Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapy Aide
What occupational therapy aides actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an occupational therapy aide?
Set up the therapy gym. From there, the day usually includes prepare treatment areas, clean and organize equipment, and transport patients. Most work full-time days.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an occupational therapy aide working full time.
- Set up the therapy gym.
- Bring a patient to therapy.
- Clean equipment between sessions.
- Answer phones and schedule.
- Help set up a kitchen activity.
- Restock supplies.
- Prepare for tomorrow.
Where occupational therapy aides work
Aides work in hospitals, rehab centers and outpatient clinics.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time days.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prepare treatment areas
- Clean and organize equipment
- Transport patients
- Schedule appointments
- Assist with activities under supervision
- Stock supplies
- Handle clerical tasks
Tools you’ll use every day
- Therapy equipment
- Wheelchairs
- Cleaning supplies
- Scheduling software
- Phones
- Supply carts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Quick entry
- Explore therapy careers
- Regular hours
- Supportive teams
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Limited clinical tasks
- Repetitive work
- Physical demands
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to explore therapy careers
- I’m organized
- I like helping
- I want regular hours
- I want to start quickly
- I like teamwork
Not sure? Take the free Occupational Therapy Aide fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use safe patient handling
- Follow infection control
- Lock brakes
- Report hazards