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Navy NEC · Medical

L21A Occupational Therapy Assistant

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

An Occupational Therapy Assistant carries out established treatment plans for acute and chronic rehabilitation under an occupational therapist or medical officer. They assist with orthotic fabrication and fitting, splinting, strengthening and range of motion programs, wound and scar management, and psychosocial rehabilitation.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Core Skills

  • Orthotic fabrication and splint fitting assistance
  • Scar, edema, and wound care assistance
  • Simulator-based range-of-motion and strengthening programs
  • Psychosocial rehabilitation and wartime combat stress support

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Experience carrying out established rehabilitation plans, conducting therapeutic exercises, and assisting with orthotics directly overlaps civilian occupational therapy assistant work.

How to prepare: Compare your existing education, fieldwork, licenses, and credentials with the intended state's licensing board requirements and employer expectations to identify any gaps. State licensure is usually required and involves an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program, fieldwork, and passing an exam.

What the civilian work involves
  • Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
  • Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
  • Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (3 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC L21A

    [1] NEC entry "L21A - Occupational Therapy Assistant"; cached text line 7829; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Orthotic fabrication and splint fitting assistance, Scar, edema, and wound care assistance, Simulator-based range-of-motion and strengthening programs, Psychosocial rehabilitation and wartime combat stress support, Occupational Therapy Assistants (O*NET 31-2011.00)

  2. O*NET: Occupational Therapy Assistants

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Occupational Therapy Assistants (O*NET 31-2011.00)

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

    [3] How to Become; Education and Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations; updated August 27, 2026, checked September 23, 2026

    Supports: Occupational Therapy Assistants (O*NET 31-2011.00)

Defense contractor jobs for L21A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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