Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Career Resources

Sample Job Titles

Depending on credentials and work setting, you might see job titles like:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
• Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)*
• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (LOTA)*
• Pediatric OTA
• Geriatric Rehabilitation Assistant
• School-Based OTA
• School-Based OTA

Sample Responsibilities

An OTA’s responsibilities can vary depending on the work setting and role requirements. In general, occupational therapy assistants are expected to:

• Assist patients with therapeutic activities and adaptive techniques that support daily living tasks (e.g., dressing, eating, work/school functions)
• Prepare treatment areas, set up equipment, and assist in modifying environments to enhance patient participation
• Monitor and record patient progress; report changes to the supervising OT and help adjust as directed
• Educate patients and caregivers on strategies, equipment or activities to support independence and safety in the home or community setting

Top Qualities & Skills

• Empathy & Encouragement – Building trust and keeping patients motivated during their rehabilitation process
• Adaptability & Creativity – Tailoring activities and environments to meet each patient’s unique needs and context
• Attention to Detail – Monitoring how patients respond to activities, documenting accurately, and maintaining safe therapeutic settings
• Collaboration – Working with occupational therapists, patients, families, and care teams to optimize outcomes
• Physical & Mental Stamina – Managing active sessions, supporting patients in various settings (e.g., clinic, home, school)

For more information, see the O*NET Occupational Profile for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Preparing for the Job Search

Resume Tips

• Highlight your externship or clinical rotation experiences gained during your time in OTA school with details about settings, patient types, and types of therapeutic activities
• List your OTA program completion, any state registration or certification eligibility, and relevant accommodations or adaptive equipment skills
• Emphasize communication with patients, family instruction, and your ability to work under the supervision of the OT

Cover Letter Guidance

• Describe your passion for helping people reclaim their functional independence and engage in meaningful daily activities
• Connect your hands‑on training with the employer’s environment (e.g., pediatric clinic, outpatient rehab, home health) and mention any particular interest or strength
• Keep it concise, enthusiastic, and tailored to the employer’s specialty or population

Interview Preparation

You might be asked:

• How do you handle a situation where a patient appears frustrated with progress?
• Describe how you handle a customer’s insurance or refill issue.
• What steps do you take to maintain safety during therapeutic sessions?
• Tell us about a time you adapted a treatment or activity to suit a patient’s unique environment.

Use concrete examples from your program or externships at ACC to illustrate your readiness and mindset.

Associations & Credentialing

Joining OTA associations can help broaden your professional network. Similarly, certification is not always mandatory, but can help demonstrate competence and may expand job opportunities.

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC)
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Professional Development & Career Growth

Once working as an OTA, you can grow your career by:

• Gaining additional certifications or expertise in specialties like hand therapy, pediatrics, driver rehabilitation, or adaptive equipment
• Taking on supervisory or lead OTA roles in therapy departments
• Exploring bridging pathways (e.g., from OTA to OT with further education) if you choose to advance your practice