Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant is becoming increasingly crucial.

As our population ages and healthcare needs evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide and manage therapeutic care within hospital settings grows.

But what does it truly mean to be an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job specification,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of inpatient occupational therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistants play a critical role in the healthcare industry, helping patients regain their independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

Their work involves a variety of tasks designed to assist Occupational Therapists and support patients in a hospital or inpatient care setting.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting Occupational Therapists in developing patient treatment plans
• Carrying out therapy interventions under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist
• Teaching and guiding patients in therapeutic exercises and activities
• Monitoring and recording patient progress and reporting to the Occupational Therapist
• Helping patients with equipment and teaching them how to use adaptive devices
• Ensuring the therapy environment is safe, clean, and conducive for treatment
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families
• Conducting clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records
• Adhering to all medical and facility regulations and standards

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist and assist in the provision of rehabilitative services for patients with mental, emotional, physical, or developmental impairments.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about therapeutic techniques and patient care, is comfortable working in a hospital setting, and has a deep understanding of patient confidentiality and professional ethics.

Ultimately, the role of the Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant is to help improve patients’ quality of life by helping them regain or improve their ability to perform daily living and work activities.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures.
• Help patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist.
• Monitor patients’ performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement and reporting patients’ progress to the occupational therapist.
• Maintain patient records, detailing the patient’s physical progress and treatment plan adjustments.
• Teach and educate patients and their families on post-discharge care.
• Adhere to all ethical guidelines, regulations, and laws relating to occupational therapy.
• Assist in managing inventory and ordering supplies.

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program is required.
• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Previous experience in inpatient care is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent physical condition and endurance to assist patients with physical therapy sessions.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and concepts.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with rotating shifts. Some weekends and holidays may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Occupational Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistants work within healthcare facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.

They provide support to Occupational Therapists and help patients in the recovery and maintenance of their daily living and work skills.

They are involved in implementing therapeutic treatment plans designed by Occupational Therapists.

This could involve assisting patients in exercises or activities, teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, or helping patients relearn essential skills such as eating, dressing, or bathing.

Occupational Therapy Assistants also monitor patients’ progress and report their observations and patient responses to the Occupational Therapist.

They may adapt treatment plans as necessary under the direction of the Occupational Therapist based on the patient’s progress or response to therapy.

In addition, they may also have administrative tasks such as updating patient records, ordering supplies, and scheduling therapy sessions.

Their ultimate goal is to support patients in regaining independence and improving their quality of life after illness, injury, or disability.

They work closely with a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to the patients.

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant should possess the following qualifications and skills in order to provide the best care and assistance to patients:

• Strong understanding and knowledge of various therapeutic techniques and the ability to implement them effectively under the guidance of a licensed occupational therapist.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients of different age groups, health conditions, and backgrounds, and to provide them with emotional support and motivation during treatment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and the healthcare team regarding the patient’s progress and treatment plan.
• Keen observational skills to monitor patients’ progress and respond to their needs or changes in their condition.
• Patience and empathy to understand the difficulties and frustrations that patients may experience during the therapy process.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients with their exercises and daily activities, and to stand, bend, lift, and move for extended periods of time.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans as necessary based on patients’ responses or progress.
• Good organizational skills for managing multiple patients, maintaining accurate patient records, and coordinating with other members of the healthcare team.

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

To become an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant, candidates typically need to complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

This usually includes two years of academic study and a 16-week fieldwork placement where students gain practical, hands-on experience.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through a clinical internship or part-time role in an inpatient care setting such as a hospital or rehabilitation center.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Assistant, or other healthcare-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process and have developed their skills in patient care, treatment plan implementation, and adaptive equipment usage.

They may also have experience in a specific area of occupational therapy, such as geriatric, pediatric, or mental health.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some administrative or supervisory experience in their background.

They are often responsible for mentoring and supervising entry-level assistants and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position within a larger inpatient care facility.

Continuing education and lifelong learning are also important in this field, as advancements in treatment techniques and new research can change the way occupational therapy is practiced.

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistants are usually required to complete an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs typically last about 2 years and include classroom instruction as well as supervised fieldwork.

Subjects covered include anatomy, medical terminology, mental health, pediatric health, and gerontology.

After obtaining the degree, most states require Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed or registered.

Licensing requirements include passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

In order to maintain a license, Occupational Therapy Assistants are usually required to continue their education throughout their careers to keep up with the latest advancements and techniques in the field.

Many choose to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of therapy.

While not always required, some employers may prefer Occupational Therapy Assistants who have relevant work experience in a healthcare setting.

Practical training can be gained through internships or on-the-job training programs.

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

An Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $57,620 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, and the geographical location of the position.

 

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What are some of the typical duties of an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistants typically assist with therapeutic activities directed by occupational therapists, including helping patients with exercises, therapeutic use of daily activities, and use of adaptive equipment.

They also help with documentation of patient progress, prepare materials and equipment used during treatment, and may perform basic administrative tasks.

 

What qualifications are needed to become an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Becoming an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant typically requires an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assistant program from an accredited institution.

In addition, they must pass a national examination to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

Some states might require a license to practice as well.

 

What skills are essential for an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Essential skills for an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant include strong communication skills for interacting with patients, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, empathy and patience to deal with patients who may be in discomfort, and physical stamina for assisting patients with their exercises.

They should also have good attention to detail for recording patient information accurately.

 

What are the working hours for an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Typically, Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistants work full time.

Because therapy sessions are scheduled for the convenience of patients, they may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

 

What qualities make a good Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant is compassionate and has a genuine desire to help patients improve their skills and abilities.

They should be adaptable, able to adjust their methods based on patient feedback or changes in a patient’s condition.

Good problem-solving skills are key, as they need to devise creative therapeutic exercises and adapt treatments to individual patient needs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the real world of an inpatient care occupational therapy assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about therapy sessions.

It’s about constructing a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive inpatient care occupational therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make strides in your career.

But why halt your progress there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously curated job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every interaction with a patient is a piece of the larger healthcare puzzle.

Let’s create a healthier future. Together.

How to Become an Inpatient Care Occupational Therapy Assistant (Complete Guide)

Life Untethered: The Most Flexible Jobs for Free-Roaming Spirits

The Paycheck Powerhouses: Where Big Earnings Are Made in 2025!

Curiously Cool Careers: Unusual Jobs That Are Out of This World

Beyond Algorithms: Jobs That Require a Human Soul