Occupational therapy assistant job description

Occupational therapy assistants help to support patients of all ages with disabilities and who need help with everyday activities. An occupational therapy assistant promotes physical health and wellbeing. They work under occupational therapists and support them with daily tasks and administration.

Tasks and responsibilities for an occupational therapy assistant

A day in occupational therapy assistance can include:

Assessing patient needs
Helping patients with mobility and communication
Instructing patients in using therapeutic equipment and occupational therapy aides
Assisting with the creation and implementation of rehabilitation programs
Supporting and assisting senior professionals in occupational therapy services
Promoting good mental health in clients
Monitoring patient's progress and maintain records
Performing other industry administrative duties

How to become an occupational therapy assistant

Take the proper steps to ensure you are confident and ready to begin a career as a certified occupational therapy assistant.

Study

Completing an allied health assistant course through TAFE or a recognised training organisation provides you with vital skills and knowledge in occupational therapy, assisting and opening you to better job prospects.
Apply for an entry-level role

Once you have your allied health qualification, hands-on experience is the best way to learn. An entry-level job as an occupational therapy assistant trainer can further enhance your skills.
Get a Working with Children Check

Many prospective employers require you to complete a working with children check to work as an occupational therapy assistant. This check is usually part of the recruitment process and can be applied for and completed online.

Pathway options

An initial role as an occupational therapy assistant might be where you want to stay, but it can also expose you to other exciting job opportunities in the health sector.

Some future career options could be:

Junior

Occupational therapy assistant

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015)
Therapy aide

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015)

Mid

Physiotherapy assistant

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)
Community rehabilitation assistant

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Study method In-class Online

This course prepares the learner for an allied health assisting role under direct supervision and predetermined guidelines. Job outcomes for this course are physiotherapy assistants, speech pathology assistants, occupational therapy assistants and more.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed a work placement of at least 80 hours.

The course duration is on average nine months and can be delivered either on-campus or online. Some providers allow a self-paced learning model that you can start any time. Payment plans and funding may be available to eligible students. Enquire about a course to find out more.

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Study method Online

A Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) provides the skills required to work in therapeutic and program-related support to allied health professionals. This work requires conducting activities under either direct or remote guidance of an allied health professional.

This coursework delves deeper into areas in allied health and may result in positions in a specialty area or a supervisory role to other allied health assistance workers.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed work experience of at least 120 hours.

The average course duration is one year and can be completed on campus or in an online setting. The course can be self-paced if required, and some providers offer enrolment at any time. This course has government subsidies for eligible students. Enquire about a course to find out more.

Related subjects

For those that love the idea of helping people in need reach their goals, there is no shortage of roles in the healthcare industry that might be your perfect fit.

Some other subjects to explore:

If an occupational therapy assistant job feels right for you, you can access the resources you need and more information on the healthcare sector below.