5 Apps Occupational Therapy Assistants Love

These days, most of us carry tiny devices around in our pockets hundreds of times more powerful than the computers that put astronauts on the moon. (Crazy, right?) Nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone, and their use now ranges from communication to media consumption to work-related tasks. Developers have made thousands and thousands of apps for our phones and tablets, and more and more healthcare workers are taking advantage of these mobile, self-contained programs to streamline processes and access information faster. And you know what? Occupational therapy assistants are no different!

If you’re an OTA looking for easy access to resources to boost your knowledge in the field, we’ve got you covered. Here are five helpful apps that should be on every OTA’s device of choice. Unless otherwise noted, these apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.

The OT Magazine

This free app is a bimonthly publication aimed at occupational therapists and their assistants. It’s a comprehensive look at the OT industry, from news and product information to columns, recruiting and training opportunities, and more. It’s an indispensable tool that no OTA should ever be without!

OT App for Kids

Specifically designed for pediatric occupational therapy, the OT App helps develop motor strength, control, and coordination in children using cute animations in flash card form. Though the cartoon graphics are aimed at children, the activities work for anyone looking for good upper-body exercises. It also comes in a free “Lite Version.”

Muscle&Motion (Android Only)

The human body is fantastic — and fantastically complicated! This educational app contains thousands of 3-D videos that demonstrate the muscle motion that goes into our actions, from sitting down to lifting weights. This app is exceptionally helpful at helping patients understand what their muscles are doing and why.

iOS users can get a similar experience with the Anatomy in Motion app, though there is no free version available.

Related Resource: Friend or Foe? Using Your Smartphone Smartly During School

Occubuzz

Occupational therapy assistants aren’t only concerned with the physical side of things. Care has a mental component, too. Occubuzz leads the user through a series of questions about their daily and weekly routine that can help identify points of occupational overload or deprivation.

Fabulous – Motivate Me! (Android, Coming to iOS)

This comprehensive health app has it all. It doesn’t just encourage users to be more active — though, it does that, too — it also tackles nutrition, good sleep habits, and so much more. Not only is it perfect for an OTA’s patients to help instill healthy living habits outside of therapy sessions, but OTAs can use it to make sure they’re living healthy themselves, too!

It’s currently only for Android, but an iOS version is on its way. iPhone users can sign up on the website to be notified upon its release.