Occupational Therapy Assistants
Overview
Occupational Therapy Assistants help people of all ages regain or develop skills they need for everyday activities like eating, dressing, and working. You'll guide patients through therapeutic exercises, teach children with disabilities fun activities that improve their coordination, and show people how to use special equipment that makes daily tasks easier. Working closely with occupational therapists, you'll track patient progress using modern healthcare technology and play a key role in helping people live more independent lives.
Did you know?
Occupational Therapy Assistants must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice in the United States.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$66,577.65 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Systems Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Attend continuing education classes.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
- Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
Career Considerations
Educational and Licensing Requirements
Occupational Therapy Assistants must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice in the United States.
Supervision and Scope of Practice
OTAs work under the direct supervision of licensed occupational therapists and cannot independently evaluate patients or develop treatment plans, which limits autonomous decision-making in clinical settings.
Strong Job Market Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for OTAs due to an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services in healthcare facilities.