Occupational Therapy Assistants

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: 4 (18%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 4 (18%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 14 (64%)

• Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Attend continuing education classes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.AI can speed this up with extra software · 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
• Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.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
• Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about occupational therapy assistants and AI