What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Occupational therapy assistants must complete an associate degree from an accredited community college or technical school.

In addition to coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, psychology, biology and pediatric health, OTAs must complete at least 16 weeks on hands-on clinical work or fieldwork.

Level 1 Fieldwork introduces students to clinical experience and shadowing while they're taking academic courses. Level 2 Fieldwork is hands-on, structured experience that builds on all the academic learning and gives students a variety of real-life patient experiences. Depending on the program, this may be a full- or part-time internship.

Practice areas include pediatrics/youth focus, health and wellness, mental health, productive aging, rehabilitation/disability and work/industry focus.

Occupational therapy assistants must also pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists or NBCOT exam to earn Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) status. Continuing education classes are required to maintain that certification.

There are also many additional certifications for OTAs, including programs that focus on patients with limited vision or eating and swallowing problems, such as Parkinson’s patients.

All states regulate the practice of occupational therapy assistants and many require a license. (Regulations vary by state.)

In addition, many employers require assistants and aides to be trained in CPR.

Both practices focus on rehabilitation, but they differ in approach. An occupational therapy assistant helps patients regain the physical and mental strength to complete the daily tasks for independent living. A physical therapy assistant helps patients regain and improve body movement, typically after an accident.

Most assistants earn an associate degree, which takes two years to complete.

For insight from someone whose been there, watch this video that explains what OTA school is like.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 36% growth in employment of occupational therapy assistants. That growth is one of the reasons OTA is one of the top skilled trade jobs in-demand now. The need for occupational therapy is expected to grow as the population ages.  

Successful occupational therapists tend to share these traits: 

• Compassionate and enjoy helping people
• Adaptable and creative in coming up with patient plans, as no two patients will respond the same way to a specific therapy  
• Detail-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially with the elderly or children
• Good dexterity
• Physical stamina to provide therapy while bending or stooping and to work on your feet for long stretches of time