Occupational Therapy Assistant Profession

The occupational therapy profession was established in 1917, and in 1958 the American Occupational Therapy Association's leadership recognized the role of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). OTAs work in collaboration and under the supervision of occupational therapists in health care, educational, and community settings to help develop, restore, or enhance occupational performance of persons who are challenged by disability, trauma, and/or the aging process. There are employment opportunities for OTAs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, community mental health centers, and public and private schools. Occupational therapy assistants must receive supervision from occupational therapists to deliver occupational therapy services.

The responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant include:

• Contributing to the process of evaluating a client by gathering information and administering selected assessments.
  
• Assisting with the development of client-centered intervention plans.
  
• Providing occupational therapy interventions to individuals and groups.
  
• Documenting occupational therapy services provide.