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Medical & WelfareStable

Occupational Therapy Aide

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Occupational Rehabilitation Aide (CORA), Direct Service Professional (DSP), Direct Support Professional (DSP), Independent Living Specialist

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Occupational TherapyRehabilitationTherapy SupportPatient CareHealthcareMedical SupportAllied Health

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling outpatient rehabilitation clinic in Denver, Colorado, just before 8 AM, clocking in using the facility's digital time clock system. Your first task is to set up Room 3 for Mrs. Davis, who's recovering from carpal tunnel surgery. You meticulously gather a therapy ball, lightweight hand weights, and a clean hot pack from the supply closet. Checking the electronic schedule on the shared computer system, you note the morning's flow, anticipating the needs of other patients soon to arrive.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

600

per year (US)

Jobs today

4,400

in 2025 → 4,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Aide soignant
  • Assistant médical
  • Technicien en transport de patients

Where it can lead

  • Assistant en ergothérapie
  • Ergothérapeute
  • Technicien en réadaptation

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate some administrative tasks and data collection for Occupational Therapy Aides, making their workflow more efficient. This shift could allow aides to focus more on direct patient interaction, providing hands-on assistance and empathetic support that AI cannot replicate. Therefore, the role may evolve to be more focused on human-centric care, possibly with AI tools enhancing their support capabilities.