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Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship Jobs in Normal, IL

Occupational Therapy Assistant - FT

Normal, IL

$25 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Must be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to apply Employment Type: Full-Time Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility | Long-Term Care ✨ Exciting opportunity with Renewal Rehab! ✨ Join ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant - FT

Normal, IL · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Must be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to apply Employment Type: Full-Time Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility | Long-Term Care ✨ Exciting opportunity with Renewal Rehab! ✨ Join ...

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship information

See Normal, IL salary details

$16

$31

$45

How much do occupational therapy assistant internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy assistant internship in Normal, IL is $31.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $35.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an occupational therapy assistant internship involve?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship is a supervised, hands-on training period where students or recent graduates work alongside licensed occupational therapists and assistants. Interns assist with patient care, learn therapeutic techniques, and gain experience in documenting patient progress. This internship is essential for developing the practical skills required to become a certified occupational therapy assistant and often fulfills part of the educational or licensure requirements. Interns may work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or other healthcare settings, helping patients improve their ability to perform daily activities.

What kinds of hands-on experiences can I expect during an occupational therapy assistant internship?

During an Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship, you can expect to assist licensed Occupational Therapists in providing therapeutic activities to patients across various age groups and conditions. Interns often help with assessments, document patient progress, prepare therapy materials, and participate in treatment sessions under supervision. This role offers a balance of observation and direct patient interaction, helping you develop essential communication and clinical skills. You may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, gaining exposure to interdisciplinary teamwork in settings like hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupational therapy assistant intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Assistant Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of human anatomy, rehabilitation techniques, and enrollment in or completion of an accredited OTA program. Familiarity with documentation software, adaptive equipment, and experience using therapeutic modalities are typically required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help interns connect with patients and collaborate effectively with licensed therapists. These skills ensure safe, effective patient care and support positive rehabilitation outcomes in clinical environments.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship vs Occupational Therapy Assistant?

AspectOccupational Therapy Assistant InternshipOccupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in an accredited OTA program; internship provides supervised practical experienceRequires graduation from an accredited OTA program and passing the NBCOT exam
Work EnvironmentTemporary, supervised clinical setting for training purposesFull-time, ongoing employment in hospitals, clinics, or schools
PurposeTo gain hands-on experience and fulfill internship requirementsTo provide occupational therapy services under supervision

The main difference is that an Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship is a temporary training period for students, while an Occupational Therapy Assistant is a certified professional providing ongoing therapy services.

What do occupational therapy assistant interns do?

Occupational therapy assistant interns support licensed occupational therapists by helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They assist with therapy sessions, monitor patient progress, and use therapeutic tools and activities under supervision, gaining practical experience in clinical settings. Interns typically need to complete relevant coursework and may be required to obtain certification or licensure depending on the region.

What job categories do people searching Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship jobs in Normal, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship job openings in Normal, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,022 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Certified - Occupational Therapy Assistant

McLean County Unit District No. 5

Normal, IL

$39K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

McLean County Unit District No. 5
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title:   Certified  - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Location:          TBD 
Department:     Building Personnel
Reports to:       Building Principal / Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education
FLSA Class:     Exempt
FTE:                 1.0







SUMMARY

Responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant, working under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, include addressing the physical/motor, developmental, and sensory needs of students to support their participation in school routines and daily school activities, support access to their environment and education, and facilitate their achievement of maximum independence with school-based occupations.  


DUTIES
 

  1. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate an understanding of school-based occupational therapy services and legalities, occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, evidence-based practice, human development, and sensory processing as well as knowledge and appreciation of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural, and socioeconomic factors on a student's ability to participate in occupations.
  2. The school occupational therapy assistant shall deliver services under the supervision of and in partnership with occupational therapists and actively participate in the supervisory process.
  3. The school occupational therapy assistant shall collaborate with the supervising occupational therapists and use effective clinical decision making to assist with the development of the IEP, treatment plan, and service provision.
  4. The school occupational therapy assistant shall deliver direct and consultation treatment minutes as indicated on the IEP, demonstrating the ability to select, adapt, grade, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support intervention goals.
  5. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication.  Documentation shall be timely, thorough, accurate, and organized to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriate
  6. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate skill in the areas of environmental and task analysis, modifications/adaptations, and adaptive equipment/assistive technology supports to aid in ensuring adequate access and maximal independence for student participation in school activities and educational programs.
  7. The school occupational therapy assistant shall report and discuss student status and progress in a concise and professional manner during team meetings.
  8. The school occupational therapy assistant shall work collaboratively with educational personnel, parents, students, and community agencies to support student success and address the needs of students.
  9. The school occupational therapy assistant shall assist as needed with education and training to school personnel, parents, and students to support students' ability to perform and engage in school related occupations. This may be on an individual basis, or on a larger scale such as in-service training.
  10. The school occupational therapy assistant caseload assignments can include students ranging in age from 3 through 21 with a variety of disabilities/diagnoses. Assignments are subject to change. The assignment can include working with students in general education and/or various levels of self-contained or specialized classrooms and programs.
  11. The school occupational therapy assistant shall attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service training, professional development activities, and continuing education courses as appropriate and required for the purposes of maintaining licensure and strengthening therapeutic skills.
  12. The school occupational therapy assistant shall perform all duties necessary to the position and such other duties as may be assigned by supervising therapists or the Director of Special Education.


QUALIFICATIONS

  1.  Completion and graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  2. Passing national certification examination through NBCOT
  3. Current State of Illinois licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

COMPENSATION

Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision available.
The starting pay range is $39,000-$57,000 per year.
 


APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply Online at www.unit5.org


INTERNAL APPLICANTS WISHING TO TRANSFER SHOULD APPLY ONLINE AND USE THE INTERNAL APPLICATION