Occupational therapy aides support occupational therapists in their work of helping people who are injured, ill or disabled learn or relearn how to accomplish the daily routines of life, from brushing teeth to putting on clothes. An aide’s work might include washing linens, cleaning therapy areas, setting up equipment, transporting patients and performing administrative duties. 

Amy Elliott is a program technician at the Shepherd Center, a hospital in Atlanta that specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. "We’re a second set of eyes and hands for the therapy staff," she says. Her particular role includes supporting physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and she sees this job as a great way to find out if she wants to go back to school for occupational therapy. "This is my trial run before I spend thousands and thousands of dollars going back to school for OT," she says.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.9% employment growth for occupational therapy aides between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 200 jobs should open up.

Most occupational therapy aides have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent GED, and they receive on-the-job training. When Elliott was hired at the Shepherd Center, she underwent an extensive orientation program, which gave her insight on everything from transporting patients to communicating with patients’ families. And as part of her job description, she participates in continuing education courses and competency checks every three months.