 Career
Path Forecast
Employment of
occupational therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow by 30
percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all
occupations. Demand for occupational therapist assistants and aides will
continue to rise because of the increasing number of individuals with
disabilities or limited function.
The growing elderly
population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating
conditions that require therapeutic services. These patients often need
additional assistance in their treatment, making the roles of assistants
and aides vital. Also, the large baby-boom generation is entering the
prime age for heart attacks and strokes, further increasing the demand
for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. In addition, future medical
developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to
survive, creating added demand for therapy services. Demand for therapy
may be dampened by Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement
for therapy services.
Demand from
adolescents will increase due to expansion of the school-age population
and Federal legislation mandating funding for education for the
disabled.
Occupational
therapists are expected to increasingly employ assistants to reduce the
cost of occupational therapy services. Once a patient is evaluated and a
treatment plan is designed by the therapist, the occupational therapist
assistant can provide many aspects of treatment, as prescribed by the
therapist.
Opportunities for
occupational therapist assistants should be very good. However,
individuals with only a high school diploma may face keen competition
for occupational therapist aide jobs. Occupational therapist assistants
and aides with prior experience working in an occupational therapy
office or other healthcare setting will have the best job opportunities.
In addition to employment growth, job openings will result from the need
to replace occupational therapist assistants and aides who leave the
occupation permanently over the 2008-18 period.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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