Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help people develop, recover, and maintain the skills they need for everyday life. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists and provide hands-on support to people recovering from injuries, living with disabilities, managing health conditions, or adapting to changes that come with aging.
For students interested in healthcare, becoming an OTA offers a relatively direct path into a patient-focused career. Occupational therapy assistants typically complete an accredited associate degree program and must be licensed to practice in Florida.
This guide covers what OTAs do, where they work, the education and licensing required, career outlook, and what to consider before choosing this career.
What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in everyday activities at home, work, school, and in the community.
An occupational therapist evaluates the client and develops a treatment plan. The OTA works under the occupational therapist’s supervision to help carry out that plan.
Depending on the client and work setting, an OTA may:
- Guide clients through therapeutic activities and exercises
- Help clients improve motor skills and functional abilities
- Teach new ways to complete everyday tasks
- Help clients learn to use adaptive equipment
- Work with children on developmental and social skills
- Help clients practice self-care activities such as dressing
- Record client progress and report results to the occupational therapist
- Complete documentation related to treatment
The work can vary significantly by setting and patient population. An OTA working with children in a school may have a very different day from an OTA working with older adults in a skilled nursing facility.
OTA vs. Occupational Therapist vs. OT Aide
Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy aides may work together, but their education and responsibilities differ.
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapist | Occupational Therapy Aide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical education | Associate degree | Master’s degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| License typically required? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Provides occupational therapy? | Yes, under OT supervision | Yes | No |
| Typical role | Helps carry out treatment plans | Evaluates clients and develops treatment plans | Provides support and performs routine tasks |
| Hands-on client care | Major part of the job | Major part of the job | Limited |
An occupational therapy aide is not the same as an occupational therapy assistant. Aides generally receive on-the-job training and perform support duties such as preparing treatment areas, cleaning equipment, and helping with clerical tasks.
An OTA completes formal occupational therapy education and works directly with clients as part of their treatment.
Where Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Work?
OTAs can work with children, adults, and older adults in several healthcare and educational settings.
Common employers include:
- Occupational and physical therapy offices
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Schools and other educational settings
- Home healthcare services
- Rehabilitation facilities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that therapy offices are the largest employer of occupational therapy assistants, followed by skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
The setting can have a major effect on the day-to-day job. An OTA in home health may travel between clients, while an OTA employed by a school may work primarily with children who need help participating in classroom and school activities.
Skills That Can Help You Succeed as an OTA
OTA work combines healthcare knowledge with frequent personal interaction.
Important qualities include:
Communication: OTAs need to explain activities clearly and communicate client progress to occupational therapists and other members of the healthcare team.
Compassion: Clients may be dealing with an injury, disability, illness, or loss of independence. Patience and encouragement are important parts of the job.
Attention to detail: OTAs must follow treatment plans and accurately document how clients respond to therapy.
Adaptability: Clients respond differently to treatment. OTAs may need to adjust activities while working within the treatment plan established by the occupational therapist.
Physical stamina: OTAs spend significant time standing, bending, kneeling, and working directly with clients.
Physical strength: Some positions require helping clients move or transfer safely.
Education Required to Become an OTA
Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
OTA associate degree programs generally take about two years of full-time study, although program structures and timelines vary by school.
Students study subjects related to occupational therapy and healthcare and also complete supervised fieldwork. This gives students experience applying what they have learned with clients in professional settings.
Students considering this career can learn more about the complete process in our guide to becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Florida.
You can also review [OTA program admission requirements in Florida] before comparing individual schools.
Florida OTA Licensing Requirements
Occupational Therapy Assistants must be licensed to practice in Florida.
Florida law requires OTA applicants to complete an approved occupational therapy education program, complete supervised fieldwork, and pass the required examination.
For an occupational therapy assistant, Florida requires at least two months of supervised fieldwork experience. Applicants by examination must graduate from an accredited OT or OTA program, and Florida requires passage of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination before a license can be issued.
Licensing requirements can change, so prospective OTAs should verify current requirements directly with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.
For a step-by-step explanation of the education, certification, and licensing process, see How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Florida.
OTA Salary and Job Outlook
The national employment outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants is strong.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $72,300 in May 2025.
Employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 21% from 2025 through 2035, compared with 3% for all occupations.
Demand is expected to be supported in part by the healthcare needs of an aging population. Older adults may need occupational therapy after strokes or while managing conditions that affect their ability to perform everyday activities.
Actual OTA salaries vary based on location, experience, employer, and work setting.
What Is the OTA Work Schedule Like?
Most occupational therapy assistants work full time, although part-time positions are also available.
Schedules depend heavily on the employer. Some OTAs work standard weekday hours, while others may work evenings or weekends to accommodate clients.
Students who need flexibility while completing their education should also consider how OTA programs schedule classroom instruction, labs, and required fieldwork.
See [Do OTA Programs in Florida Offer Online, Hybrid, or Evening Classes?] for a closer look at the options available to Florida students.
Is an OTA Career a Good Fit for You?
OTA can be a good career option for someone who wants to work directly with people and enter healthcare without completing the graduate education required to become an occupational therapist.
You may want to consider an OTA career if you:
- Enjoy helping people solve practical problems
- Want a healthcare career with regular client interaction
- Prefer hands-on work over a desk-based job
- Are comfortable working with people who have illnesses, injuries, or disabilities
- Have the patience to help clients make gradual progress
- Are comfortable with a job that can be physically demanding
- Want to enter the occupational therapy field through an associate-level program
The career will not appeal to everyone. OTAs spend much of the day interacting with clients, and the work may require standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and helping people move. Progress can also take time, so patience is important.
Students should consider both the rewarding and demanding parts of the job before enrolling in a program.
Find an OTA Program in Florida
Florida has Occupational Therapy Assistant programs at public and private colleges in several parts of the state.
Our complete guide to OTA schools in Florida lets you compare programs, locations, degree options, program length, tuition, and other factors.
You can also start with these guides:
- How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Florida
- Admission Requirements for OTA Programs in Florida
- Online, Hybrid, and Evening OTA Programs in Florida
If you already know where you want to attend school, you can use our Florida city guides to find OTA programs near you.
More OTA Career Resources
The medical field offers diverse career paths beyond becoming a doctor or nurse. Options like occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA), and aides are essential roles within healthcare.
OTAs play a vital part in assisting those facing challenges due to aging, injury, or illness, helping them regain independence in daily routines through rehabilitation exercises and support.