Employment Outlook

Employment of occupational therapy assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2029. Job growth will result from an aging population, including the baby-boom generation, which will need more occupational therapy services. Increasing demand also will result from advances in medicine that allow more people with critical problems to survive and then need rehabilitative therapy. Third-party payers, concerned with rising healthcare costs, are expected to encourage occupational therapists to delegate more hands-on therapy work to occupational therapy assistants. By having assistants work more closely with clients under the guidance of a therapist, the cost of therapy should decline.

Median annual earnings range of occupational therapy assistants were $42,000 to 64,564 in May 2019. The projected job growth rate is 35 percent or more.

Employment success for SUNY Orange County Community College OTA graduates is excellent. Alumni successfully pursue full-time and part-time positions in a wide variety of employment settings throughout the United States as well as in the mid-Hudson region of New York.

Practice Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Assistants:

Occupational Therapy Assistants are employed in a wide variety of health, education and community settings including:

• Pediatric Facilities
• Public & Private Schools
• Day Care Programs
• Community Health Care Centers
• Wellness Programs
• General Hospitals
• Mental Health Facilities
• Home Care Service Programs
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Forensic Institutions
• Private Practice

Advanced Degrees in Occupational Therapy:

Graduates who elect to continue their education and pursue a master's degree in occupational therapy may take advantage of the program's articulation agreements with Dominican College in Blauvelt, New York and Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. The weekend, upper division occupational therapy programs at both Dominican College and Mercy College can be completed while working as an occupational therapy assistant.