224Z00000X Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Definition
- An occupational therapy assistant is a person who has graduated from an occupational therapy assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations, has successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the accredited occupational therapy assistant program, has passed a nationally recognized entry-level examination for occupational therapy assistants, and fulfills state requirements for licensure, certification, or registration. An occupational therapy assistant provides interventions under the supervision of an occupational therapist which emphasize the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (i.e., occupations) with individuals or groups for the purpose of facilitating participation in roles and situations and in home, school, workplace, community and other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and are provided to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. Occupational therapy assistants address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of occupational performance in a variety of contexts to support engagement in everyday life activities that affect health, well-being, and quality of life.
- Classification
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Section
- Individual
- Notes
- Source: The Guide to Occupational Therapy Practice, 2nd edition. Bethesda: American Occupational Therapy Association, 2007. [7/1/2008: definition changed, source changed]
Specializations
224ZR0403X
Driving and Community Mobility Occupational Therapy Assistant
An occupational therapy assistant who helps people improve their ability to drive and get around safely in the community. They work with clients to assess driving skills, provide training and practice in real-life settings, and support safe transportation options. Patients can expect help with regaining independence after illness or injury, managing age-related changes, and addressing concerns related to memory, vision, or physical abilities that affect driving and mobility.
224ZE0001X
Environmental Modification Occupational Therapy Assistant
A healthcare professional who works with patients to make changes to their home, work, or school environments to improve safety and independence. Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, they help identify barriers, recommend adaptive equipment, and arrange spaces to support people with disabilities, injuries, or aging-related challenges. Patients can expect personalized plans to make daily activities easier and safer, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or modifying furniture layouts.
224ZF0002X
Feeding, Eating & Swallowing Occupational Therapy Assistant
A medical professional who helps people with difficulties related to feeding, eating, or swallowing. Working under the supervision of an occupational therapist, they assist patients in improving their ability to eat and swallow safely, often after illness, injury, or developmental conditions. They provide hands-on support, teach techniques for safer eating, suggest adaptive tools, and help modify the environment to make mealtimes easier and more comfortable. Patients can expect personalized care plans to address challenges related to stroke, developmental delays, neurological disorders, or injury.
224ZL0004X
Low Vision Occupational Therapy Assistant
A medical professional who helps people with low vision improve their ability to perform daily activities safely and independently. Working under the supervision of an occupational therapist, they teach practical skills and adaptive techniques for tasks like reading, cooking, and personal care. They commonly support patients with vision loss from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy, focusing on maximizing remaining vision and enhancing quality of life.