Whether they help children overcome sensory processing disorders or empower seniors to manage their health conditions, occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) turn treatment plans into real-life results. The career paths available for COTAs are diverse, and degree programs like the Master of Occupational Therapy at The College of St. Scholastica equip students to thrive in all of them.
Pediatric OT
As an OT, you have the power to make a difference in people’s lives. But as you climb the ladder in a traditional clinical setting, you may find that your passion for patient care dries up or that your career path is not taking you where you want to go.
Thankfully, there are several alternative jobs that can give you the flexibility you need to thrive in your OT career. From contract therapy to teletherapy, these roles help you leverage your expertise in ways that are both different from and complementary to standard clinical work.
Pediatric occupational therapy is a specialty that requires specialized training and unique skills to meet the needs of young patients. OT assistants in this field are under the direct supervision of licensed occupational therapists and support their efforts in helping children improve motor, sensory, and daily living skills. As a pediatric OT, you can help families through individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs and improve long-term outcomes.
Another great way to keep your OT job exciting is to become a travel therapist. The benefits of this position include free continuing education, fully furnished company housing or a stipend to find your own accommodations, a health insurance package with vision and dental, and the ability to see new parts of the country for every assignment. Most positions are a minimum of 13 weeks, and you can choose your desired location for each contract you take.
The healthcare industry is changing, and OTs are a critical part of the solution. Whether you are passionate about working with kids, supporting mental health or improving workplace ergonomics, the diverse opportunities available in this field allow you to make your mark and thrive in a way that aligns with your talents and goals. If you are ready to make a change in your life, a master’s or doctorate degree from The College of St. Scholastica can prepare you to excel in an OT career path that fits your needs. Learn more about our programs.
Geriatric OT
OTAs working in this area often work directly with patients who are recovering from strokes, surgeries or traumatic injuries. They may help them learn to dress or use the bathroom again, regain strength and mobility in their hands, arms or legs, and even walk. As an OT, you’ll help these patients reclaim more than their physical ability—they’ll reclaim hope, confidence and independence.
In this area, you’ll find jobs in nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, home health therapy agencies and long-term care facilities. Typically, geriatric OTs work closely with nurses and other healthcare providers to ensure all needs are being met. Your daily job tasks will include guiding seniors through therapeutic exercises, teaching them how to transfer between two seats (e.g. a wheelchair and toilet), improving the ability to perform basic household tasks, and encouraging them to take part in social activities.
As the aging global population increases, so will the need for OTs and OTAs to help them reclaim daily functions. In this shifting landscape, OTAs are poised to lead innovative initiatives, but their true impact lies in their hands-on implementation of occupational therapy goals and treatment plans. OTAs are the unsung architects of daily life—translating abstract therapeutic goals into tangible, meaningful actions that redefine quality of life for millions.
For geriatric OTs, this means embracing technology and rethinking traditional models of practice. It could mean introducing wearable sensors that allow for real-time tracking of functional performance, or it could mean managing patient portals and leading telehealth sessions. The role requires a unique blend of technical skill, empathy and adaptability—balancing innovation with the profession’s core ethos of patient-centered, occupation-focused care.
The OT industry offers many exciting and challenging career paths, and degree programs like the one at St. Scholastica are designed to prepare you for a successful future in this rewarding field. Whether you’re interested in physical rehabilitation, mental health support or ergonomics, there’s an occupational therapy specialty that fits your passions and skills. Ready to start your career in this transformative and fulfilling field? Take the first step today.
Mental Health OT
The occupational therapy profession helps people of all ages regain their ability to perform everyday tasks, or “occupations,” that may have been impacted by injury, illness or disability. Occupational therapy degree holders can find success in a variety of healthcare settings, including a number of positions that do not require licensure. These positions allow new graduates to gain valuable experience and make meaningful contributions before seeking a full license in the field.
Non-clinical occupational therapy jobs can also offer a wide range of benefits and perks, making them excellent options for OT grads who want to expand their skillset or try out new specializations in the field without risking their eligibility for professional licensure. Whether through contract work or teletherapy, these roles can be rewarding for OT professionals who are willing to take on challenging assignments that can be highly fulfilling.
Healthcare industries that value the expertise of occupational therapy degree holders without requiring licensure include rehabilitation support, community program coordination and health education. In these settings, OT graduates can leverage their knowledge of adaptive techniques and human development to design and implement effective initiatives that do not necessitate direct patient treatment.
Similarly, some OTs find success in positions that focus on helping patients manage their own healthcare through wellness coaching or self-care strategies. In these areas, the ability to communicate with patients and encourage them to set goals and make progress is highly valued. OTs who specialize in these areas can enjoy competitive compensation and flexible schedules.
Other occupational therapists work in state or private assistive technology (AT) offices to help clients select and utilize equipment that supports daily tasks, such as feeding devices or wheelchairs. These roles require the same core competencies as clinical work but do not require licensure.
Many OTs are also employed as consultants in the field of ergonomics, where they can use their deep understanding of adaptive technique to design workplace environments that support the physical and mental wellbeing of employees. In these roles, a consultant may not interact directly with clients, but he or she can provide recommendations and guidance to employers on ergonomic improvements that help mitigate health risks.
Hand Therapy
If you have a deep interest in anatomy, precision and working closely with patients who need help recovering from injury, hand therapy may be your ideal field. You’ll use custom splinting, manual therapy and education to help patients improve strength, mobility and function in the hands and wrists after injuries like tendon repairs and carpal tunnel release. COTAs in this area often work in healthcare facilities, but also in outpatient clinics and home health therapy agencies.
OT jobs are all about giving people the tools they need to live their best lives. With so many specialization options to choose from, there’s a place for you in this rewarding profession. Get started on your path to becoming a COTA at St. Scholastica. Request information today.