Occupational Therapy Aides Career Profile

Picture this: You’re part of a healthcare team that helps people regain their independence and ability to perform daily activities. As an Occupational Therapy Aide, you’re the behind-the-scenes support that keeps the therapy process running smoothly.

Think about the last time you helped organize an important event – the preparation, coordination, and attention to detail required. That’s like what OT Aides do daily, ensuring therapy areas are ready, equipment is properly maintained, and administrative tasks are completed efficiently.

Occupational Therapy Aides are professionals who work in various healthcare settings to support occupational therapists and their assistants by performing only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.

Total Employment: 4,430 (2023)

Common Names for Occupational Therapy Aides

• Certified Occupational Rehabilitation Aide (CORA)
• Direct Service Professional (DSP)
• Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Occupational Rehabilitation Aide
• Occupational Therapist Aide (OT Aide)
• Occupational Therapy Aide (OT Aide)
• Rehabilitation Aide (Rehab Aide)
• Rehabilitation Services Aide
• Restorative Aide

What Occupational Therapy Aides Do

Their primary role is to support occupational therapy services through:

• Patient Support: Assists occupational therapists and patients during therapy sessions by providing basic support, ensuring patient comfort and safety while enabling therapists to focus on specialized treatment.
• Equipment Management: Maintains, cleans, and organizes therapy equipment, treatment areas, and supplies to ensure a safe, hygienic, and efficient treatment environment for both patients and staff.
• Administrative Tasks: Handles basic clerical duties including scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and managing inventory to support smooth clinic operations and maintain accurate documentation.
• Transport Assistance: Safely escorts patients to and from treatment areas and helps with patient positioning, supporting mobility-challenged individuals and maintaining their dignity throughout the process.
• Treatment Area Preparation: Sets up therapy rooms and equipment before sessions, ensuring all necessary materials are readily available and properly arranged for effective treatment delivery.
• Safety Protocol Implementation: Follows established safety guidelines and infection control procedures to maintain a secure environment for patients and staff while preventing accidents and contamination.
• Communication Support: Serves as a communication bridge between patients, therapists, and other healthcare staff, relaying basic information and ensuring clear understanding of instructions.