Occupational Therapy Aides

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (20%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (7%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 11 (73%)

• Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Assist educational specialists or clinical psychologists in administering situational or diagnostic tests to measure client's abilities or progress.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments or arts and crafts projects.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust and repair assistive devices and make adaptive changes to other equipment and to environments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Evaluate the living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Accompany patients on outings, providing transportation when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about occupational therapy aides and AI