How do they match: Occupational Therapy Assistants

  • Program Therapist
  • Behavior Specialist
  • Independent Living Specialist

  • Assist 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.

  • Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
  • Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
  • Attend continuing education classes.
  • 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.
  • Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
  • Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.

  • Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.
  • Develop patient therapy programs.
  • Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning.