Occupational therapy aide training provides the knowledge and skills needed to help rehabilitate patients with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries.
Occupational therapy aides help patients gain or recover the ability to participate in everyday activities and occupational tasks. These professionals work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, and they can find employment in numerous healthcare settings.
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An online occupational therapy aide program can provide convenient and fast training, allowing you to launch a meaningful career in the medical field more quickly.
Online Occupational Therapy Aide Training Programs
Occupational therapy helps patients develop the skills they need to complete everyday tasks independently. For example, patients may attend occupational therapy to learn or relearn how to dress themselves, fold laundry, prepare a meal, and remember a to-do list.
Many people need occupational therapy while recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. Individuals with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities can also benefit from this treatment. Occupational therapy aides provide vital support to patients and occupational therapists. They perform non-medical tasks that enable occupational therapists to provide treatment.
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This training path may be a good fit if you’re looking for an allied health career that allows you to help patients without going through extensive schooling. Typical responsibilities of occupational therapy aides include:
- Answering the phone
- Billing insurance companies
- Keeping treatment areas clean and sterile
- Monitoring supply inventories
- Preventing patients from falling during exercises
- Restocking supplies
- Scheduling appointments
- Setting up therapy equipment
- Transporting patients
Online occupational therapy aide programs provide the training needed to complete these tasks accurately and efficiently. These programs cover many relevant topics, such as:
- Adaptive equipment
- History of occupational therapy
- Medical terminology
- Rehabilitation team responsibilities
- Safety procedures in medical settings
Many healthcare facilities hire occupational therapy aides to support therapists and rehabilitative specialists. Here are a few settings that frequently employ graduates of occupational therapy aide training programs:
- Clinics
- Home care settings
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Sports rehabilitation centers
An occupational therapy aide certificate program can also open the door to further education. For example, some graduates complete an associates or bachelors degree in healthcare after gaining work experience as an occupational therapy aide. You may even be able to transfer some of your credits to another degree program, such as a pre occupational therapy online or campus degree or even a masters program.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling entry-level healthcare career, an occupational therapy aide program can help you quickly develop the required expertise and skills. These programs are often more affordable than full degree programs, making them more accessible for students.
Occupational Therapy Careers & Salaries
Occupational therapy online programs can prepare you for a broad range of healthcare careers. Graduates of online aide training programs often secure entry-level positions in the field. For example, some students begin working in a hospital or skilled nursing facility immediately after completing an online program.
Other students pursue additional education that can qualify them for more advanced career paths, like a nurse or occupational assistant. Those who want to become occupational therapists go on to earn their masters or doctor of occupational therapy online or on campus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential career paths in occupational therapy and related fields.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Occupational Therapists | $85,570 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $61,730 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides — Skilled Nursing Facilities | $38,220 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides — Hospitals | $36,060 |
| Psychiatric Aides | $30,260 |
| Orderlies | $29,990 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $29,200 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides — Offices of Other Healthcare Practitioners | $28,910 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that many of these career paths are expected to experience growth over the next ten years.
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For instance, employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides will increase by 25% during this period, which is much faster than average. Salaries and job availability for careers can vary by region.
Occupational Therapy Aide Certificate Curriculum & Courses
Each occupational therapy aide certificate program has its own curriculum, but here are a few common courses that you may take:
- Activities of Daily Living and Adaptive Equipment: This course introduces you to adaptive equipment that patients can use to perform daily living activities in each developmental stage.
- Allied Health Careers: This introductory course explores the fundamental responsibilities of allied health professionals and teaches you about ethical and legal issues you may encounter in the workplace.
- Body Systems 1: You’ll study the anatomy and physiology of many body systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, lymphatic, nervous, and respiratory systems.
- Body Systems 2: This class teaches you about additional body parts, such as ear and eye anatomy and the urinary and reproductive systems.
- Clinical Work Experience: This optional course allows you to gain hands-on experience as you work in a clinical setting.
- Health Careers Employability Skills: You’ll develop essential skills for healthcare employees, including communication, compassion, team building, and workplace professionalism.
- Medical and Body Systems Terminology: You’ll gain a basic understanding of medical terminology, the functions of body systems, and common medical disorders affecting each system.
- Occupational Therapy Orientation: You’ll learn about the history and goals of occupational therapy, the typical administrative and clinical duties of occupational therapy aides, and the roles of each occupational therapy team member.
- Therapy and Safety Skills: You’ll study common occupational therapy treatments and learn how to maintain a hygienic and safe healthcare facility.
- Treatment Case Studies: You’ll analyze occupational therapy case studies covering a variety of conditions, populations, and treatments.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in internships, networking events, and professional development workshops.
Admissions Requirements
Occupational therapy certificate programs typically have fewer admissions requirements than full degree programs. Here are some standard admissions criteria:
- Application fee
- Completed online application
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions
Unlike many degree programs, an occupational therapy aide program typically doesn’t require you to submit ACT or SAT test scores, letters of recommendation, or a personal statement. Generally, you can also apply without previous healthcare experience. This low barrier to entry makes it easier for students to quickly enroll in an online occupational therapy aide program.
Online OTA Programs Accreditation
Many accredited institutions offer occupational therapy aide programs. Accreditation is a rigorous process that verifies that a school provides a high-quality education. Colleges must meet the criteria set by an external accrediting body to receive this credential. Receiving your occupational therapy aide certificate from an accredited program has many benefits.
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For instance, it’s often easier to transfer credits between accredited institutions, so you may be able to count your credits toward additional qualifications later. You can also only receive federal funding if you’re enrolled in an accredited institution. You can verify a school’s accreditation status by visiting the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
An occupational therapy aide certificate usually costs less than a degree program, but you can still explore financial aid options that may decrease the upfront cost of your education.
The federal government provides funding for eligible students who enroll at two-year and four-year colleges as well as career, trade, and vocational schools. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal grants, student loans, or work-study programs. Federal student loans typically have low interest rates, and you don’t need to repay grants and work-study opportunities.
Many colleges also have grant and scholarship opportunities for qualifying students. In addition, your current employer may offer professional development or continuing education funding, especially if you already work in the healthcare field. You can also research scholarships offered by community or professional organizations.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized form of treatment that helps patients engage in their desired occupations and daily tasks. This field takes into account each client’s individual goals and needs, along with the settings where they complete their activities.
Patients can receive a variety of services during their occupational therapy sessions. For example, the OT team can evaluate a client’s goals and their environment, and they can recommend adaptive equipment that enables the patient to accomplish their desired tasks.
Occupational therapy professionals also create customized treatment plans and continuously evaluate a patient’s progress so they can make adjustments as needed.
What Can You Do with an Occupational Therapist Aide Training?
An occupational therapy aide program can help you qualify for an entry-level position in a medical setting. Many graduates find employment as occupational therapy aides in clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that demand for this career will increase by 14% over the next ten years, though growth rates can vary by region. Some graduates use occupational therapy aide training as a stepping stone to another healthcare position. For example, you might choose to pursue an associates or bachelors degree in a related field, such as allied health sciences, medical assisting, or nursing.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Occupational Therapy Aide Training Online?
An occupational therapy aide certificate program is a concise and quick training opportunity. Most programs only include a few fundamental courses that provide all the knowledge you need to start your career immediately. Typically, you can complete an online occupational therapy aide program in 2 to 4 months.
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Most programs require you to complete 4 to 6 classes and pass a series of exams to earn your certificate. Many programs also offer flexible scheduling options if you need to take courses at a slower pace due to family, personal, or work obligations.
What’s the Difference Between Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy both help patients develop or regain mobility, but there are a few key differences between these practices.
| Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy |
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Occupational and physical therapy teams often collaborate to provide patients with comprehensive rehabilitative care.
What’s the Difference Between an Occupational Therapy Aide vs. Assistant?
An occupational therapy aide and an occupational therapy assistant sound similar, but these positions have different requirements and responsibilities.
| Occupational Therapy Aide | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
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Those who want to work directly with patients may continue their studies with an occupational therapy assistant program.
What’s the Difference Between an Occupational Therapy Aide Certification vs. Certificate?
Both an occupational therapy aide certification and certificate are useful credentials that can enhance your resume, but they differ in several ways.
| Occupational Therapy Aide Certification | Occupational Therapy Aide Certificate |
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An OT aide training program may help prepare you to take a certification exam.
Is an Occupational Therapy Aide Training Worth It?
Yes, an occupational therapy aide training is worth it for many students. An online training certificate program is often an accessible, affordable, and fast option that can enable you to quickly start your career or pivot to a new field. The growing demand for occupational therapy aides may also make it easier to secure a position, though factors like region and work experience can affect your job search.
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Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% job growth for this position. For many, a career as an occupational therapy aide also provides personal fulfillment. You can play an essential role in a patient’s recovery by providing needed support services and compassionate customer service.
College Offering Online Certificate in Occupational Therapy Aide Training Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Borough of Manhattan Community College offers a Physical Therapy Aide Certification. The curriculum covers key aspects of the role, such as treatment area cleaning, equipment set-up, washing linens, assisting patients, and clerical tasks. The coursework can be completed entirely online and started at any time.
BMCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Nationally Accredited Programs in Occupational Therapy Aide Online
In addition to the regionally accredited university listed above, the following nationally accredited colleges offer online certificate programs in occupational therapy aide.
Ashworth College offers an Occupational Therapy Aide Certificate. Potential courses include Introduction to Allied Health, Medical and Body Systems Terminology, and Occupational Therapy Framework. On average, the certificate requirements can be completed in 4 months, but students have up to 1 year to complete them.
Ashworth College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Penn Foster College offers an Occupational Therapy Aide Certificate. The curriculum covers the skills needed to succeed in entry-level roles in professional occupational therapy settings. The program is housed fully online, though students are encouraged to pursue hands-on field experiences. The curriculum covers topics like medical terminology, anatomy, adaptive equipment, and safety skills.
Penn Foster is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Getting Your Occupational Therapy Aide Training Online
Earning an online occupational therapy aide certificate can help prepare you for a rewarding allied health career.
Occupational therapy aides find employment in a wide range of healthcare settings, including home healthcare, nursing homes, and private clinics. They work closely with occupational therapists and other specialists to rehabilitate patients. An occupational therapy aide program may ignite your passion for education and healthcare.
Many graduates later pursue additional training, such as a nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy degree. If a career as an occupational therapy aide sounds like a good fit, you can start researching OT certificate programs from accredited schools today.
