handling patients at a clinic or similar setting. Their duties revolve around gathering patient information and medical history, treating patients using the therapist's care plan, monitoring a patient's progress, and maintaining an accurate and extensive record. There are also instances when an assistant must discuss the conditions and extent of treatment to patients and families, as well as monitor supplies and inventory.
Certified occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapy Assistant | |
| Average salary | $50,872 | $50,653 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $68,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mamaroneck, NY | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Staten Island Academy | PeaceHealth |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a certified occupational therapy assistant and an occupational therapy assistant in terms of educational background:
| Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapy Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 84% | Associate Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Occupational Therapy | Occupational Therapy |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between certified occupational therapy assistants' and occupational therapy assistants' demographics:
| Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapy Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 15.2% Female, 84.8% | Male, 17.2% Female, 82.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 5.2% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 5.2% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |