High School

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most occupational therapy aides receive on-the-job training, while occupational therapy assistants require further education after high school. For either position, however, a high school diploma is a must. Prepare for these careers by taking classes in biology, health, and social sciences. Anyone interested in doing this work must also be able to communicate clearly, follow directions, and work as part of a team. English or communication classes can help you improve on these skills.

In addition, admissions officers at postsecondary programs are favorably impressed if you have experience in the health care field. If you cannot find a paid job, consider volunteering at a local hospital or nursing home during your high school years.

Postsecondary Training

While occupational therapy aides receive on-the-job training, occupational therapy assistants must have either an associate's degree or certificate from an accredited OTA program. Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is part of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). 

Generally, programs take two years to complete. Studies include courses such as human anatomy, psychology of adjustment, biology, human kinesiology, therapeutic media, and techniques. Most schools also require their students to take a number of general classes as well to round out their education. These may be courses such as English, business math, and management. In addition to class work, you will be required to complete a period of supervised fieldwork, which will give you hands-on experience with occupational therapy.

Certification or Licensing

Occupational therapy aides do not require certification or licensing. Occupational therapy assistants must pass the certifying test of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing this test, assistants receive the designation certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Licensure requirements for assistants vary by state, so you will need to check with the licensing board of the state in which you want to work for specific information.

Under the supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant, an occupational therapy aide performs only delegated tasks in specific situations, including preparing the patient and treatment room. OT aides observe patients' attendance, progress, and attitudes, record and maintain client information, and report this information to supervisors; encourage patients and attend to their physical needs; supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments; and evaluate living skills and capacities of disabled clients, among other duties. Occupational therapy aides, like occupational therapist assistants, require active listening, speaking and writing skills to communicate with patients, as well as skills in being aware of others' reactions, and actively seeking ways to help people. Both OT assistants and aides show concern for others, are cooperative and dependable, exercise self-control and flexibility, are able to tolerate stress, show attention to detail, and prefer working with others rather than alone.