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What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An occupational therapy assistant helps people who are physically or mentally disabled to regain independence by teaching them new skills.

Occupational Therapy Assistant job duties include:

  • Help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
  • Assist patients in performing activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
  • Help patients regain skills after an injury or illness by using exercises, stretching, and other therapies.
  • Teach patients how to use adaptive equipment to compensate for physical limitations.
  • Show patients how to safely perform tasks at home or work.
  • Help patients manage their pain.
  • Promote wellness and prevent injury by teaching patients about healthy lifestyles.
  • Collaborate with occupational therapists and other health care professionals to develop treatment plans.
  • Document patients' progress and prepare reports for review by occupational therapists and other members of the health care team.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Requirements

To become an occupational therapy assistant, one must first complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. After completing the educational requirements, the individual must then pass a national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Once certified, the individual must then apply for state licensure. Some states may require additional exams or coursework. Most states also require that occupational therapy assistants complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Good listener
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to multitask
  • Detail oriented
  • Observant
  • Physical stamina
  • Creative problem solving
  • Flexible
  • Punctual

Related: Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) works with an occupational therapist (OT) to provide therapy services to patients. As an OTA, you will help patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities regain independence and improve their quality of life.

If you are interested in becoming an OTA, you will need to complete a two-year associate’s degree program at a community college or technical school. During your studies, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and occupational therapy. You will also complete a supervised fieldwork experience.

After you have completed your education and fieldwork requirements, you will need to pass a national certification exam to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Once you are certified, you will be able to find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Related: Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Example

Related: Occupational Therapy Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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