Occupational Therapy Assistant

An Occupational Therapy Assistant works with individual clients to deliver therapy programs. You'll follow a plan prepared by an occupational therapist and you might work in a specialist clinic or in a client’s own home. Occupational Therapy Assistants might address issues such as behavioural concerns, daily living activities or fine motor skills. You might work with people with a disability, elderly people or people who are recovering from illness or injury.

Occupational Therapy Assistants need to have strong personal skills and be able to communicate with clients with a range of needs. It’s important that you are patient and can understand your clients’ concerns. Occupational Therapy Assistants should be able to follow a therapy plan and work to correct procedures.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $67,600
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a occupational therapy assistant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
On Campus, Online
4 - 12 months
$2,496 - $6,501
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Patient Services Assistant Hospital Attendant Allied Health Assistant
Ward Assistant Nursing Assistant Patient Care Assistant Operating Theatre Technician Occupational Therapy Assistant Pathology Assistant
+ 6 more
HLT33021

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
On Campus, Online
12 months
$0
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Allied Health Assistant Medical Imaging Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant
Therapy Aide Allied Health Professional Pathology Assistant Patient Services Assistant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Allied Health Assistant Medical Imaging Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Therapy Aide Allied Health Professional Pathology Assistant Patient Services Assistant + 4 more
CHC43415

Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
Blended, On Campus
8 months
$100 - $3,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Diversional Therapy Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Diversional Therapy Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator Occupational Therapy Assistant
HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Focus)
Online
18 months
$0
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Physiotherapy Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Allied Health Assistant
Allied Health Professional
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Physiotherapy Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Allied Health Assistant Allied Health Professional + 1 more
Recommended
HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
Online
18 months
$0
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Diversional Therapy Assistant Speech Pathologist Assistant Nutrition Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant Therapy Aide Allied Health Professional Allied Health Assistant Pathology Assistant Patient Care Assistant Patient Services Assistant Ward Assistant
+ 8 more
CHC33021

Certificate III In Individual Support (Home and Community Care)
Blended
6 months
$0
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Personal Carer Aged Care Worker Residential Care Worker
Community Care Worker Home Care Assistance Worker Trainee Support Worker Disability Support Worker Home Carer Care Coordinator Community Support Worker Nursing Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Patient Care Assistant Patient Services Assistant Residential Care Officer
+ 12 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Therapy Aide

A Therapy Aide supports clients in delivering therapies like physiotherapy and speech pathology, following plans set by allied health professionals.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist improves clients’ daily activity skills through assessments, therapy, and treatment plans across various settings.

Avg yearly income $91,000
Skill level Unknown

Hand Therapist

Hand Therapists assist patients in recovering from upper limb injuries and conditions by creating personalised treatment plans and exercises.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Unknown

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Paediatric Occupational Therapists support children with disabilities or health issues by developing treatment plans for daily living tasks.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much does an Occupational Therapy Assistant earn?

In Australia, a full time Occupational Therapy Assistant generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

There has been very strong job growth in this field over the last five years. There are currently 5,400 people employed in this industry in Australia and many of them specialise as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Occupational Therapy Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

If you’re interested in a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy). You’ll develop the skills to deliver occupational therapy programs for a range of clients. A Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance may also be appropriate.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What the coronavirus means for university study in Australia

6th February 2020

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