Occupational Therapy Assistant (Health Service Skills)

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (Health Service Skills) course is designed to equip the learner with the opportunity of obtaining a Major QQI Level 5 Award in Health Service Skills 5M3782. This course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skills required to progress on to potential employment as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or as a Health Care Assistant.

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works alongside the Occupational Therapist (OT) in developing and providing holistic, client-centered treatment plans to service users in a wide range of settings such as rehab, mental health, pediatrics or geriatrics. An important team member, they provide assistance to those who, as a result of a disability, illness or injury, require support in performing meaningful occupations or activities of daily living (ADLs). Under the direction and supervision of the OT, some duties of the OTA include facilitating therapeutic interventions for e.g. guiding service users in how to use assistive equipment that can make daily activities easier for them and enhance their quality of life. Important administrative duties of the OTA include contributing to team meetings, documenting a patients treatment progress as well as maintaining office treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.