NEC
L21A
Occupational Therapy Assistant
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Description
Assists occupational therapist and/or medical officer in administering occupational therapy. Assists with carrying out established treatment plans for acute and chronic rehabilitation services. Assists with the fabrication and fitting of upper and lower extremity, high and low temperature orthotics; splinting and rehabilitation for tendon lacerations, fractures, burns, and various neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Conducts range of motion and strengthening programs using simulators and work stations. Assists in the management of hypertrophic scarring, edema, hypersensitivity and wound care. Assists in the development and application of psychosocial rehabilitation for psychiatric patients. In wartime, assists in the management of combat stress-related disorders.
Core Skills
- therapeutic exercise support
- orthotic and splint fabrication
- range of motion assessment
- neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation
- wound and edema management
- adaptive equipment training
- psychosocial rehabilitation support
- patient progress documentation
- combat stress support
Common Certifications
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- CPR/BLS Certification
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
- Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA)
Civilian Career Paths
- REHABILITATION
- CLINICAL TECHNICIAN
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting
- NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- CPR/BLS Certification
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Career Growth
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA)
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.