An occupational therapy aide prepares materials and equipment for occupational therapists and assistants and may help patients get to and from treatment rooms. They may also perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing patient records.
Learn more about what an occupational therapy aide does and what it takes to become one.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Occupational therapy involves rehabilitating individuals who have lost their ability to perform activities of daily living due to an illness, injury, or disability. Unlike an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, an occupational therapy aide does not provide direct patient care. Instead, they help facilitate treatment by providing support for those who do.
Acronym: OT aide
How an Occupational Therapy Aide Works
Most OT aides work in occupational therapists’ offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. Although their actual duties may vary depending on their employer, they usually include:
Setting up therapy equipmentPreparing treatment areas, including cleaning the areas and equipmentWrapping up after treatments by cleaning, putting away equipment, and gathering laundryTransporting patientsTaking inventory of equipment and materials to ensure adequate supplyPerforming clerical tasks, including filing, scheduling appointments, and answering calls and emailsHelping patients with billing and insurance forms
Often, occupational therapy aides need to be able to lift, transfer, and transport patients safely. They also need to be able to handle medical equipment and work with technology such as computers and software systems.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Requirements for Occupational Therapy Aides
To get an entry-level position as an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma. Your employer will provide on-the-job training that will last from a few days to a few weeks that will include how to set up equipment and keep treatment rooms germ-free.
Soft skills OT aides usually need to succeed in this field include:
Active listening: Strong listening skills will allow you to understand, and therefore, follow instructions from occupational therapists and assistants. It will also help you care for your patients. Verbal communication: You must be able to clearly convey information to your colleagues and patients. Interpersonal skills: In addition to excellent listening and speaking skills, you must be able to understand non-verbal cues, coordinate your actions with others, and show empathy and sympathy. Service orientation: You must have a desire to help people. Detail orientation: Attention to detail is imperative, especially when it comes to following therapists’ instructions, keeping treatment rooms clean and tidy, and helping patients complete forms.
Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants
Not directly involved with patient care Assist patients with therapeutic activities
Need at least high school diploma or equivalent Need an associate’s degree from an accredited training program
Not required to be licensed or registered Must be licensed or registered by the state in which they work
OT aides and assistants differ from one another significantly regarding their educational requirements and job duties. Occupational therapist assistants help patients do therapeutic activities under an occupational therapist’s supervision. OT aides are responsible only for tasks that are indirectly related to patient care.
OT aides need only a high school or equivalency diploma while OT assistants must earn at least an associate’s degree from an accredited training program. OT assistants must be licensed or registered by the state in which they want to work, but there is no such requirement for aides.
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or OT assistant, then becoming an OT aide can be a good way to get to know the field and decide whether it’s for you before committing to more schooling.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
Featured Video
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What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
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10 Jobs for High School Graduates
Top 10 Fastest Growing Careers
No College Required: Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries in the U.S.
Skills for a Successful Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?
What Does a Medical Secretary Do?
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
Important Job Skills for Medical Assistants
Healthcare Jobs for College Grads
Important Skills for Dental Assistant Jobs
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When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
An occupational therapy aide prepares materials and equipment for occupational therapists and assistants and may help patients get to and from treatment rooms. They may also perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing patient records.
Learn more about what an occupational therapy aide does and what it takes to become one.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Occupational therapy involves rehabilitating individuals who have lost their ability to perform activities of daily living due to an illness, injury, or disability. Unlike an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, an occupational therapy aide does not provide direct patient care. Instead, they help facilitate treatment by providing support for those who do.
Acronym: OT aide
How an Occupational Therapy Aide Works
Most OT aides work in occupational therapists’ offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. Although their actual duties may vary depending on their employer, they usually include:
Setting up therapy equipmentPreparing treatment areas, including cleaning the areas and equipmentWrapping up after treatments by cleaning, putting away equipment, and gathering laundryTransporting patientsTaking inventory of equipment and materials to ensure adequate supplyPerforming clerical tasks, including filing, scheduling appointments, and answering calls and emailsHelping patients with billing and insurance forms
Often, occupational therapy aides need to be able to lift, transfer, and transport patients safely. They also need to be able to handle medical equipment and work with technology such as computers and software systems.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Requirements for Occupational Therapy Aides
To get an entry-level position as an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma. Your employer will provide on-the-job training that will last from a few days to a few weeks that will include how to set up equipment and keep treatment rooms germ-free.
Soft skills OT aides usually need to succeed in this field include:
Active listening: Strong listening skills will allow you to understand, and therefore, follow instructions from occupational therapists and assistants. It will also help you care for your patients. Verbal communication: You must be able to clearly convey information to your colleagues and patients. Interpersonal skills: In addition to excellent listening and speaking skills, you must be able to understand non-verbal cues, coordinate your actions with others, and show empathy and sympathy. Service orientation: You must have a desire to help people. Detail orientation: Attention to detail is imperative, especially when it comes to following therapists’ instructions, keeping treatment rooms clean and tidy, and helping patients complete forms.
Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants
Not directly involved with patient care Assist patients with therapeutic activities
Need at least high school diploma or equivalent Need an associate’s degree from an accredited training program
Not required to be licensed or registered Must be licensed or registered by the state in which they work
OT aides and assistants differ from one another significantly regarding their educational requirements and job duties. Occupational therapist assistants help patients do therapeutic activities under an occupational therapist’s supervision. OT aides are responsible only for tasks that are indirectly related to patient care.
OT aides need only a high school or equivalency diploma while OT assistants must earn at least an associate’s degree from an accredited training program. OT assistants must be licensed or registered by the state in which they want to work, but there is no such requirement for aides.
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or OT assistant, then becoming an OT aide can be a good way to get to know the field and decide whether it’s for you before committing to more schooling.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
Featured Video
Careers in Occupational Therapy
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
Health Care Support Careers
10 Jobs for High School Graduates
Top 10 Fastest Growing Careers
No College Required: Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries in the U.S.
Skills for a Successful Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?
What Does a Medical Secretary Do?
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
Important Job Skills for Medical Assistants
Healthcare Jobs for College Grads
Important Skills for Dental Assistant Jobs
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
An occupational therapy aide prepares materials and equipment for occupational therapists and assistants and may help patients get to and from treatment rooms. They may also perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing patient records.
Learn more about what an occupational therapy aide does and what it takes to become one.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Occupational therapy involves rehabilitating individuals who have lost their ability to perform activities of daily living due to an illness, injury, or disability. Unlike an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, an occupational therapy aide does not provide direct patient care. Instead, they help facilitate treatment by providing support for those who do.
Acronym: OT aide
How an Occupational Therapy Aide Works
Most OT aides work in occupational therapists’ offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. Although their actual duties may vary depending on their employer, they usually include:
Setting up therapy equipmentPreparing treatment areas, including cleaning the areas and equipmentWrapping up after treatments by cleaning, putting away equipment, and gathering laundryTransporting patientsTaking inventory of equipment and materials to ensure adequate supplyPerforming clerical tasks, including filing, scheduling appointments, and answering calls and emailsHelping patients with billing and insurance forms
Often, occupational therapy aides need to be able to lift, transfer, and transport patients safely. They also need to be able to handle medical equipment and work with technology such as computers and software systems.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Requirements for Occupational Therapy Aides
To get an entry-level position as an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma. Your employer will provide on-the-job training that will last from a few days to a few weeks that will include how to set up equipment and keep treatment rooms germ-free.
Soft skills OT aides usually need to succeed in this field include:
Active listening: Strong listening skills will allow you to understand, and therefore, follow instructions from occupational therapists and assistants. It will also help you care for your patients. Verbal communication: You must be able to clearly convey information to your colleagues and patients. Interpersonal skills: In addition to excellent listening and speaking skills, you must be able to understand non-verbal cues, coordinate your actions with others, and show empathy and sympathy. Service orientation: You must have a desire to help people. Detail orientation: Attention to detail is imperative, especially when it comes to following therapists’ instructions, keeping treatment rooms clean and tidy, and helping patients complete forms.
Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants
Not directly involved with patient care Assist patients with therapeutic activities
Need at least high school diploma or equivalent Need an associate’s degree from an accredited training program
Not required to be licensed or registered Must be licensed or registered by the state in which they work
OT aides and assistants differ from one another significantly regarding their educational requirements and job duties. Occupational therapist assistants help patients do therapeutic activities under an occupational therapist’s supervision. OT aides are responsible only for tasks that are indirectly related to patient care.
OT aides need only a high school or equivalency diploma while OT assistants must earn at least an associate’s degree from an accredited training program. OT assistants must be licensed or registered by the state in which they want to work, but there is no such requirement for aides.
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or OT assistant, then becoming an OT aide can be a good way to get to know the field and decide whether it’s for you before committing to more schooling.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
An occupational therapy aide prepares materials and equipment for occupational therapists and assistants and may help patients get to and from treatment rooms. They may also perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing patient records.
Learn more about what an occupational therapy aide does and what it takes to become one.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Occupational therapy involves rehabilitating individuals who have lost their ability to perform activities of daily living due to an illness, injury, or disability. Unlike an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, an occupational therapy aide does not provide direct patient care. Instead, they help facilitate treatment by providing support for those who do.
- Acronym: OT aide
How an Occupational Therapy Aide Works
Most OT aides work in occupational therapists’ offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. Although their actual duties may vary depending on their employer, they usually include:
- Setting up therapy equipmentPreparing treatment areas, including cleaning the areas and equipmentWrapping up after treatments by cleaning, putting away equipment, and gathering laundryTransporting patientsTaking inventory of equipment and materials to ensure adequate supplyPerforming clerical tasks, including filing, scheduling appointments, and answering calls and emailsHelping patients with billing and insurance forms
Often, occupational therapy aides need to be able to lift, transfer, and transport patients safely. They also need to be able to handle medical equipment and work with technology such as computers and software systems.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Requirements for Occupational Therapy Aides
To get an entry-level position as an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma. Your employer will provide on-the-job training that will last from a few days to a few weeks that will include how to set up equipment and keep treatment rooms germ-free.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Occupational therapy aides earned a median annual salary of $29,230 or $16.50 per hour in 2019.
Soft skills OT aides usually need to succeed in this field include:
- Active listening: Strong listening skills will allow you to understand, and therefore, follow instructions from occupational therapists and assistants. It will also help you care for your patients.
- Verbal communication: You must be able to clearly convey information to your colleagues and patients.
- Interpersonal skills: In addition to excellent listening and speaking skills, you must be able to understand non-verbal cues, coordinate your actions with others, and show empathy and sympathy.
- Service orientation: You must have a desire to help people.
- Detail orientation: Attention to detail is imperative, especially when it comes to following therapists’ instructions, keeping treatment rooms clean and tidy, and helping patients complete forms.
Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants
Not directly involved with patient care Assist patients with therapeutic activities
Need at least high school diploma or equivalent Need an associate’s degree from an accredited training program
Not required to be licensed or registered Must be licensed or registered by the state in which they work
OT aides and assistants differ from one another significantly regarding their educational requirements and job duties. Occupational therapist assistants help patients do therapeutic activities under an occupational therapist’s supervision. OT aides are responsible only for tasks that are indirectly related to patient care.
OT aides need only a high school or equivalency diploma while OT assistants must earn at least an associate’s degree from an accredited training program. OT assistants must be licensed or registered by the state in which they want to work, but there is no such requirement for aides.
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or OT assistant, then becoming an OT aide can be a good way to get to know the field and decide whether it’s for you before committing to more schooling.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
OT aides and assistants differ from one another significantly regarding their educational requirements and job duties. Occupational therapist assistants help patients do therapeutic activities under an occupational therapist’s supervision. OT aides are responsible only for tasks that are indirectly related to patient care.
OT aides need only a high school or equivalency diploma while OT assistants must earn at least an associate’s degree from an accredited training program. OT assistants must be licensed or registered by the state in which they want to work, but there is no such requirement for aides.
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or OT assistant, then becoming an OT aide can be a good way to get to know the field and decide whether it’s for you before committing to more schooling.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
Key Takeaways
Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
- Occupational therapy aides, or OT aides, provide support to those who provide occupational therapy to patients.They don’t treat patients, but they do set up treatment areas and equipment and provide other needed support to OTs and OT assistants.To become an OT aide, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.OT aides differ greatly from OT assistants in the duties they perform and the amount of schooling required.
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Featured Video
Careers in Occupational Therapy
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
Health Care Support Careers
10 Jobs for High School Graduates
Top 10 Fastest Growing Careers
No College Required: Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries in the U.S.
Skills for a Successful Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?
What Does a Medical Secretary Do?
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
Important Job Skills for Medical Assistants
Healthcare Jobs for College Grads
Important Skills for Dental Assistant Jobs
Careers in Occupational Therapy
Careers in Occupational Therapy
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
Health Care Support Careers
Health Care Support Careers
10 Jobs for High School Graduates
10 Jobs for High School Graduates
Top 10 Fastest Growing Careers
Top 10 Fastest Growing Careers
No College Required: Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees
No College Required: Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Do?
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries in the U.S.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries in the U.S.
Skills for a Successful Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Skills for a Successful Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?
What Does a Medical Secretary Do?
What Does a Medical Secretary Do?
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
Important Job Skills for Medical Assistants
Important Job Skills for Medical Assistants
Healthcare Jobs for College Grads
Healthcare Jobs for College Grads
Important Skills for Dental Assistant Jobs
Important Skills for Dental Assistant Jobs
Home
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
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Advertise
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EU Privacy
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
