Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play an important role in assisting patients with disabilities or injuries to recover and regain their daily living skills. As a travel occupational therapy assistant, you have the opportunity to travel to different locations and work with different patients while gaining new experiences and skills.
What is a Travel Occupational Therapy Assistant?
A travel occupational therapy assistant is a licensed OTA who works at different healthcare facilities for a limited amount of time. They may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or other healthcare settings. Travel OTAs work with patients of all ages who have a variety of physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities.
Travel OTAs provide rehabilitative services to patients that help them improve their daily living skills. They work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist (OT) and help patients carry out treatment plans that are designed to help them improve their mobility, strength, endurance, and coordination.
What are the Job Requirements?
To become a travel occupational therapy assistant, you must first complete an associate’s degree from an accredited OTA program. You must also be licensed in the state where you plan to work. Additionally, you must have strong communication skills, be able to work independently, and have a willingness to travel to different locations.
Some employers may also require travel OTAs to have at least one year of experience working as an OTA in a clinical setting. This experience can be gained through internships or entry-level positions.
What are the Benefits of Being a Travel OTA?
Being a travel occupational therapy assistant comes with several benefits. First, you have the opportunity to work in different locations and gain new experiences. This can help you build your professional network and develop new skills.
Travel OTAs also have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than regular OTAs. This is because they may be required to work in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals, which drives up demand for their services. In addition, travel OTAs typically receive benefits such as healthcare, housing, and travel reimbursement.
How to Find a Job as a Travel OTA?
There are several ways to find a job as a travel occupational therapy assistant. You can search job boards, such as Indeed or Monster, and filter your results by location and job type. You can also work with a staffing agency that specializes in travel healthcare placements.
When applying for a travel OTA job, make sure to highlight your previous experience working as an OTA and your willingness to travel. You should also be prepared to provide references and documentation of your licensure and training.
Conclusion
Being a travel occupational therapy assistant is a rewarding career that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Travel OTAs work with patients of all ages and provide rehabilitative services that help them regain their daily living skills. If you are interested in becoming a travel OTA, make sure to complete an accredited OTA program, obtain a state license, and gain experience working in a clinical setting. With these qualifications, you can start exploring new opportunities as a travel occupational therapy assistant.