What does an occupational therapy assistant do?
BLS says occupational therapy assistants “help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients.” Aides are a separate job: BLS says they do select or routine tasks under the direction of occupational therapists or assistants.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
BLS’s handbook page covers both jobs. It states: “Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients. Occupational therapy aides do select or routine tasks, such as preparing treatment rooms, under the direction of occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.”
Occupational therapy assistants
Under “Occupational therapy assistants typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Guide clients in therapeutic activities, such as exercises to improve motor skills and functional abilities
- Lead children who have disabilities in play activities that promote coordination, socialization, and meeting developmental milestones
- Teach clients new ways of accomplishing everyday tasks
- Instruct clients in the use of special equipment—for example, showing a client with Parkinson’s disease how to use adaptive devices to simplify meal preparation
- Record clients’ progress, report to occupational therapists, and do other administrative tasks
BLS states: “Occupational therapy assistants are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists and other healthcare specialists.” It adds: “They also collaborate with occupational therapists so that the therapist can modify the client’s plan as needed.”
On credentials, BLS states: “Occupational therapy assistants usually need a state-issued license.” And: “Occupational therapy assistants must pass the exam to use the title ‘Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant’ (COTA).”
Occupational therapy aides (a separate job)
Under “Occupational therapy aides typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Prepare treatment areas, such as by setting up therapy equipment
- Escort clients to and from treatment areas
- Clean treatment areas and equipment
- Help clients complete paperwork, such as forms for billing and insurance
- Do clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments and answering telephones
BLS states: “Occupational therapy aides typically are not regulated by state law.”
Important qualities BLS lists
BLS writes some of these for assistants only and some for assistants and aides together; the wording is kept as published.
- Adaptability. “Occupational therapy assistants must be flexible when treating clients. Because not every type of therapy helps clients achieve their goals, assistants may need to work creatively with occupational therapists in their approach.”
- Compassion. “Occupational therapy assistants and aides frequently help clients who feel frustrated by their challenges. Assistants and aides should be encouraging and empathetic in working with these clients.”
- Detail oriented. “Occupational therapy assistants and aides must be precise in following the occupational therapist’s instructions, both written and spoken. They also must be attentive in recording client progress or completing paperwork.”
- Interpersonal skills. “Occupational therapy assistants and aides should be friendly and courteous in their interactions with clients. They also must be professional and able to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.”
BLS also lists physical stamina and physical strength for assistants and aides.
Quoted from the What They Do and How to Become One sections of the BLS Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides handbook page, checked November 10, 2026. On that date, the page showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. State and area data on that page are not copied here.