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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).

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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.
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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.

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