WEBVTT

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People who struggle to feed themselves,

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get dressed, learn and work...

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depend on occupational therapy assistants

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and aides-to help them reach their goals.

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These professionals help patients gain skills

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and learn new ways to perform

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activities of daily living, whether at home,

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school, or work.

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Occupational therapy-or OT-assistants

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carry out treatment plans made by

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occupational therapists,

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treating patients from young children

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to older adults.

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They guide patients in the use of

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special equipment,

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and teach new ways to approach tasks

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such as moving from bed to a wheelchair.

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They document each step of patients' progress,

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and consult frequently with the OT.

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Occupational therapy aides

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keep treatment areas clean, equipped,

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and ready for the next patient.

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They assist patients in moving

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to and from treatment areas,

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schedule appointments,

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and help patients fill out billing

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and insurance forms.

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Most assistants and aides work in

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occupational therapists' offices, hospitals,

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and nursing care facilities.

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Both spend many hours a day on their feet,

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setting up equipment, bending,

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and lifting patients when necessary.

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Evening and weekend hours may be required.

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Occupational therapy assistants

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need an associate's degree

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from an accredited program,

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and, in most states, a license.

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Aides typically have a high school diploma

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or equivalent, and are trained on the job.

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Helping restore meaningful activity

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to the lives of their patients...

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provides a sense of purpose to

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OT aides and assistants.