20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking the schedule in Microsoft Outlook and the EHR (eClinicalWorks) for patient notes. Early tasks include transporting patients, helping with hygiene, and setting up adaptive equipment for the day’s sessions.
During sessions you teach use of assistive devices, monitor progress, document changes in eClinicalWorks, and report key observations to the occupational therapist (OT). The day ends with clerical work: scheduling, ordering supplies, and updating care plans.
Expect to use eClinicalWorks EHR for patient records and progress notes, Microsoft Outlook for appointments and team mail, and Word/Excel for reports, supply lists, and simple data tracking. Learn to enter SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) and to pull basic reports.
You may also see specialty software like BrainTrain IVA+Plus for cognitive testing. Practice accurate, timely documentation—OTs and billing depend on it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 data, 51,290 therapy assistants were employed; the median annual wage was $72,300. The lowest tenth earned $51,490, and the top tenth earned $89,780.
Use BLS as the source. Local pay can vary by setting (hospital, school, private clinic), certifications, and region, but those BLS numbers give a national shape.
Many employers want at least an associate degree or a certificate from a therapy assistant program and CPR certification. Specifics vary by state and employer; check state licensing or credential rules for occupational therapy assistants.
On-the-job training covers using eClinicalWorks, assistive-device fitting, and basic testing like helping with BrainTrain IVA+Plus under supervision. Continuing education classes are commonly required and often tracked by the employer.
A therapy assistant (often occupational therapy assistant) works under an OT’s supervision to implement treatment plans, teach adaptive skills, and monitor progress. You set short-term goals and recommend adaptive equipment but don’t create the full care plan.
A physical therapy aide usually focuses on physical exercise setups and clinic logistics and may not perform the same cognitive or daily-living training. An occupational therapist writes the care plan, evaluates complex needs, and makes major treatment changes.
AI can draft routine documents or help phrase progress notes, but you must check facts against eClinicalWorks records and your direct observations. Never upload identifiable patient data into public AI tools; that breaks privacy rules (HIPAA in the U.S.).
Treat AI output as a draft. The licensed OT or you must sign off on clinical notes, care-plan changes, and any assessment results—AI cannot replace professional judgment or supervision.
Practice safe patient handling and transfers (transporting patients, ensuring safety during interventions) and teaching use of common assistive devices. Those skills reduce injury risk and are used every shift.
Also learn to observe and record measurable progress (e.g., repetitions, time, independence level) in eClinicalWorks and to communicate concise updates to the supervising OT and the care team.