Description
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
- • Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- • Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- • Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
- • Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- • Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- • Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- • Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
- • Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
- • Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
- • Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
- • Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- • Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
- • Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- • Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
- • Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- • Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.
- • Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- • Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- • Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- • Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- • Attend continuing education classes.
- • Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
