Occupational therapy assisting degree overview

An occupational therapy assisting degree prepares students to help people regain independence in their daily lives after injury, illness, or disability. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of occupational therapists to provide hands-on support, helping patients develop or improve skills needed for everyday activities like dressing, eating, or working.

Students in this program learn about human anatomy, rehabilitation techniques, and how to use therapeutic exercises and adaptive equipment to assist patients. They also gain experience in working with different age groups, from children with developmental challenges to older adults recovering from strokes or injuries. Many programs include clinical fieldwork, where students practice their skills in real healthcare settings.

An occupational therapy assisting degree is typically offered at the associate degree level and prepares students for hands-on patient care in rehabilitation and therapy settings.

Note: All associate degree programs for occupational therapy assisting must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to qualify graduates for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required for licensing.

Here are the main program options:

• Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting: A two-year program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, mental health, and therapeutic techniques while also completing supervised clinical fieldwork to gain real-world experience. This degree is required to become a licensed occupational therapy assistant (OTA).
• Bridge Programs for Occupational Therapy: Some schools offer bridge programs that allow OTAs to continue their education and earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. These programs help students transition from being an assistant to becoming a fully licensed occupational therapist.

An occupational therapy assisting degree equips students with a variety of skills needed to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Some of the key skills learned include:

• Therapeutic Techniques: Learning how to assist patients with exercises, stretching, and activities that improve movement, coordination, and strength.
• Assistive Device Training: Understanding how to help patients use adaptive tools like walkers, braces, prosthetics, and specialized utensils to complete daily tasks.
• Patient Care and Communication: Developing strong interpersonal skills to work with patients of all ages, providing encouragement and clear instructions while documenting progress.
• Mental Health Support: Gaining knowledge about how to assist patients with cognitive or emotional challenges, such as those recovering from brain injuries or managing mental health conditions.

With an occupational therapy assisting degree, graduates can pursue a variety of careers that involve helping patients recover or adapt to daily life activities after illness, injury, or disability. Some career options include:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA): Work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities. This can include working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, or home health care.
• Rehabilitation Aide: Assist rehabilitation professionals by supporting patients with physical therapy and occupational therapy exercises. This role may include setting up equipment, preparing patients for therapy, and ensuring a safe environment for treatments.
• Geriatric Care Assistant: Focus on helping older adults regain mobility and independence, providing support in nursing homes or senior living facilities.
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant: Work with children who have developmental delays or disabilities, helping them develop skills needed for activities like writing, playing, or dressing.
• Mental Health Support Assistant: Work in psychiatric settings, assisting patients with mental health conditions in performing daily tasks and activities, as well as helping with emotional or cognitive rehabilitation.