Occupational Therapy Assistants
Human Advantage 81%
Strongly human-essential role
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.1 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Acute Care OT Assistant), Certified Occupational Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Travel OTA (Certified Travel Occupational Therapist Assistant), Home Health COTA (Home Health Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), Independent Living Specialist, Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (LOTA) +10 more
Core Tasks
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- 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.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Attend continuing education classes.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- 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.
- Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
- Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
- Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
- Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
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Software (37)
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Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Physical Health Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Occupational Therapy Assistants You are here
Zone 4
Clinical Research Coordinators 78% match
Zone 5
Anesthesiologists 79% match
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