Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Occupational Therapy Assistants — one of 2 occupations here: Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.95
Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.95
Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.94
Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.94
Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.94
Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.93
Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.93
Attend continuing education classes.92
Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.92
Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.90
Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.89
Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.89

Show all 22 →

Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.87
Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.87
Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.84
Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.84
Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.83
Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.80
Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.80
Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.74
Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.69
Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.67

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation72
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Show all 35 →

Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Monitoring35
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control22
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis22
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection10
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing6
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service92
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology83
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training72
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Therapy and Counseling68
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Public Safety and Security61
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Sociology and Anthropology54
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Administrative53
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Medicine and Dentistry51
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Computers and Electronics50
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management49
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Law and Government44
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Show all 33 →

Philosophy and Theology38
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Personnel and Human Resources37
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Biology35
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language33
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Engineering and Technology32
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics29
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Mechanical26
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Telecommunications23
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation23
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Physics17
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry15
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting14
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography14
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Design13
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction12
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sales and Marketing12
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Production and Processing10
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Fine Arts7
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production7
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning60
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Show all 52 →

Static Strength53
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Multilimb Coordination44
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visualization41
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Gross Body Coordination35
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Memorization35
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision31
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Response Orientation28
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control22
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Explosive Strength13
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Sound Localization3
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates95
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information95
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others94
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Thinking Creatively89
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships87
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge84
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems80
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing General Physical Activities79
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events78
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others77
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work77
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Show all 41 →

Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers74
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards73
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects71
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public71
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing Objectives and Strategies70
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities65
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Training and Teaching Others65
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams63
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others63
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization62
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others60
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Processing Information60
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Coaching and Developing Others59
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials59
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others55
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates53
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Analyzing Data or Information49
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information36
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Controlling Machines and Processes35
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring and Controlling Resources33
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities31
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment21
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment21
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment18
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment12
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Empathy100
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation81
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Attention to Detail77
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Social Orientation75
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Integrity70
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Optimism67
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Perseverance65
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control64
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity63
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Stress Tolerance61
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Show all 21 →

Cautiousness55
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation48
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Humility48
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Confidence45
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative40
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Innovation38
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity37
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Intellectual Curiosity35
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Leadership Orientation24
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Social85
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Conventional54
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic42
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative41
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic18
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising2
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day97%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others86%
- Contact with others most of the time14%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)84%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)15%
Time Pressure
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day81%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom65%
- Some freedom34%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important86%
- Fairly important13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom55%
- Some freedom45%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility81%
- Limited responsibility14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important64%
- Very important19%
- Important15%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day87%
- Never13%

Show all 57 →

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Moderate results14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important69%
- Very important15%
- Not important at all13%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually31%
- More than half the time54%
- About half the time15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important55%
- Important13%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility67%
- No responsibility15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time28%
E-Mail
- Every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never14%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time29%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually31%
- About half the time27%
- Less than half the time40%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important30%
- Very important16%
- Important14%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never42%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive46%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious19%
- Very serious14%
- Serious14%
- Fairly serious27%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never47%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never38%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Continually or almost continually15%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time43%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time13%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never18%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time85%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never43%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated39%
- Not at all automated31%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours15%
- 40 hours17%
- Less than 40 hours68%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never73%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)28%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)72%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never73%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never84%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never72%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never73%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never97%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never99%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Some college, no degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
BrainTrain Captain's Log, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Laboratory information system LIS, Visual Health Information VHI PC-Kits
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, dBASE, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access
Computer based training software
BrainTrain IVA+Plus, Language arts educational software, Math educational software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software, Financial record software
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software, Fifth Walk BillingTracker
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Action games
BrainTrain SmartDriver
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Text scanning software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Device drivers or system software
Screen reader software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
Teach basic living or other adaptive skills to patients or caregivers.
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
Prepare medical reports or documents.
Develop patient therapy programs.
Maintain medical records.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Assist patients with daily activities.
Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.

Show all 24 →

Administer screening tests to determine abilities or treatment needs.
Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
Clean medical equipment.
Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Make patient-assistive devices or device models.
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Process medical billing information.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (Nof)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology