Occupational Therapy Assistants

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Career Profile

Occupational Therapy Assistants

What they do

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 Called: Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Acute Care OT Assistant), Certified Occupational Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (LOTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Registered Therapist Assistant, School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (School Based COTA), Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Acute Care OT Assistant), Certified Occupational Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant (LOTA), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Registered Therapist Assistant, School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (School Based COTA)

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$51,490
Starting Salary (2025)
$72,300
Median Salary (2025)
19.2%
Projected Job Growth
51,290
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
Attend continuing education classes.
Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Concern for Others
Integrity
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Attention to Detail
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Time Management

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

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.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Associate's degree 92%
  • Some college 5%
  • Bachelor's degree 3%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Occupational Therapy Aides
Physical Therapist Assistants
Respiratory Therapists

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.