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Career Pathways

Occupational Therapy (OT) Aide



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Description of an OT Aide

Occupational Therapy Aides facilitates treatment for recovering patients, elderly, and children with certain limitations to improve their skills and development within their normal surroundings. An occupational therapy aide prepares materials and equipment for occupational therapists (OTs) and assistants (OTAs) to use to treat patients who have lost the ability to perform activities of daily living. He or she helps patients who need assistance getting to and from treatment rooms. An OT aide may also be responsible for clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments and filing patient records.

Note: Unlike an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, an OT aide does not provide direct patient care, but he or she helps enable treatment by providing support for those who do.

OT Aide Work Settings and Populations Served

Occupational Therapist Aides can:

  • Work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics
  • Work in a residential setting or in a person’s home
  • Work in schools
  • Work with people of all ages and abilities


Hiring Requirements

Will vary by hiring agency/employer

 

TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS

 High school graduate

 

CAREER

PATHWAY

A person who is working as an OT Aide can move into the following positions with additional education:

Health Services:

  • LPN
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Nursing Degree