Occupational therapy (OT) helps people participate more fully in their daily lives. OT practitioners support people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions to engage in the activities that are important to them. These “occupations” include everything from activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing and dressing to work, leisure, and social activities.
A key member of the occupational therapy team is the certified occupational therapy assistant, or COTA. COTAs work under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR) and play a vital role in helping clients achieve their goals.
So, what is a COTA, exactly? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the COTA role, responsibilities, education requirements, and career outlook.
What does a COTA do?
A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) plays a vital role in helping people of all ages do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Scope of Practice
COTAs work under the direction and supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). The COTA helps to put the OTR’s treatment plan into action, making sure the client is safe and receiving high-quality care.
For the best results, OTRs and COTAs must work together.
Key Responsibilities
A COTA has many important responsibilities, including:
- Implementing treatment plans. This involves carrying out the therapeutic activities and interventions laid out by the OTR. The COTA will modify those activities to make sure they’re a good fit for the client’s needs and abilities.
- Assisting with assessments. The COTA will collect data through observation, interviews, and standardized assessments, then report those findings to the OTR.
- Providing client education. The COTA teaches clients and their families about therapeutic techniques and strategies to promote independence and self-management.
- Documenting progress. The COTA accurately records how the client is progressing and what the treatment outcomes are, then communicates all of this to the OT team.
What’s the difference between a COTA and an OTR?
While both COTAs and OTRs work in occupational therapy, there are important differences in their education, scope of practice, and responsibilities:
Education and Training
- COTA: COTA programs usually award an Associate’s degree.
- OTR: OTR programs require a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Scope of Practice and Autonomy
- OTR: OTRs are responsible for the first patient evaluations, developing treatment plans, and planning discharges.
- COTA: COTAs carry out treatment plans and may help with evaluations under the supervision of an OTR.
Responsibilities
- OTR: OTRs have a wider range of responsibilities, including creating programs, doing research, and advocating for patients.
- COTA: COTAs focus on working directly with patients and using established treatment methods.
What education and licensure do COTAs need?
To become a COTA, you’ll need to complete an accredited educational program and pass a national certification exam. Here’s a closer look at those requirements.
Educational Programs
COTA programs must meet specific accreditation standards set by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The curriculum includes courses in subjects such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Occupational therapy theory
COTA programs focus on teaching you practical skills and clinical reasoning. You’ll also get supervised fieldwork experience in different settings, which will give you hands-on experience treating clients.
Certification and Licensure
Once you’ve completed your COTA program, you’ll need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to get certified. Most states require you to have a license to practice as a COTA. Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses to keep your license current.
Where do COTAs work?
COTAs can be found in a wide variety of work settings, and can specialize in different areas of practice.
Common work environments
- Hospitals. In a hospital setting, COTAs may work in acute care, rehabilitation, or outpatient departments.
- Skilled nursing facilities. Many COTAs work with older adults in nursing homes, providing therapy to help them manage medical conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Schools. School-based COTAs help children with developmental disabilities and learning challenges to participate fully in their education.
- Outpatient clinics. In outpatient clinics, COTAs treat people of all ages who have orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and other impairments.
- Home health. COTAs who work in home health provide therapy in clients’ homes, helping them to maintain their independence and safety.
Potential areas of specialization
- Geriatrics. COTAs specializing in geriatrics focus on the unique needs of older adults.
- Pediatrics. Pediatric COTAs work with children and adolescents, helping them to develop the skills they need to thrive.
- Hand therapy. COTAs specializing in hand therapy treat individuals with injuries affecting their hands and upper extremities.
- Mental health. Mental health COTAs provide therapy to individuals with mental health conditions, helping them to improve their coping skills and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) are vital members of the occupational therapy team. They provide essential services that make a real difference in the lives of their clients, helping them gain greater independence and participate more fully in daily life. Without COTAs, the delivery of quality occupational therapy services would be significantly compromised.
As the population ages and the need for occupational therapy grows, the demand for qualified COTAs is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. COTAs will continue to play a critical role in meeting this growing need.
If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, consider becoming a COTA. It’s a profession that offers both personal and professional fulfillment.