Signpost directing allied therapists to a healthy life
Allied Travel August 17, 2012

By Brent Nau

What Is The Difference Between OTA and OT Aide

So you are starting to research the occupational therapy career field and maybe a bit confused with some of the job roles available. In this post, we are going to take a look at the difference between an occupational therapist aide and an occupational therapist assistant (OTA).

Apply Now

Occupational Therapy Aide

  • The occupational therapy aide will provide support services to the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
  • The career requires a high school diploma.
  • The occupational therapy aide will receive their training on the job.
  • Occupational therapy aide programs are not currently accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AOTA’s ACOTE).
  • There is no eligibility for certification or licensure.
See Also
Inspiring Cancer Survivor Honored as Allied Traveler

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant

    • The title of Occupational Therapy Assistant can be denoted as OTA. This acronym is never used to represent an OT aide.
    • The occupational therapy assistant will provide treatment to patients under supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
    • The career requires an associate’s degree.
    • The OTA will complete observation and supervised fieldwork during their academic program.
    • OTA academic programs are accredited by AOTA’s ACOTE.
    • The occupational therapy assistant can become licensed and certified.
    • To become a certified occupational therapy assistant you will need to pass the NBCOT COTA certification exam.

Search All Allied Travel Jobs

Additional Allied Healthcare Resources:

Latest News

How to Find High-Paying Short-Term Travel Nursing Jobs
NursingMarch 25, 2025

How to Find High-Paying Short-Term Travel Nursing Jobs

Discover actionable tips to find short-term travel nursing jobs that pay well. Learn how to maximize benefits, negotiate, and identify top opportunities.

How to Find the Best Per Diem Nurse Jobs in 2025
NursingMarch 25, 2025

How to Find the Best Per Diem Nurse Jobs in 2025

Want to excel in per diem nursing? Learn how to find the best per diem nurse jobs, optimize your resume, and achieve flexibility & growth in your career.

How to Build a Flexible Nursing Career with Per Diem Work
NursingMarch 25, 2025

How to Build a Flexible Nursing Career with Per Diem Work

Learn how per diem nursing offers flexibility, higher pay, and new opportunities. Explore how to find per diem nurse jobs and thrive in this career path. 

Would You Choose a Compact State for Travel Nursing?
NursingMarch 13, 2025

Would You Choose a Compact State for Travel Nursing?

Learn how nurse compact state licenses simplify travel nursing jobs, from licensing perks to top destinations. Maximize flexibility and find the best travel nurse jobs!

How to Find the Best Travel Nursing Jobs in 2025
NursingMarch 13, 2025

How to Find the Best Travel Nursing Jobs in 2025

Looking for top travel nurse jobs? Learn how to find the best opportunities with actionable tips for RNs and healthcare professionals in 2025.

Travel Nursing Pay Breakdown: Salary, Stipends & Perks
NursingMarch 13, 2025

Travel Nursing Pay Breakdown: Salary, Stipends & Perks

Learn how travel nursing pay works, including salary, stipends, and exclusive perks. Find the best travel nurse jobs and maximize your compensation.  

Per Diem Nursing Jobs for ICU Nurses: Is It the Right Fit?
NursingFebruary 24, 2025

Per Diem Nursing Jobs for ICU Nurses: Is It the Right Fit?

Considering per diem ICU nursing? Learn about its benefits,

Article search

Hot Jobs, High Demand.
Get Yours Before It’s Gone!

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. Show more I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details. Show less

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. {{show_more}} I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details.

Complete Your Application!
Continue to NurseFinders to complete your application and profile.