An Occupational Therapy Assistant helps an older man lift a small red dumbbell, guiding his arm during a rehabilitation exercise in a bright room with a plant in the background.
An Occupational Therapy Assistant helps an older man lift a small orange dumbbell during a rehabilitation exercise session. The assistant supports the man's arm and smiles encouragingly.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Healthcare degree career guide
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What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant? 

A smiling Occupational Therapy Assistant assists an older man in a yellow shirt with a shoulder exercise, gently supporting his arm in a bright, airy room.

An occupational therapy assistant is a professional who helps patients recover, maintain, and improve mobility for daily tasks. They often work with patients who have suffered a major injury and need to regain their previous ability to perform everyday functions. They may also assist patients with chronic illnesses that make it difficult for them to move. In these instances, it requires additional work for the patient to maintain their existing mobility and flexibility. 

Occupational therapy assistants will use a targeted set of movements and exercises to help the patient with his or her individual needs. These will vary from one patient to another. The care and assistance provided by an occupational therapy assistant is always carefully tailored to the individual that he or she is working with. 

As an occupational therapy assistant, you would work closely with an occupational therapist who will prescribe the appropriate regimen for the patient. These assistants will help the patient maintain this regimen and observe and record their progress, communicating closely with the occupational therapist at every stage. 

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What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant do?

Job responsibilities for an occupational therapy assistant include:

  • Assist patients with activities, like stretching, pushing and pulling, among others 
  • Help children with developmental disabilities, in social and coordination-based activities 
  • Maintain an encouraging manner throughout patients’ progression 
  • Educate patients on proper use of equipment 
  • Observe and record patients’ progress 
  • Assist patients with forms and minor billing issues 
  • Answering patient calls and assist with basic questions 
  • Report to occupational therapists and fulfill administrative functions 

What are the steps to becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
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20 months

Approximate Program Length

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73 credits

Total Credits

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It’s important to note that this is not a career you can learn entirely from a book. You must see and feel the way the body moves and how the therapeutic equipment and tools are operated. Working with patients and equipment in person is the only way to gain the experience that you need to truly succeed in this field. 

A good first step toward a career in this field is the Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree from Bryant & Stratton College. This program includes essential coursework, covering topics such as occupational therapy process, human movement for occupation, physical disability intervention, and psychosocial intervention. This program also includes the fieldwork that’s necessary to complete your degree and prepare you for employment in this field. 

Discover the Hybrid OTA Program at Bryant & Stratton College

As an on-campus or hybrid occupational therapy program, Bryant & Stratton College’s OTA degree program combines comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Students engage in both integrated and full-time clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings. This associate degree program blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing patient-centered care. Graduates emerge well-equipped to deliver effective treatments and make meaningful contributions in their future occupational therapy careers.

Next Start Dates

Online & Campus

May 06

Start Date

Our flexible delivery model is designed to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, offering many different terms to accommodate the unique needs of our students. With starts available every 8 to 16 weeks, you have the freedom to choose a timeline that aligns with your lifestyle and commitments.

This approach ensures that you can embark on your educational journey at a time that suits you best, providing the convenience and accessibility necessary for a successful learning experience.

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What Can I Do with an AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant assists a patient with arm exercises using a light blue dumbbell in a medical office setting.

With an AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant, you’ll be equipped for many jobs in occupational therapy. These careers can go by many names. As you’re conducting your job search, you should keep an eye out for titles such as: 

  • Pediatric occupational therapy assistant 
  • Acute care occupational therapy assistant 
  • Certified occupational therapy assistant 
  • Occupational therapy aide 

This is a rewarding career where you’ll have the opportunity to make a very visible change in the lives of your patients. Start exploring your opportunities for a successful future as an occupational therapy assistant today. 

For more insights into your career possibilities with an AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant, check out the healthcare degree section of our blog. Here you’ll find valuable information to help you plan your future as an occupational therapy assistant. 

A woman in black holds a yellow exercise band, while another woman, guided by an Occupational Therapy Assistant, sits on a scooter board gripping the band. Three other women stand in the background, watching and smiling in a therapy or classroom setting.

Gain Real World Experience at Bryant & Stratton College

Through our partnership network, students are provided with opportunities to actively apply their learnings in real-world settings.

There are several benefits to internship experiences that can impact your career success. Internships can provide insight into the hiring process, help you sharpen your professional skills, and learn to work with confidence in real-world situations.

Plus, internships are a valuable way to prove yourself to potential employers who may want to hire you as a result. You can also start developing a network of peers and mentors you can lean on for guidance and support. If you want to learn how we connect students with local internships that align with their goals, request info today.

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For insights into a career in the healthcare industry, please visit the Healthcare Degrees section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about healthcare and nursing careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Healthcare Degree Programs page.

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