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Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$16

$27

$44

How much do occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.65 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an occupational therapy assistant do?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. OTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, and documenting progress. They work with individuals of all ages who may have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, helping them achieve greater independence.

What does an occupational therapy assistant do?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work with Occupational Therapists (OT) to help patients with disabilities to develop skills for daily living. They work with patients to complete activities, use helpful tools and devices, and practice skills and positive behaviors. They also help facilitate sessions by setting up, transporting patients, and completing administrative tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupational therapy assistant?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited OTA program, state licensure, and a solid understanding of anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and adaptability help build rapport with clients and support effective therapy delivery. These skills and qualifications enable OTAs to provide high-quality care, support patient progress, and work efficiently within healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges occupational therapy assistants face when working with diverse patient populations?

Occupational Therapy Assistants often work with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds, and medical conditions, which can present challenges in communication and adapting therapeutic approaches. It's important to be flexible and creative when tailoring interventions to meet each patient's unique needs and cultural preferences. Additionally, balancing a busy caseload while ensuring personalized care for each client requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Collaborating closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals is key to overcoming these challenges and providing effective patient support.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapy Assistant?

AspectOccupational Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapy Assistant
CredentialsAssociate's degree in occupational therapy assisting, certification requiredAssociate's degree in physical therapy assisting, licensure or certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, sports facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers focusing on daily living skillsHealthcare providers focusing on mobility and physical function

Both roles support patient recovery but focus on different aspects: Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients regain daily living skills, while Physical Therapy Assistants focus on improving mobility and physical function. They often work together in healthcare settings to provide comprehensive care.

Is being an occupational therapy assistant worth it?

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) support licensed occupational therapists in helping patients develop or recover daily living and work skills. The role offers steady employment, a median annual salary around $62,000, and opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, or schools, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Job satisfaction depends on working with diverse populations and the ability to make a positive impact on patients' lives.

Where do occupational therapy assistants get paid the most?

Occupational therapy assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized settings can also influence salary levels.
More about Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

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The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,188 per year, or $28 per hour.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ambercare - an Addus family company

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

$24.75 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Addus HomeCare rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 247 rated social care providers

Job description

Come work for one of the largest Home Health Care companies in the State of New Mexico. Ambercare Homecare is looking for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to come join our rapidly growing team in Belen, NM.

  • Full-Time
  • Monday through Friday
  • 8am to 5pm
  • Belen, Valencia County, Socorro

We offer:

  • Great culture and team atmosphere
  • Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, disability)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
  • Generous time off accruals
  • Paid holidays
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Merit Increases
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Work/life balance

What You’ll Do:

  • Communicates clients’ status, changes in condition, changes in care plan and needs to family members, staff and other professionals
  • Maintains regular, predictable, consistent attendance and is flexible to meet the needs of the department
  • Perform all occupational therapy procedures planned and delegated as prescribed by the provider in the clients place of residence as instructed and supervised by the qualified occupational therapist
  • Assist clients to and from treatment or training areas and instruct client in pushing wheelchair, supporting or lifting and positioning in and out of bed
  • Assist client with slings, splints and self-help devices to obtain physical independence
  • Observe client for signs of distress and adjust activities accordingly
  • Maintains accurate clinical records, keeping track of goals and progress of clients’

Qualifications:

  • Certified as an occupational therapy assistant by AOTA, American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Current licensure as a occupational therapist assistant in the state of practice
  • 1 year of occupational therapy assistant experience (preferred)
  • Must be willing to travel within local geographic area
  • Complies and maintains current CPR certification.
  • Must have reliable transportation, current driver's license and appropriate automobile insurance

Text 11595 to to apply

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Employee wellbeing is top priority at Addus Homecare, and we're thrilled to announce our recognition as the top healthcare company on Indeed's 2024 Top 100 Work Wellbeing Index. View the full rankings here:

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