Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)

Occupational Therapist Assistants work under the direction of an occupational therapist helping clients with activities and exercises specified in a treatment plan.

Typically, occupational therapist assistants aid in the provision of rehabilitative services for people suffering from mental, physical, emotional or developmental impairments. These individuals also monitor patients’ activities, record progress and document billing.

Education Requirements for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants

• One must complete an accredited Occupational therapist assistant program where he or she earns an associates degree.
• Must pass a national certification exam.

On a typical day a Occupational Therapy assistant will:

• Record their clients progress for the occupational therapist
• Monitor an individuals activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement
• Monitor an individuals activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement
• Help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist

The work environment of Occupational Therapy assistant:

Certified occupational therapist assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including outpatient treatment centers and clinics. Their work schedules depending upon their facility requirements; shifts could include part-time, full-time, nights and weekends.