Want a career where you help people every day? Becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) might be right for you! This guide helps you understand what a COTA does, how to get there, and what you can expect.
A COTA works with people of all ages who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. You'll help them develop, recover, and improve the skills they need for daily living and working. This could involve:
You will work under the direction of an Occupational Therapist (OT) to implement treatment plans.
To become a COTA, you'll need to graduate from an accredited COTA program. These programs are usually two-year Associate's degrees. You'll learn about:
A big part of your program will be fieldwork. This gives you hands-on experience working with real patients under the supervision of experienced OTs and COTAs.
After you graduate from your COTA program, you need to get a license to practice. This usually involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Once you pass the exam, you can apply for a license in your state. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state's licensing board.
The salary for an occupational therapy assistant can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. Research the average occupational therapy assistant salary in your desired area to get a better idea of what you can expect.
COTA jobs can be found in many settings, including:
Your job duties might change depending on where you work. Look for COTA jobs that match your skills and interests.
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