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What is the difference between an occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant?

I was told that occupational therapist come up with the plan for the patient while the assistant actually carries out the procedure. Is this true? I really want a hands on career with helping people with disabilities. #doctor #health #doctorate-degree #physical-therapy #occupational-therapy #helping-others

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Colleen’s Answer

It really depends on the setting you work in. The OT does perform the evaluation, set goals , and does treatments. They supervise COTAs. The COTA performs treatments to meet the goals set by the OT. I work in inpatient rehab and the OTs and COTAs work closely and both treat their patients.
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Jessica’s Answer

An Occupational Therapy can supervise the Occupational Therapy Assistant. The difference between the two is that the occupational therapist has received their Bachelor's Degree, at the very least, and is registered. The Occupational Therapy Assistant has their Associates Degree and is certified.
I have worked for a company with both an OT and a COTA. The OT would see the patients first, determine if the patient needed and would benefit from OT and then would sent the COTA to see the patient if so. Every two weeks, the OT would go back to see the patient to determine what, if any, progress was being made.
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