An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) helps people of all ages do the everyday things that matter to them: dressing, cooking, writing, working, playing, and caring for themselves, after injury, illness, or disability. You work under an occupational therapist (OT), who evaluates clients and writes the plan. You carry out that plan, adjust activities, teach clients and families, and record progress. The path is clear in the US: complete an ACOTE-accredited associate degree (about 2 years, with fieldwork), pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then get your state license. Everything before the degree is ab
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Stage 1 of 4 · about 14 weeks
Understand what OT is and why it exists (occupation-based, client-centered care). Learn basic anatomy, movement, and common conditions (stroke, hip fracture, autism, hand injury, dementia). Complete prerequisites (usually Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, English, Medical Terminology) and shadow an OTA or OT for 20+ hours.
Understanding occupational therapy
Everything you do as an OTA starts from one idea: helping people do the things that matter to them. If you understand this early, your program, interviews, and clinical choices will make sense.
Basic anatomy, physiology and movement
You will help people move, reach, grip, and balance. Knowing which bones, joints, muscles, and nerves are involved lets you pick safe activities and notice problems.
Medical terminology and common conditions
Charts, supervisors, and doctors use a shared medical language. Knowing the key conditions helps you understand your clients and what they are struggling with.
Psychology, communication and professional habits
OTAs spend the day talking, encouraging, observing, and writing. Your people skills matter as much as your anatomy, and your program will expect solid psychology and English prerequisites.
Shadowing and program preparation
Shadowing shows you the real job, confirms it fits you, and is often required or strongly preferred for OTA program admission. It also gives you stories for your application and interview.
Then 3 more stages (about 210 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 10 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.