Chapter 2: The Evolution and Re-Evolution of Occupational Therapy Assistant Training and Practice

A set of practice flashcards covering the evolution, roles, education, professional relationships, and employment outlook of occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) as presented in the chapter.

What are the three recognized roles in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapist (OT), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), and occupational therapy aide.

What are the main responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

Evaluate, plan, implement intervention, and arrange discharge planning.

How does the OTA practice differ in supervision and evaluation roles?

The OTA works under the supervision of the occupational therapist and may assist with evaluation.

What are the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Aide?

Nonclinical supportive roles such as setting up treatment rooms and cleaning the clinic.

How is the OTA defined per AOTA?

An OTA provides safe and effective occupational therapy services under the supervision of and in partnership with the OT, in accordance with laws/regulations and AOTA documents.

What are the service components delineated between OT and OTA?

Screening, evaluation (and re-evaluation), implementation, and outcomes.

Where are OT/OTA historically employed?

Skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals.

What sparked the OTA role in the 1950s?

A shortage of occupational therapists in psychiatric practice led AOTA to form a committee (1956) to explore a new practitioner level; OTA profession established in 1958.

When was the first OTA program opened and how long was the training?

Open in 1960; three-month training.

What happened in 1965 related to OTA education and certification?

Dual certification in psychiatric and general practice; associate degrees offered.

Key OTA milestones in the 1970s?

1973 Career Mobility Program; 1975 education requirements solidified; 1977 certification exam established.

What membership and voting milestones occurred for OTAs between 1963 and 1976?

1963 associate membership granted; 1965 voting rights defeated; 1975 COTA Award of Excellence; 1976 full membership status and voting rights.

What OTA milestones occurred in 1983 and 1986?

1983 first OTA elected to Representative Assembly; 1986 COTA Advisory Committee formed.

What was emphasized about OTAs in the 1990s regarding care?

OTs and OTAs are collaborators and partners with mutual respect; OTAs take on greater direct patient care responsibilities.

What changes occurred within AOTA for OTAs in the 1990s, including 1991?

OTA networking steering committee formed (1991); OTAs served on the AOTA Commission on Practice, Commission on Standards, and Representative Assembly.

How is OTA education described in the 21st century?

Continued growth of accredited OTA programs, exclusively offered in colleges or universities; generalist focus; two-year programs with multiple fieldwork experiences.

What does the AOTA Scope of Practice define for OTAs?

Defines the requirements to practice as an OTA; states may have additional regulations.

What are common pathways for upward mobility for OTAs?

Advancement within the scope of practice; participation in career-laddering and educational laddering programs; states may have additional regulations.

What is described by The Re-Evolution in the OTA profession?

Positive employment outlook with about 30% growth in employment from 2008 to 2018; ranked as the 13th most employable occupation.

What factors contribute to the positive employment outlook for OTAs?

Aging baby boomers, trauma survivors, chronic illnesses, obesity crisis, students with special needs, rising health care costs.