Explore This Path

Occupational Therapy Assistant

💰 Earn $72K-$94K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 19.2% Job Growth

Help people regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Support therapists in crafting personalized treatment plans for diverse needs.
Engage in creative activities to enhance patients' daily living skills.

What Occupational Therapy Assistants DoAssist 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.

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.

Occupational Therapy Assistants Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationAssociate Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings7,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$79,420 in California

$68,340 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness

Go Deeper: Occupational Therapy Assistants Explained

Occupational Therapy AssistantExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?