How to Be Occupational Therapy Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 20, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) is to help individuals with physical, mental, or social impairments achieve greater independence in their daily activities. This can be achieved by providing therapeutic treatments and interventions to help them develop, recover, or maintain daily living skills. OTAs often work closely with an Occupational Therapist to design, implement, and modify treatment plans which can include activities such as physical exercises, games and crafts, and instruction in practical skills.

The effects of having an OTA on a patient's life can be profound - increased independence, improved self-esteem, and a greater sense of accomplishment. This in turn can lead to improved overall health, a better quality of life, and the ability to participate in more activities in the community.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require occupational therapy assistants to have a high school diploma or GED, so this is the first step in becoming an occupational therapy assistant.
Complete an Occupational Therapy Assistant Education Program. Most employers also require occupational therapy assistants to complete an accredited educational program. Many of these programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools and usually take two years to complete.
Become Certified. After completing an occupational therapy assistant program, the next step is to become certified. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers a certification exam that must be passed in order to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Apply for Licensure. In many states, occupational therapy assistants must obtain a license in order to practice. Requirements vary by state, but typically include passing the NBCOT exam and completing all the necessary paperwork.
Obtain Continuing Education. Continuing education is important for occupational therapy assistants in order to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends in the field. Many states require occupational therapy assistants to obtain a certain number of continuing education credits each year in order to maintain their license.

Becoming a successful occupational therapy assistant requires dedication and commitment to the profession. To become skilled and qualified, one must obtain an associate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university. This degree program teaches students the skills necessary to provide services to patients with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

After obtaining the degree, one must complete a fieldwork experience, supervised by an occupational therapist, which allows the student to gain hands-on experience in the field. Finally, a state license is needed to practice as an occupational therapy assistant. Passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam is also required to prove competency in the field.

Obtaining these qualifications gives occupational therapy assistants the necessary knowledge and skills to help people improve their ability to perform everyday tasks and reach their fullest potential.

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Job Description

Assess patient needs, capabilities and limitations to develop a treatment plan.
Assist in selecting activities to improve the patient's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Administer therapeutic activities such as exercises, muscle re-education, and activities of daily living to help patients improve their physical and mental functioning.
Monitor patient progress and collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Educate patients and family members on proper use of adaptive equipment and safety measures.
Provide patient and family education on the importance of therapeutic activities and lifestyle changes.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
Consult with physicians and other health team members to develop and modify treatment plans.
Develop and implement maintenance programs to help patients maintain their levels of achievement.
Maintain patient records and make recommendations for discharge planning.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology
Ability to assess patient functional abilities, limitations and needs
Knowledge of various therapeutic techniques, activities and interventions
Ability to modify activities, exercises and interventions to address individual patient needs
Ability to instruct patients and families in therapeutic techniques, activities and interventions
Ability to document patient progress
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of safety precautions and standards of practice
Ability to use adaptive and assistive devices
Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) must possess a variety of skills to be successful in their role. Good communication skills are essential for OTAs to effectively communicate with their patients, their families and other healthcare professionals. They must also be patient and empathetic to ensure that patients feel comfortable and at ease.

OTAs must be organized and detail-oriented in order to accurately document patient progress and keep track of treatment plans. Problem-solving skills are also important because they must be able to quickly identify a patients needs and develop appropriate strategies to address them. Finally, OTAs must have the ability to think critically and make decisions based on their observations and assessments.

The combination of all these skills gives OTAs the ability to provide the highest quality of care for their patients, which leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What interests you about occupational therapy?
What experience do you have with working with patients in occupational therapy?
How would you handle a difficult patient in an occupational therapy setting?
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates for this position?
What strategies do you use to help ensure that your patients meet their goals?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly in an occupational therapy session.
What is the most important role of an occupational therapy assistant?
How do you stay current with advances in occupational therapy?
How do you collaborate with other health care professionals to provide the best care for patients?
What techniques do you use to motivate patients during occupational therapy sessions?

Common Tools in Industry

Splints/Orthoses. These are specialized supports used to hold a persons body in the correct position for activities of daily living. (eg: A wrist splint to support a person with carpal tunnel syndrome)
Adaptive Equipment. Equipment that is specifically designed or modified to allow a person to perform particular tasks. (eg: A modified kitchen utensil for a person with limited hand strength)
Mobility Aids. Aids that help individuals who have difficulty walking or getting around. (eg: A walker, wheelchair, or cane)
Sensory Integration Techniques. Strategies used to help a person process sensory input such as sound, light, touch, and movement. (eg: Using a weighted vest to help with sensory processing)
Computer Technology. Programs and software designed to assist with motor skills, communication, and cognitive functioning. (eg: A voice activated computer program that helps a person with a physical disability communicate)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
International Society for Neurorehabilitation (ISNR)
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG)
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP)
American Society for Hand Therapists (ASHT)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

Common Important Terms

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). A set of activities that a person typically performs on a daily basis to maintain their health and independence.
OT Process. The process of occupational therapy, which includes assessment, goal setting, intervention, and evaluation.
Adaptive Equipment. Devices or tools used to help people with disabilities or impairments complete everyday tasks more easily or safely.
Client-Centered Care. A philosophy of care in which the patient's needs, preferences, and values are taken into account.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors in order to improve one's emotional and mental well-being.
Assistive Technology. Products or services that assist people with disabilities or impairments in completing everyday tasks more easily or safely.
Sensorimotor Integration. The process by which sensory information is received, interpreted, and used to guide motor responses.
Ergonomics. The study of design, implementation, and optimization of systems, products, and environments for improved human performance, comfort, and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant is a healthcare professional who assists an Occupational Therapist in providing treatment to patients to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

What qualifications do I need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant you must have a high school diploma or GED, complete an accredited educational program, and pass a national certification exam.

What type of setting do Occupational Therapy Assistants work in?

Occupational Therapy Assistants work in many different settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, schools, clinics, and private practice offices.

What type of tasks do Occupational Therapy Assistants perform?

Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating as well as therapeutic activities such as exercising, stretching, and leisure activities.