How to Become An Occupational Therapy Assistant
1 Courses
An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) helps people get back to doing what matters most in daily life. Whether that means cooking, getting dressed, or returning to work, OTAs are there to help. They work under a qualified occupational therapist in a range of settings.
Day to day, an OTA runs therapy tasks, prepares materials, and helps clients build key life skills. They track how clients are going and keep the supervising OT in the loop. They also care for equipment and keep the therapy space safe and ready.
OTAs are team players. They work alongside nurses, doctors, social workers, and other health staff. This means clients get well-rounded care from everyone involved in their recovery.
Getting started as an OTA is easy. The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) is the standard entry course. It takes about one year full-time at a TAFE or RTO. This hands-on course gets graduates into the workforce quickly.
Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistant
A career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant offers strong job security and genuine impact. The Australian health sector is growing fast. An ageing population and the growth of the NDIS are driving demand for allied health support workers. OTAs are needed across hospitals, aged care, disability services, and community health settings.
Most OTAs work full-time hours of around 38 hours per week, though part-time and casual roles are also available. The average salary for an OTA in Australia is around $70,000 per year (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Entry-level roles start at about $55,000, with more experienced OTAs earning up to $85,000 or more.
OTAs can grow by specialising in paediatrics, aged care, or mental health. Further study can open the door to becoming a registered OT. A diploma or bachelor degree in occupational therapy is a common path for those who want to advance. This makes the OTA role a great starting point for a long-term allied health career.
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
