Empathy is an integral part of our human nature. It is a skill ingrained in us, but it can also be learned and improved upon. Explore ways to develop your empathy and be more successful in life.

Watch a TED Talk about empathy.

Learn more about occupational therapy! Get a glimpse into therapy sessions with clients, hear current practitioner stories, see the diversified faces of occupation therapy and more.

Learn how to become an occupational therapist.

Are you interested in getting certified in occupational therapy? Learn more about the requirements and eligibility for the NBCOT certification exam.

Find out what it takes to get certified in occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy Aides

Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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.

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.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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.

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.

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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.

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Healthcare Support Occupations

Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.

Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.

Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.

Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.

Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.

Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.

Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.

Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.

Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.

Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.

Occupational Therapy Aides

Overview

Career

What Occupational Therapy Aides Do

Other Job Titles Occupational Therapy Aides May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Occupational Therapy Aides

Overview

Career

What Occupational Therapy Aides Do

Other Job Titles Occupational Therapy Aides May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Occupational Therapy Aides

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers

Related Leaders