Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

What do Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants do?

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) work alongside Occupational Therapists (OTs) to provide rehabilitation services to patients with physical, emotional, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. They help patients develop or regain daily living skills and work towards achieving their goals.

The primary responsibilities of COTAs include:

Assisting with evaluations: COTAs may help OTs in evaluating patients’ physical and functional abilities, as well as their psychological and social needs.
Developing treatment plans: Based on the evaluation results, COTAs help the OTs in developing individualized treatment plans that address the patient’s specific needs and goals.
Implementing treatment plans: COTAs help patients with exercises and activities that are designed to improve their daily living skills, including dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. They may also help patients with therapeutic exercises, functional activities, and sensory-motor integration activities.
Monitoring progress: COTAs monitor patients’ progress and report any changes to the OTs. They also adjust treatment plans as needed.
Providing patient education: COTAs teach patients how to use adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or orthotics, and how to perform exercises and activities on their own.

COTAs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and nursing homes. They play an important role in helping patients improve their daily living skills and achieve their goals.

What is the job outlook for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants?

The job outlook for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) is positive, with a projected employment growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

The demand for COTAs is expected to increase due to the aging population and the need for more healthcare services. As the baby boomer generation ages, the number of individuals who require rehabilitation services is expected to increase. Additionally, advances in medical technology and treatments are enabling more individuals with disabilities to live longer and more productive lives, further increasing demand for rehabilitation services.

COTAs are also in demand in educational settings, where they work with children with special needs to help them develop skills needed for academic success.

Overall, the job outlook for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) is positive, with plenty of job opportunities available in a variety of healthcare and educational settings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants held about 43,400 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants were as follows:

COTA

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants spend much of their time on their feet while setting up equipment and, in the case of assistants, providing therapy to patients. Constant kneeling and stooping are part of the job, as is the occasional need to lift patients.

What are the salary expectations for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants?

The salary expectations for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) can vary depending on various factors such as geographic location, experience level, and work setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for COTAs was $63,120 as of May 2020.

In terms of work setting, COTAs working in nursing care facilities earned the highest median annual wage of $73,670, followed by home healthcare services with a median annual wage of $66,100. COTAs working in outpatient care centers earned a median annual wage of $63,530, while those working in general medical and surgical hospitals earned a median annual wage of $61,960.

Experience can also affect a COTA’s salary. Those with more experience and expertise in a particular area of occupational therapy may earn a higher salary than those who are just starting out in the field.

Overall, COTAs are well-compensated for their work as essential members of the healthcare team, providing hands-on care and assistance to patients under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.

What are the education requirements for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants?

To become a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), you must have at least an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. These programs typically take about two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

In addition to the associate degree, you must also complete fieldwork requirements, which provide you with practical experience working with patients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).

After completing an accredited program, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a certified COTA. This exam assesses your knowledge and competency in the field of occupational therapy.

Continuing education is also required to maintain certification as a COTA. This typically involves completing continuing education courses or attending workshops to stay up to date on new developments and techniques in the field.

Overall, becoming a COTA requires a significant commitment to education and training. However, the rewards of helping patients improve their daily living skills and achieve their goals can be well worth the effort.

Go to the American Occupational Therapy Association (APTA) for more licensing requirements.

What areas can Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants specialize in?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) can specialize in various areas of occupational therapy based on their interests and the needs of their patients. Here are some areas of specialization for COTAs:

Pediatrics: COTAs who specialize in pediatrics work with infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental delays, congenital conditions, or injuries. They help children develop skills for daily living, such as self-care, play, and school-related activities.
Geriatrics: COTAs who specialize in geriatrics work with older adults who have age-related conditions such as dementia, arthritis, or mobility impairments. They help patients maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and prevent falls and other accidents.
Mental health: COTAs who specialize in mental health work with patients who have psychiatric or emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. They help patients develop coping skills, social skills, and leisure skills to improve their functioning and well-being.
Hand therapy: COTAs who specialize in hand therapy work with patients who have hand and upper extremity injuries or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or amputation. They help patients improve their hand function, dexterity, and strength through exercises, splinting, and other interventions prescribed by a licensed occupational therapist.
Work and industry: COTAs who specialize in work and industry work with employees who have work-related injuries or conditions that affect their ability to perform their job duties. They help patients develop ergonomic solutions, work hardening programs, and other strategies to improve their work performance and prevent future injuries.

Overall, COTAs work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. They may also need to obtain additional certifications or licenses to specialize in certain areas of occupational therapy.

What setting can Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants work in?

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) can work in a variety of settings, including:

Hospitals: COTAs may work in acute care hospitals, providing rehabilitation services to patients recovering from surgeries or injuries.
Rehabilitation centers: COTAs may work in rehabilitation centers, where they provide services to patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries.
Nursing homes: COTAs may work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, where they help elderly or disabled individuals improve their daily living skills.
Schools: COTAs may work in schools, providing services to children with special needs to help them develop skills needed for academic success.
Home health agencies: COTAs may work for home health agencies, providing services to patients in their homes.
Outpatient clinics: COTAs may work in outpatient clinics, providing services to individuals with a variety of conditions, such as orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, or developmental delays.

Overall, COTAs can work in a wide range of settings, providing rehabilitation services to individuals with physical, emotional, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.