What does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to provide rehabilitation services to patients with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The COTA helps the patient regain skills necessary for daily living and work activities. Treatment may include exercises, stretches, and the use of adaptive equipment.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job duties include:
- Administering occupational therapy treatments and procedures under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Helping patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working
- Providing skilled therapy services to clients in their homes or in other settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers
- Educating patients and families about how to prevent or manage disabilities
- Planning and carrying out individually designed programs to help patients regain abilities lost due to injury or illness
- Recording progress and preparing reports to be shared with the supervising occupational therapist and other team members
- Consulting with other health care professionals to develop an interdisciplinary plan of care for each patient
- Modifying treatment plans according to the patient’s response or changes in condition
- Participating in continuing education opportunities to keep abreast of new developments in the field of occupational therapy
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Requirements
A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) must have an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. They must also pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing the NBCOT exam, the COTA must apply for state licensure. Most states require continuing education to maintain licensure. Some states may have additional requirements.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills
- Assisting patients with daily living activities
- Helping patients regain skills after an injury
- Motivating patients to achieve their goals
- Providing support and encouragement to patients
- Communicating effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare team members
- Documenting patient progress and updating treatment plans
- Planning and carrying out individualized treatment programs
- Selecting and using appropriate therapeutic techniques and equipment
- Modifying treatment plans as needed in response to patient progress or changes
- Educating patients and families about therapy goals and home exercise programs
- Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team
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How to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
There are a few steps that one must take in order to become a certified occupational therapy assistant. The first is to complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Once you have completed the accredited program, you will then need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. After passing the NBCOT exam, you will be a certified occupational therapy assistant and will be able to practice in most states.
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