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Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Ruston, LA

Bernice NRC LLC

PRN LPN Charge

Bernice, LA · On-site

$24 - $32.50/hr

We offer services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dementia ... assistants. You are responsible for ensuring that patients' needs are met in accordance with ...

All JobsOccupational Therapy JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Ruston, LA

Occupational Therapy Assistant information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$13

$23

$37

How much do occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy assistant in Ruston, LA is $23.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.16 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 Ruston, LA?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Ruston, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 60% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,637 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Part-time)

Northern Louisiana Medical Center

Ruston, LA

$23 - $30.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

A COTA is a skilled technical worker who performs occupational therapy treatments and related duties as assigned by the OTR. This work is carried out under the direction of an OTR who provides the COTA with supervision in accordance with state law.

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