Occupational Therapy Assistant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Occupational Therapy Assistant programs equip students to support individuals recovering from injury, illness, or developmental challenges by helping them regain independence in daily activities. Under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists, graduates play a vital role in designing and delivering therapeutic interventions that improve physical, cognitive, and emotional function across the lifespan.

• Human Life Span Development: Explores the physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes that occur from infancy through older adulthood, providing a foundation for understanding developmental milestones and age-related challenges.
• Occupational Therapy Principles and Practice Skills: Focuses on the core concepts and hands-on techniques used to assess and support patients in performing meaningful daily tasks, including self-care, work, and leisure activities.
• Treatment Planning and Implementation: Teaches how to assist in developing individualized care plans and apply therapeutic strategies tailored to patient needs, goals, and functional limitations.
• Record-Keeping and Documentation: Emphasizes accurate, ethical, and compliant methods for maintaining patient progress notes, treatment logs, and other essential clinical records.
• Patient Education and Intervention: Covers strategies for teaching patients and caregivers about therapeutic exercises, adaptive techniques, and long-term management of conditions.
• Activity and Program Direction: Involves organizing and leading structured therapeutic activities that promote motor skills, coordination, cognitive function, and social engagement.
• Assistive Services Management: Addresses the selection, adaptation, and use of adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to enhance patient independence and safety.