Occupational therapy assistants
SOC Code: 31-2011Also 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)
Median Annual Salary
$68,340
+19.2% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
49K
Current Jobs
What Occupational therapy assistants 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.
💰 Salary
$68,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+19.2%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
49,200
Projected Employment (2034)
58,700
Related Careers
Respiratory therapists
$80,450 •
+12.1% growth
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Occupational therapy assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a occupational therapy assistants:
Occupational Therapist Assistant
3,178 degrees awarded •
214 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Occupational therapy assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become occupational therapy assistants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make?
The median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is $68,340.
What education do occupational therapy assistants need?
Most occupational therapy assistants positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Is becoming occupational therapy assistants a good career choice?
Occupational therapy assistants is projected to see +19.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 7,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for occupational therapy assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring occupational therapy assistants include
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Stanbridge University, Arkansas State University, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Santa Ana College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to occupational therapy assistants?
Occupational therapy assistants may also be 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), Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA), Nursing Facility COTA (Nursing Facility Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Occupational Therapy Technician, Registered Therapist Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant, Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (Rehab Therapy Tech), School Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (School Based COTA), Travel COTA (Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.