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Student Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

Millennium Therapy is looking to add a Full -Time or PRN Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to our staff in Dubuque, IA for the Skilled Nursing setting. Millennium Therapy is a patient focused ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Spencer, IA · On-site

$25 - $33.50/hr

Millennium Therapy is looking to add a Full-Time, Part-Time, or PRN Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to our staff in Spencer, IA and surrounding area for Skilled Nursing. Millennium Therapy is a ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Sumner, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

Millennium Therapy is looking to add a Full-Time Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to our staff in Sumner, IA for the Skilled Nursing setting. Millennium Therapy is a patient focused, therapist ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$25.50 - $34.25/hr

Millennium Therapy is looking to add a Full-Time, Part-Time, or PRN Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to our staff in Ames, IA for the Skilled Nursing setting. Millennium Therapy is a patient ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$29 - $39.25/hr

Students Welcome!! At Mira Vista Care Center, we believe that exceptional care starts with a strong set of values that guide everything we do. As a Occupational Therapy Assistant with us, you'll be ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Dallas, TX · On-site

$25.75 - $34.50/hr

You'll implement meaningful therapy under close OT supervision, contribute to real student outcomes ... POSITION SUMMARY As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you work under the supervision of a licensed ...

Occupational Therapist

Cabot, AR

$34.25 - $45.25/hr

To assist in the development, implementation, and coordination of the school district's occupational therapy program for students with disabilities or physical/mental impairments, while developing ...

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Student Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$32

$46

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for student occupational therapy assistant in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Student Occupational Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and an associate degree from an accredited OTA program. Familiarity with documentation software and adaptive equipment is typically required, along with pursuing certification such as the NBCOT COTA exam. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help in supporting patients and collaborating with licensed occupational therapists. These competencies ensure effective patient care, accurate record-keeping, and successful integration into clinical environments.

How does a Student Occupational Therapy Assistant typically collaborate with supervising occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals during clinical placements?

During clinical placements, Student Occupational Therapy Assistants work closely with supervising occupational therapists to develop and implement treatment plans for clients. They often assist in conducting therapeutic activities, documenting patient progress, and adjusting interventions based on feedback. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, nurses, and speech-language pathologists, is common to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. These experiences help students build teamwork and communication skills essential for future practice.

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

AspectStudent Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsEnrolled in an accredited OTA program, typically not certifiedCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with licensure or registration
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical or fieldwork settings, educational placementsFull-time employment in clinics, hospitals, or schools
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, internship sitesHealthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training requirements, entry-level rolesJob responsibilities, certification, and career progression

The main difference is that a Student Occupational Therapy Assistant is still in training and not yet certified, while an Occupational Therapy Assistant is a licensed professional actively working in healthcare settings. Students gain practical experience during their education, whereas certified OTAs provide direct patient care.

What are Student Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Student Occupational Therapy Assistants are individuals who are enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program and are in the process of completing their education and clinical training. They work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists or certified occupational therapy assistants during their fieldwork experiences. Their primary role is to learn how to assist patients in developing or recovering skills needed for daily living and working, using therapeutic activities and exercises. Student OTAs gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, preparing them for certification and eventual employment as OTAs.
More about Student Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Student Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Student Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Student Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs include:
Occupational Therapist for the 25-26 School Year

Occupational Therapist for the 25-26 School Year

Independence School District

Independence, MO

$36.75 - $48.25/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Special Education/Occupational Therapist
Date Posted:
3/5/2025
Location:
101-District Wide/location to be decided
Date Available:
25-26 School Year
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree or more advanced degree from a college or university accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association in Occupational therapy required
  • National Board Certification (NBCOT) in Occupational Therapy (or be National Board eligible) required
  • Current Occupational Therapy license from the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy required
  • Two (2) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a school system or other pediatric practice setting preferred
  • Must have a valid driver's license and daily access to a vehicle required for travel throughout the school district
  • Able to lift up to 25 pounds, transfer, and position students as needed to implement goals during therapy

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports to:
Building Principal
Director of Special Services
Job Goal:
The Occupational Therapist leads the process of development, implementation, and coordination of the occupational therapy program of the Independence School District. Professional judgment and clinical knowledge are used to develop individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication.
Performance Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of student occupational performance strengths and needs, through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery
  • Evaluates the student's ability and formulates the student's occupational profile through a variety of functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories, and interviews
  • Synthesizes evaluation results into a comprehensive written report which reflects strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment; directs program development; and guides evidence-based intervention
  • Develops occupationally based intervention plans based on student needs and evaluation results
  • Participates in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings with other disciplines, offer recommendations, and develop individual education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goals
  • Provides targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment
  • Consults with the school-based team to achieve student outcomes
  • Monitors and reassess the effects of occupational therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify, or discontinue intervention
  • Prioritizes and schedules work tasks independently
  • Manages inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments, and project needs for budget planning
  • Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and school system policy
  • Provides legal and ethical supervision of occupational therapy assistant assuming responsibility for the students served by assistant
  • Adheres to federal and state legislation, regulation, and policies that affect occupational therapy practice
  • Performs additional professional responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, record-keeping, participating in staff development activities, taking part in parent conferences, consulting with school staff, caseload management, scheduling, and other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services
  • Adhere to all District policies and procedures and laws outlined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) and the Missouri State Plan for Special Education

Terms of Employment:
Occupational Therapists will be employed for nine (9) month positions. The salary and work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy by the immediate supervisor, utilizing the Independence School District School Occupational Therapist Performance Based Evaluation.
Attachment(s):
  • FY25 Occupational & Physical Therapist.pdf