Type of Practitioners

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists are the practitioners of occupational therapy. The ultimate goal of any OT is to “help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives” (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2009). OT’s are responsible for doing assessments, evaluations, treatment plans, and monitoring outcomes. An occupational therapist supervises those who work under them and must ensure that treatment plans are being followed through. Occupational therapists help “patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition”  (BLS, 2009).  

Task of an occupational therapists may include:

• Helping a stroke victim to regain independence by managing deficits
• Teaching clients how to used adaptive equipment
• Helping a client who has experienced a traumatic brain injury
• Teaching a client how to perform transfers
• Helping a client with an amputation return to their daily activities
• Teaching a developmentally disabled or physically impaired child how to play

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)


Occupational therapist assistants work as a team with occupational therapists in implementing a client's treatment plan. A treatment plan outlines activities and exercises that will help a client to reach their goals. OTA’s document the progress of their clients and may suggest plan modifications. OTA’s also review treatment plans with clients while ensuring they follow all protocols and safety measures. If an intervention plan needs modifications, an OTA will collaborate with an OT in making changes.  Some of the duties likely to completed by an OTA are:

• " Helping injured patients to stretch and strengthen muscles
• Working with developmentally disabled patients to teach them skills that will help them work successfully in society
• Supervising patients to be sure that they are following treatment plans
• Recording patients' improvements for the occupational therapist to review”               

                                                  (All star directories, 2009)               

        

Occupational Therapist Aides

An occupational therapist aide works under the supervision of an OT and has no formal training in occupational therapy.  OT aides perform clerical tasks and help in assembling equipment and preparing materials. OT Aides do not directly work with patients.  (BLS, 2009).