| Aspect | Occupational Therapy Assistant Internship | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires enrollment in an accredited OTA program; internship provides supervised practical experience | Requires graduation from an accredited OTA program and passing the NBCOT exam |
| Work Environment | Temporary, supervised clinical setting for training purposes | Full-time, ongoing employment in hospitals, clinics, or schools |
| Purpose | To gain hands-on experience and fulfill internship requirements | To 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.