Occupational Therapist Assistant - a student's questions for COTA's

Hi - I am currently working on my prerequisites to apply for OTA school next spring. I have read over these forums and am now a little reluctant to jump in head first into this career.

After reading forums, browsing the AOTA website, and searching YouTube videos, I am still wondering what really this profession is all about. However, I do know that it's a helping and nurturing career requiring knowledge of anatomy/physiology and psychology, and having good interpersonal skills.

I am 28 and am two terms away from attaining my associates of science university transfer. My original plan was to major is social science, possibly social work or psychology. I currently am an Assistant Office Manager for an Auto Dealership. I despise sitting in a chair in front of a computer, number crunching, typing, and answering phone calls. What I need is a career that makes me feel more useful, where I'm able to walk around a little, and use my interpersonal skills to help others in a more meaningful way that I am now.

I believe that here in Oregon most of the COTA's are employed by hospitals and even more are employed by nursing facilities. I would love for current or past COTA's to answer me the following:

1. Your job satisfaction with the profession. Do you like it - why or why not.
2. A typical day in your working hours as a COTA
3. What opportunities do you think the future holds for a COTA? I ask this because there really aren't as many job openings in the Portland area as the BLS states. I'm a little hesitant about whether or not job prospects are as plentiful as the schools and the BLS say.

Thanks in advance. Have a great day!