3 answers
Makayla
Student
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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can you work throughout OTA or PTA schooling?
I don't like math and want to be an OTA or a PTA, would this be an issue? I also would like to know if I can work or if it is a very intense program. Please tell me what the difference of a OTA and PTA is. I would prefer to work with kids and helping help out.
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3 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
63
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Makayla,
You can definitely conquer your dislike for a subject and reach your goals, so don't let your aversion to math stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming an OTA or PTA. It's crucial to grasp the principles of math and science for these roles. OTA and PTA programs are full-time, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 years. Depending on the program, you might get a summer break after the first year. These programs can be demanding, but there's usually room to work on weekends. They also include a clinical education phase where you'll intern full-time in a clinic under a licensed instructor.
As an occupational therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational Therapy aims to teach people to perform tasks needed for independent living or job functions. This could be due to an injury or illness requiring long-term or permanent adjustments, or a permanent physical, mental, or developmental disability.
As a physical therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed physical therapist. Physical Therapy focuses on aiding people to recover from injuries or illnesses that restrict their movement. PTAs help patients regain motion range, strength, and flexibility in affected body parts, improve balance and coordination, and alleviate pain.
Both PTAs and OTAs work with young patients. OTAs often assist children with developmental disabilities to develop play and social skills. PTAs typically concentrate on strengthening and mobility skills in children. Both PTAs and OTAs can be found in school systems and pediatric outpatient clinics. Consider contacting a local pediatric therapy clinic to see if you could spend a day or two shadowing and understanding the job differences between occupational and physical therapy.
You can definitely conquer your dislike for a subject and reach your goals, so don't let your aversion to math stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming an OTA or PTA. It's crucial to grasp the principles of math and science for these roles. OTA and PTA programs are full-time, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 years. Depending on the program, you might get a summer break after the first year. These programs can be demanding, but there's usually room to work on weekends. They also include a clinical education phase where you'll intern full-time in a clinic under a licensed instructor.
As an occupational therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational Therapy aims to teach people to perform tasks needed for independent living or job functions. This could be due to an injury or illness requiring long-term or permanent adjustments, or a permanent physical, mental, or developmental disability.
As a physical therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed physical therapist. Physical Therapy focuses on aiding people to recover from injuries or illnesses that restrict their movement. PTAs help patients regain motion range, strength, and flexibility in affected body parts, improve balance and coordination, and alleviate pain.
Both PTAs and OTAs work with young patients. OTAs often assist children with developmental disabilities to develop play and social skills. PTAs typically concentrate on strengthening and mobility skills in children. Both PTAs and OTAs can be found in school systems and pediatric outpatient clinics. Consider contacting a local pediatric therapy clinic to see if you could spend a day or two shadowing and understanding the job differences between occupational and physical therapy.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Jason Williams
1
Answer
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I am an OTA and I work school based as my primary setting, although I do work in skilled nursing part time for extra money. I worked full time through the first year and half of the second year of the program as the classes were at night, but the last semester you do fieldwork that will take up 40 hours a week so I took a leave from my job. Generally they said not to work during the last semester. If you want to work with kids then you will find more opportunities as an OTA in school based settings and depending on where you live you may be able to break into a pediatric clinic. OTAs in school settings work on functional skills related to writing, scissor use, general fine motor skills, and sensory integration (being able to function within your environment) just to name a few. A PTA would work more on physical function to be able to navigate the school environment safely, and I have not worked with a PTA in a school, only PTs. I feel that you would see PTAs more in skilled nursing.
I work with a wide spectrum of kids and no day is ever the same. The same can be said for skilled nursing and working with the geriatric population, but you would want to work with patients that are mostly coming out the hospital after a fall or an infection that has gone untreated. The OTA program did focus more on the medical side, but it is necessary to get your degree.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck!
Volunteer in a special education classroom that provides OT services.
Ask to observe in a pediatric clinic.
I work with a wide spectrum of kids and no day is ever the same. The same can be said for skilled nursing and working with the geriatric population, but you would want to work with patients that are mostly coming out the hospital after a fall or an infection that has gone untreated. The OTA program did focus more on the medical side, but it is necessary to get your degree.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck!
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1328
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Makayla! 🎉 It’s awesome that you’re looking into becoming an OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) or PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant)!
Can You Work During OTA or PTA Schooling? 💼👩🎓
In most cases, yes, you can work while in OTA or PTA school, but it’s a little like juggling flaming torches. 🔥 While the programs are intense, especially when it comes to clinical rotations and coursework, if you have a flexible job (like part-time or weekends), it might be doable. Just make sure to keep a balance because there are lots of practical skills to learn and exams to pass.
Pro tip: Try to find a job in the healthcare field (like a therapy aide or similar role) to get hands-on experience while in school. It’ll make the transition smoother and give you a head start!
Is Math an Issue? 🤔
Here’s the good news: Math isn’t a huge focus in either OTA or PTA programs. You don’t need to be a math whiz to succeed in these fields. However, you’ll still need to have some basic math skills for things like measuring medication dosages, calculating patient ranges, and understanding certain equipment settings. But no need to worry—you can work through it without stressing over complex equations.
Difference Between OTA and PTA? 🤸♀️🏃♂️
Good question! Here’s a quick breakdown:
OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant):
OTAs help people perform daily tasks (like eating, dressing, or writing) by working on improving their fine motor skills. They typically work with patients who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. OTAs can work with kids, elderly people, or anyone who needs assistance in daily life activities. If you're interested in working with children and helping them with life skills, this might be your perfect match!
PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant):
PTAs help patients with physical recovery, often after an injury or surgery. They focus more on physical exercises and movement to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. If you’re into helping people get back to physical activities (like sports, walking, or even just sitting up), PTA might be the way to go.
Pro tip: If you prefer working with kids, both fields have opportunities. PTAs might work with kids recovering from injuries, while OTAs could assist with kids developing skills for daily activities (like fine motor skills for writing or buttoning shirts).
The Intensity of the Program? 😅
Both programs are rigorous because you’re learning how to help people regain their independence or function, which is seriously important work! Expect a mix of:
Classroom lectures
Hands-on clinical training
Tons of memorization (like anatomy, therapeutic techniques, etc.)
Internships/externships where you’ll be working directly with patients
The good news: You won’t be alone! There are tons of resources—study groups, professors, and fellow students to help out. And don’t forget, you’re training for a career where you’ll be changing people’s lives, so the hard work will be worth it!
Final Thoughts
Can you work? Yes, but balance is key.
Math worries? Not a huge issue, but a little basic math will come into play.
OTA or PTA? Both have amazing opportunities, and either could involve working with kids depending on the focus.
And don’t forget: You’re aiming for a job that makes a real difference. Every patient you help will appreciate the effort you put in, even if it feels tough sometimes!
Good luck, and don’t let anything stand in your way! 💪🌟 You’ve got this!
Can You Work During OTA or PTA Schooling? 💼👩🎓
In most cases, yes, you can work while in OTA or PTA school, but it’s a little like juggling flaming torches. 🔥 While the programs are intense, especially when it comes to clinical rotations and coursework, if you have a flexible job (like part-time or weekends), it might be doable. Just make sure to keep a balance because there are lots of practical skills to learn and exams to pass.
Pro tip: Try to find a job in the healthcare field (like a therapy aide or similar role) to get hands-on experience while in school. It’ll make the transition smoother and give you a head start!
Is Math an Issue? 🤔
Here’s the good news: Math isn’t a huge focus in either OTA or PTA programs. You don’t need to be a math whiz to succeed in these fields. However, you’ll still need to have some basic math skills for things like measuring medication dosages, calculating patient ranges, and understanding certain equipment settings. But no need to worry—you can work through it without stressing over complex equations.
Difference Between OTA and PTA? 🤸♀️🏃♂️
Good question! Here’s a quick breakdown:
OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant):
OTAs help people perform daily tasks (like eating, dressing, or writing) by working on improving their fine motor skills. They typically work with patients who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. OTAs can work with kids, elderly people, or anyone who needs assistance in daily life activities. If you're interested in working with children and helping them with life skills, this might be your perfect match!
PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant):
PTAs help patients with physical recovery, often after an injury or surgery. They focus more on physical exercises and movement to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. If you’re into helping people get back to physical activities (like sports, walking, or even just sitting up), PTA might be the way to go.
Pro tip: If you prefer working with kids, both fields have opportunities. PTAs might work with kids recovering from injuries, while OTAs could assist with kids developing skills for daily activities (like fine motor skills for writing or buttoning shirts).
The Intensity of the Program? 😅
Both programs are rigorous because you’re learning how to help people regain their independence or function, which is seriously important work! Expect a mix of:
Classroom lectures
Hands-on clinical training
Tons of memorization (like anatomy, therapeutic techniques, etc.)
Internships/externships where you’ll be working directly with patients
The good news: You won’t be alone! There are tons of resources—study groups, professors, and fellow students to help out. And don’t forget, you’re training for a career where you’ll be changing people’s lives, so the hard work will be worth it!
Final Thoughts
Can you work? Yes, but balance is key.
Math worries? Not a huge issue, but a little basic math will come into play.
OTA or PTA? Both have amazing opportunities, and either could involve working with kids depending on the focus.
And don’t forget: You’re aiming for a job that makes a real difference. Every patient you help will appreciate the effort you put in, even if it feels tough sometimes!
Good luck, and don’t let anything stand in your way! 💪🌟 You’ve got this!