There has been an accumulation of vexation and discouragement, coming from those who are Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physiotherapy Assistants (OTA/PTA's). We are being undermined. We are being taken advantage of by employers.

Many OTA/PTA's are complaining about having difficulty finding work, and are repulsed with the offering wages that are between 11$-13$ an hour, more IF we're lucky. There is no consistency - one job ad will offer a pay-grade of $29 an hour (which is very difficult to come by), while another ad will be offering $11, maybe $15. It is unacceptable to be offered near minimum wage or lower, especially having done a two year health program. The Associations aren't necessarily responsible for what employers pay OTA/PTA's (they just need to be made aware). Union jobs are better paid than private - we need to make it consistent though, so that the pay-grade is not from one extreme to the next. 

The OTA/PTA program is amazing. The professors and coordinator's do their job in teaching us well in all that we need to know, in providing therapeutic treatment, mentally and physically, to vulnerable individuals. The program is competitive, only a few are chosen to be in it! It also has become an Accredited program. We are highly benefiting to the rehabilitation process. Our role as an OTA/PTA when working, is demanding! Our duties are heavy! Our knowledge and education, are extensive and ongoing.

We did not attend college to make near, or exactly minimum wage. We did not attend college to end up having to work multiple jobs in order to make a living, pay bills and our student loan(s). We did not get a college education, in health, to be treated this poorly and struggle in the working world.

Please hear us. Please help us fight for better pay, more respect and recognition!

Below is a listing of salary for OTA/PTA's in Canada and USA. Most of it is quite inaccurate for Canada, because if you job search, you will find most places are offering even lower than what these links share. 

Physiotherpay Assistant in Canada (Salary): http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Physiotherapy_Assistant/Hourly_Rate

Physiotherapy Assistant in USA (Salary):http://physical-therapy-assistant.org/how-much-is-a-physical-therapist-assistant-salary/                  

Occupational Therapy Assistant in Canada (Salary): http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Certified_Occupational_Therapy_Assistant_(COTA)/Hourly_Rate

Occupational Therapy Assistant in USA (Salary): http://www1.salary.com/CA/Ontario/Certified-Occupational-Therapist-Assistant-salary.html