Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in West Des Moines, IA
An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) plays a crucial role in the therapy industry by providing support to occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients. They help patients with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses improve their ability to perform daily activities. OTAs often take on the hands-on tasks of therapy sessions, instructing and aiding patients in exercises and activities, monitoring progress, and documenting patient responses. They also assist in preparing treatment areas and equipment. Essential skills for this role include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a compassionate and patient-centered approach, and good physical strength and dexterity to assist patients.
Before becoming an OTA, a person may hold roles such as a Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Certified Nursing Assistant to gain relevant experience. In terms of qualification, becoming an OTA requires completion of an associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a state license, which involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Furthermore, OTAs may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation to advance their career.
Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Ankeny, IA (20 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 7 days ago
- Ankeny, IA (20 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 7 days ago
Therapy Assistant license in the state(s) of practice, or eligibility to apply Degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program Basic computer literacy skills Current CPR certification...
Occupational Therapy Assistant - PRN
- Johnston, IA (16 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 12 days ago
- Johnston, IA (16 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 12 days ago
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Licensed in the state(s) where services are being provided as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant....
Therapist/Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/Iowa
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 30+ days ago
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 30+ days ago
We are searching for a caring and compassionate Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to work at our premier facility in Urbandale....
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 30+ days ago
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 30+ days ago
UPH Additional Information UnityPoint at Home - Urbandale, IA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Part Time - 0.5 Monday - Friday - Flexible Hours Overview Why UnityPoint Health?...
COTA, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Home Health
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 45+ days ago
- Urbandale, IA (11 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 45+ days ago
A day in the life of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for Home Health: Travel in all weather conditions and to all areas of the department service area Teach clients skills and techniques...
Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Granger, IA (19 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 45+ days ago
- Granger, IA (19 miles from West Des Moines, IA)
- 45+ days ago
Computer Skills: Computer literate and proficient in clinical documentation Basic Internet navigation skills Certificates and Licenses: Valid Occupational Therapist Assistant state license Interested...
Demographic Data for West Des Moines, IA
Moving to West Des Moines, IA? Find some basic demographic data about West Des Moines, IA below.
Occupational Therapist Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in West Des Moines, IA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Occupational Therapist Assistant positions.
Highest Education Level
Occupational Therapist Assistants in West Des Moines, IA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Occupational Therapist Assistant position
- Occupational Therapy
- Cognition
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Over the Road
- Adaptive Equipment
- Subacute Care
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Range of Motion
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Skilled Nursing
- Individualized Education Program
- Splinting
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Assisted Living
- Activities of Daily Living
- Outpatient
- Discharge Planning
- Trauma
- Hospice
- Acute Care
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Home Care
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Nursing
- Basic Life Support
- Program Development
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Staffing
- Flexibility
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Employee Development
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Occupational Therapist Assistant Related Career Advice Articles

What Employers Look for When Hiring for Therapist Jobs
Ready to launch your career in professional therapy? Find out what you can do to stand out to employers and get one step closer to becoming a therapist.
Read article »
Which Physical Therapy Career Path is Right for You?
Just beginning your physical therapist career? Learn about the different types of physical therapy and choose the right physical therapy career path for you.
Read article »
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Wondering how to become a physical therapist? Use this guide to learn about what physical therapists do, how long it takes to be a physical therapist, and even the average physical therapist salary.
Read article »