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Military Occupational Therapy Assistants

Military Career

General Information

Description

Occupational therapy assistants support occupational therapists and/or medical officers in administering occupational therapy-- a form of therapy that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. These specialists find new and easy ways for people who are going through physical, mental, and emotional trauma to accomplish everyday tasks so that they can overcome limitations and lead a satisfying life. Some of their responsibilities include examining patients, planning treatment, reviewing progress, updating prescribed treatment, examining the patients’ homes, helping children participate in school activities, and helping their patients with doing daily tasks like washing, dressing, cooking, and eating.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Occupational therapy assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Military

487

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$85,836

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$31,064 - $198,543

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 91%
  • Some college 5%
  • Bachelor's degree 2%
  • High school 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Occupational therapy assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Anatomy, physiology, and psychologyHandling and positioning of patientsPrinciples of rehabilitationPatient careWorking on a medical team

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Occupational therapy assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Anatomy, physiology, and psychology
  • Handling and positioning of patients
  • Principles of rehabilitation
  • Patient care
  • Working on a medical team

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Education and Training
  • Administrative

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.