Trying to understand the difference between an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and an occupational therapist (OT)? You aren’t alone. If you’re thinking about a career in occupational therapy, chances are you’ve heard both titles thrown around — but figuring out which role fits your goals and schedule takes a little time.
This guide walks you through the key differences between an OTA and an OT, including the education you’ll need, responsibilities you’ll have, and how to figure out which path might be the best fit for you.
What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
An occupational therapy assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who works closely with an occupational therapist to support people in rebuilding or strengthening the everyday skills they need to live and work independently. At every turn, OTAs are hands-on in the recovery process, working directly with patients as they follow treatment plans designed by an OT.
From improving hand-eye coordination to helping someone walk confidently again, OTAs play a key role in guiding patients through meaningful progress. This career can be a great fit for someone who enjoys one-on-one patient interaction and wants to start working in healthcare quickly.
What Education Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Need?
To work as an OTA, you’ll need to complete a formal education program — typically an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting — from an accredited school. These programs usually take about two years and combine both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
However, you should know that each state has different requirements.
Becoming an OTA in California, for instance, means you must graduate from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Many vocational schools, such as American Career College (ACC), offer healthcare programs that meet this accreditation requirement.
After graduation, you’ll need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Once you’re certified, you’ll apply for licensure through your state board.
When both steps are complete, you’ll officially be recognized as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and be ready to enter the field.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
As an OTA, you’ll do much more than just “assist.” You’re an essential part of the care team, meaning you’re helping patients stick to their therapy plans and tracking how they’re doing over time. No matter the setting, you have the chance to work with clients of all ages — from babies and adolescents to older adults — adjusting your care to meet every stage of life.
Here’s what your typical day could look like:
- Improving Mobility: Guiding patients through stretches, light strength training, or walking exercises to help build up balance and coordination.
- Helping Patients Manage Pain: Teaching movement strategies or using supportive equipment like splints or braces to reduce discomfort during activities.
- Improving Overall Cognitive Function: Using memory games, rehearsal techniques, or simple tools like apps or whiteboards to help patients stay on track mentally.
- Assisting Patients With Day-to-Day Tasks: Helping patients re-learn how to bathe, dress, or eat with confidence, sometimes using adaptive tools like grab bars or dressing aids.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
An occupational therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people work through and overcome physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges so they can take part in the daily activities that matter most to them. Whether it's helping a young child develop fine motor skills or guiding an adult through recovery after a stroke, occupational therapists tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each person.
Generally, OTs are responsible for conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and overseeing the delivery of care. They consider the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of a person’s health to create strategies that promote greater independence and quality of life.
This profession often appeals to those who are interested in leading the therapeutic process, working collaboratively with other healthcare providers, and making data-informed decisions to support patient goals.
What Education Do Occupational Therapists Need?
To become a licensed OT, you’ll need to earn a graduate degree — either a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Typically, a master’s degree program spans 2 to 3 years while a doctoral program lasts around 3 years. The program you choose must be accredited by the ACOTE.
After earning your degree, you must pass the NBCOT exam. From there, you’ll apply for licensure in your state. With both your certification and license in hand, you’ll be ready to begin practicing as an OT.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapists are responsible for designing the treatment roadmap that OTAs help execute. That means:
- Supervising and Mentoring OTAs: It’s your job to make sure therapy stays on track and to step in when a plan needs to shift or be refined.
- Evaluating Patient Progress: As an OT, progress updates from OTAs land on your desk, and it’s up to you to decide what’s working and what might need a new approach.
- Building Treatment Plans: Based on what you observe and assess, you’ll design a care plan that takes into account your patient’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
- Working Closely With Other Professionals: From physicians to speech therapists to family members, you’re the one keeping communication flowing and ensuring the care plan makes sense from every angle.
OTA vs. OT: The Main Difference
When comparing OTA vs. OT, one thing is clear: both paths give you the opportunity to help people live more independent, fulfilling lives. The key differences come down to responsibility and training.
As an OTA, you follow the treatment plan and work under the guidance of an OT. As an OT, you're the one designing that plan, overseeing care, and leading the clinical team. You’ll work closely with patients in both roles, but the level of decision-making and leadership is what sets them apart.
Should You Choose a Career as an OTA or an OT?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about which path is right for you, especially when both roles have their own strengths. It’s worth taking a moment to pause and ask yourself a few honest questions.
Consider things such as: Do you want to work directly with patients without committing to more than 4 years of school right away? Are you still deciding whether becoming a licensed occupational therapist is your long-term goal?
If any of the above sounds like you, becoming an occupational therapy assistant could be the right fit. This path allows you to build real-world experience, develop valuable clinical skills, and make a difference, without closing the door on future advancement. Plus, with some schools offering OTA to OT bridge programs, you can even pursue a master’s degree down the line without starting over from scratch.
Here are a few reasons you might choose to pursue a role as an OTA:
- You're looking for a more cost-effective entry into the field
- You’re still deciding if you want to commit to becoming an OT long term
- You’re drawn to the idea of helping patients one-on-one without the administrative load OTs often carry
Time is also an important factor when you’re deciding on a career. By training to become an OTA, you could be working in the field in under two years. To see if that pace feels right, it helps to understand what to expect in OTA school, from the hands-on training to the pace of the program.
Begin a Fulfilling Career as an OTA Through ACC
Whether you're considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant or an occupational therapist, both paths let you make a real impact in people’s lives. However, if you’re looking for a quicker, more accessible way to break into the field, starting as an OTA is a smart move.
At American Career College, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to help train you for a rewarding career. Our OTA classes mimic real-world settings to help prepare you for situations you may encounter on the job. With hands-on training, ACOTE accreditation, and guidance from experienced faculty, you can graduate in as little as 20 months.
Ready to start your journey in occupational therapy? Take the first step — request more information about ACC’s OTA program today!
