Change Lives as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Friday, March 20, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Occupational therapy assistants help patients who live with a disability or are injured develop motor skills to improve daily living.
- Macomb classrooms offer simulations to bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world patient care.
What is an occupational therapy assistant (OTA)?
When someone experiences an injury or lives with a disability, navigating everyday life can become challenging. Simple tasks that once felt automatic — like tying shoes or eating a meal — may suddenly require extra time, effort, and support.
Occupational therapy provides physical, mental, and developmental care aimed at improving a patient’s ability to perform daily living and work-related activities. Treatment approaches can include therapeutic exercises, training in the use of adaptive equipment for everyday tasks, and other personalized interventions designed to promote independence and confidence.
Occupational Therapy professionals treat patients “across their entire lifespan, starting in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and all the way to end of life” said Taylor Treppa, a student in Macomb’s OTA program.
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a licensed health care professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help implement treatment plans and support patients in reaching their functional goals.
Occupational therapy provides physical, mental, and developmental care aimed at improving a patient’s ability to perform daily living and work-related activities. Treatment approaches can include therapeutic exercises, training in the use of adaptive equipment for everyday tasks, and other personalized interventions designed to promote independence and confidence.
Occupational Therapy professionals treat patients “across their entire lifespan, starting in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and all the way to end of life” said Taylor Treppa, a student in Macomb’s OTA program.
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a licensed health care professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help implement treatment plans and support patients in reaching their functional goals.
What’s involved in learning to become an OTA?
Because occupational therapy assisting is a hands-on profession, the learning environment at Macomb reflects real-world practice. Classrooms are designed to simulate everyday settings, including a small apartment-style space where students learn how to help patients regain essential daily living skills such as getting out of bed, using the bathroom, and bathing safely.
Students also train with specialized equipment that helps them better understand the challenges patients may face. Weighted vests, neck braces, blackout glasses, and other adaptive tools are used to simulate physical and sensory limitations, giving students valuable perspective and empathy.
“Macomb’s program takes what you're learning in the textbook and applies it. That’s helpful because you learn what it’s like to be the patient and also the practitioner,” Taylor said.
To learn more about Macomb’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, visit our webpage.
Students also train with specialized equipment that helps them better understand the challenges patients may face. Weighted vests, neck braces, blackout glasses, and other adaptive tools are used to simulate physical and sensory limitations, giving students valuable perspective and empathy.
“Macomb’s program takes what you're learning in the textbook and applies it. That’s helpful because you learn what it’s like to be the patient and also the practitioner,” Taylor said.
How do you know if being an occupational therapy assistant is right for you?
If you’re looking for a meaningful health care career with strong job stability, becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) may be a great fit. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for OTAs is projected to grow by 18% over the next decade. The median annual salary is about $68,340, making it an attractive career option that typically requires only a two-year degree.
In addition to offering long-term career stability, this role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about health care and want to make a tangible difference in patients’ daily lives. Occupational therapy assistants work closely with patients to help them build practical skills, regain independence, and improve overall quality of life.
“It's really rewarding to see it starting to click,” Taylor said about helping patients learn new skills. “You're not just watching a difference in their skill sets, but also in their self-confidence.”
In addition to offering long-term career stability, this role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about health care and want to make a tangible difference in patients’ daily lives. Occupational therapy assistants work closely with patients to help them build practical skills, regain independence, and improve overall quality of life.
“It's really rewarding to see it starting to click,” Taylor said about helping patients learn new skills. “You're not just watching a difference in their skill sets, but also in their self-confidence.”
To learn more about Macomb’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, visit our webpage.