Occupational Therapy Assistant - Grand Rapids Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant from Grand Rapids Community College is a Campus Associate Occupational Therapy degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of registered occupational therapists to help rehabilitate patients who are physically or mentally disabled. They help develop and implement programs of educational, vocational and recreational activities that strengthen patients' muscle power, increase motion and coordination, and develop self-sufficiency in overcoming disabilities. They must be able to speak and write clearly and correctly in order to effectively serve physically and emotionally disabled clients. Employment opportunities for occupational therapy assistants are diverse. Area include: rehabilitation, hospitals, schools, psychiatric settings, home health care, industrial rehabilitation, schools, long term care centers and community agencies. Students interested in the program are advised to take preparatory courses in Psychology and biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology. All applicants will be asked to take an English placement test since good writing skills are essential for success as an occupational therapy assistant . Occupational Therapy is a profession in which members are required to give care to others, therefore it is necessary that the learner be able to reach a minimum level of competency. The occupational therapy assistant student will need to develop the skills necessary to relate to others and to demonstrate the characteristics of self-awareness, self-acceptance, awareness of others and the ability to communicate that awareness. Therapists need to cope effectively with the emotional demands of the environment and to interact effectively with a variety of people. A therapist must be capable of subordinating personal feelings and possess sufficient emotional stamina to deal with patients who will depend on them for emotional and psychological support during therapy. The physical functions include: 1. Physical Strength - A therapist will assist in transferring patients to or from wheelchairs, floors, mats, toilets, cars, beds, bathtubs, and showers. Other transfers may be required. These patients may be paralyzed or have some degree of incapacity such as poor balance, strength, coordination and endurance. The therapist may also have to move equipment, patients in wheelchairs, woodworking tools and craft equipment. 2. Mobility - In the course of performing duties in occupational therapy, a therapist will be expected to stand, lift, reach, bend, stretch, provide support and stability, and perform activities on a floor mat. Sufficient independent mobility within the architectural environment is necessary. A therapist must move quickly in an emergency, may have to quickly move patients, and may also perform treatment in a standing position over a long period of time. 3. Hearing - A therapist should have the ability to hear faint sounds from a distance of 4 feet -approximately the distance between a patient seated in a wheelchair and a person in a standing position next to the wheelchair. A therapist may be required to hear sounds such as those emitted by an electric hand saw, electric drill, motorized wheelchair, and blood pressure (using a stethoscope). 4. Visual Discrimination - A therapist should have sufficient vision to be able to differentiate movements, to read markings on instruments and measuring devices, and to read newspaper small print. 5. Coordination - Sufficient motor skills, eye-hand coordination skills, manipulative skills and sensory function in one upper extremity may be needed by a therapist to assist with therapeutic activities. Many other therapeutic activities require dexterity, manipulation, strength, and body flexibility to perform. 6. Manual Dexterity - A therapist should have sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate objects and people safely. Manual dexterity to fabricate splints, to assist a patient in the completion of therapeutic projects/activities, and to demonstrate fine motor movements is also required. 7. Communication Skills - A therapist should be able to communicate orally and in writing. For example, a therapist should be able to read and give directions and instructions and to record health data regarding patients/clients. View more details on Grand Rapids Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Occupational Therapy courses.