Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) plays a crucial role in the therapy industry by providing support to occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients. They help patients with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses improve their ability to perform daily activities. OTAs often take on the hands-on tasks of therapy sessions, instructing and aiding patients in exercises and activities, monitoring progress, and documenting patient responses. They also assist in preparing treatment areas and equipment. Essential skills for this role include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a compassionate and patient-centered approach, and good physical strength and dexterity to assist patients.

Before becoming an OTA, a person may hold roles such as a Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Certified Nursing Assistant to gain relevant experience. In terms of qualification, becoming an OTA requires completion of an associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a state license, which involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Furthermore, OTAs may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation to advance their career.

1-15 of 59 Jobs

COTA / Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Rehabilitation in Wauconda, IL

  • Ardor Health Solutions
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago

Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our travel team in a SNF UNIT setting, in Wauconda, IL!...

In Person Contract

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • InHome Therapy
  • Highland Park, IL (10 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Highland Park, IL (10 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago

What You'll Need Active Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in good standing BLS CPR certification Reliable transportation Basic comfort with technology - email, texting, EMR systems...

In Person

Cota

  • Fusion Medical Staffing
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago

of an accredited program in occupational therapy Occupational Therapy Assistant experience, but New Grads are welcome to apply Other certifications or licenses may be required for this position Summary...

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Cicero, IL

  • Sunbelt Staffing
  • Cicero, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Cicero, IL (16 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 1 day ago

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), your expertise and dedication will help empower students in achieving greater independence and access in their educational journey....

In Person

Occupational Therapist Assistant - Full Time Days

  • Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
  • Chicago, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago
  • Chicago, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) assists in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist. ...

In Person Full Time

Travel Allied-COTA, Rehab

  • StaffDNA
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago

COTA - Rehab We are seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehabilitation team....

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • Paxxon Healthcare Services
  • Glenview, IL (3 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago
  • Glenview, IL (3 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago

LICENSURE OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants must be licensed in the state practicing by the Board of Occupational Therapy and provide an acceptable Criminal Background...

In Person

Travel Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

  • Fusion Medical Staffing
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 2 days ago

Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Wauconda, Illinois Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled Occupational Therapy...

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Rehabilitation - 5x8 Days

  • Centra Healthcare Solutions
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago
  • Wauconda, IL (19 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago

Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license within the state of practice....

In Person

Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • Advent Health
  • Hinsdale, IL (17 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago
  • Hinsdale, IL (17 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago

Education: Associate [Required] Field of Study: Occupational therapy assistant Work Experience: N/A Additional Information: N/A Licenses and Certifications: Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) [Required...

In Person

Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Trusted Health
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago

Trusted is seeking an experienced allied health professional for this exciting travel assignment. Trusted has streamlined the travel experience by enabling clinicians to apply directly to jobs...

In Person

Therapy Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

  • All Medical Personnel
  • Chicago, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago
  • Chicago, IL (15 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 3 days ago

Back To Jobs List Therapy - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Job ID: 294665 Location: Chicago Region, IL Posted: 2026-05-30 Category: Therapy Specialty: Certified Occupational Therapy...

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant - PRN

  • LCS Senior Living
  • Naperville, IL (23 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Naperville, IL (23 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 4 days ago

What you'll do The Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) is a vital member of the care team who provides rehabilitation care to the clients as requested by the client, and when required, as prescribed...

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • EDU Healthcare
  • Gages Lake, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Gages Lake, IL (21 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 4 days ago

We are seeking a school-based Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to join our team in Illinois for the 2026-2027 school year....

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - SNF / LTC - 8x5

  • Centra Healthcare Solutions
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 5 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (6 miles from Des Plaines, IL)
  • 5 days ago

Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license within the state of practice....

In Person

Demographic Data for Des Plaines, IL

Moving to Des Plaines, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Des Plaines, IL below.


Local
National
91,939
3,014
Medium/Lg

Occupational Therapist Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Occupational Safety and Health Hazards
No workplace is free from risk. Whether physical or psychosocial, occupational hazards are a concern for every workplace. This two-week course from Universiti Malaya will give you an introduction...
The Role of Personal Assistants in Disability Support
Disabled people can now receive funding from their local authority to employ a personal assistant. While this gives them more personalised care in their own home, it also turns them into an...
Becoming a Student Assistant: Teaching and Mentoring
Student assistants are valuable staff members at the University of Groningen. Currently, over 700 students take up teaching duties, support role functions, governing positions, and many other...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Occupational Therapist Assistant positions.



Highest Education Level

Occupational Therapist Assistants in Des Plaines, IL offer the following education background
Associate's Degree
49.0%
Bachelor's Degree
25.8%
Master's Degree
15.1%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.2%
Doctorate Degree
2.7%
Some College
0.6%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Occupational Therapist Assistants in Des Plaines, IL
Less than 1 year
60.5%
1-2 years
14.6%
None
11.2%
6-8 years
9.7%
2-4 years
3.5%
4-6 years
0.5%



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