Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients. Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills. For example, they may teach clients to move from a bed into a wheelchair or to complete self-care activities, such as bathing and getting dressed.

In addition, an occupational therapy assistant might help injured clients return to the workforce by teaching them to compensate for lost motor skills. Occupational therapy assistants also may work with people who have disabilities, helping them learn socialization, money management, or other skills they need to be successful and independent at school, work, or home.

Occupational therapy assistants are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists and other healthcare specialists. These assistants help to coordinate client care by monitoring activities to make sure that clients do them correctly, recording client progress, and providing feedback. They also collaborate with occupational therapists so that the therapist can modify the client’s plan as needed.

Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program, although some bachelor’s degree programs also are available. Associate’s degree programs generally require 2 years of full-time study and include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology. In addition to taking coursework, occupational therapy assistants must complete several months of fieldwork to gain hands-on work experience.