Build your career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

health & community

Occupational Therapy Assistant

A career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant allows you to support occupational therapists in helping individuals regain independence and improve their daily lives. You’ll work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, and community health settings, assisting with therapy programs and patient care. This hands-on role offers job stability, career growth, and the satisfaction of making a real difference in people’s well-being.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant and help others live more independently.

Explore your career as an:

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EMPLOYED 29,600
PART-TIME SHARE 38%
AVERAGE FULL-TIME HOURS 40
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS $1,526

The career outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Australia is strong, with increasing demand for services due to an ageing population and a growing focus on rehabilitation and therapy. Opportunities exist in hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, and community health settings, with the role offering stability and potential for career advancement. As more people seek support for injury recovery, chronic conditions, and age-related challenges, the need for skilled Occupational Therapy Assistants is expected to continue rising.

Gender Split

Employment by State

Highest Level of education (%)

Age Brackets

What can you expect from working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational therapy assistants support therapists in helping clients improve their daily living and work skills. Key duties typically include:

  • Client Assessment: Assisting in assessing clients' emotional, psychological, developmental, and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests.
  • Functional Evaluation: Evaluating clients' abilities in home, leisure, work, and school settings and recommending environmental adaptations to enhance independence.
  • Program Implementation: Supporting the planning and execution of therapeutic programs involving vocational, recreational, remedial, social, and educational activities.
  • Family & Caregiver Support: Providing advice to family members, carers, employers, and teachers on adapting environments to meet clients' needs.
  • Assistive Equipment Provision: Assisting in the selection and provision of adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and splints, to improve clients' mobility and function.
  • Collaborative Care: Working with health professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team to ensure effective client case management.
  • Specialist Support: Assisting in providing specialist advice for client groups, including those requiring driver rehabilitation, third-party compensation, and medico-legal representation.
  • Progress Monitoring: Recording client progress and maintaining professional documentation in line with legislative and ethical guidelines.

How to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant?

To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you typically need a qualification in allied health assistance with a focus on occupational therapy. Online courses provide a flexible way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to support therapists and assist patients in their recovery.

HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Get ready to enhance the quality of life for individuals by gaining practical skills to assist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers. You'll develop a versatile skill set to support healthcare professionals in diagnosing and empowering patients facing various...
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