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Occupational Therapy Assistant | Occupational Therapy Aide
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 19th, 2010
What is the job of an occupational therapy assistant?
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, commonly referred to as a COTA, has completed an associate’s degree program and works under the supervision of an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist performs and interprets the evaluation and
then develops an intervention plan, and then occupational therapy assistant carries out the interventions as delineated in the plan. The occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant work collaboratively. The occupational therapy assistant may participate in the evaluation and planning process depending on the skills and competency demonstrated.
Learn more about the occupational therapy schools.
Occupational Therapy Assistants also have to sit for board exams, although theirs are less in depth than the Occupational Therapist exams. Upon passing the NBCOT exam the individual earns the title “Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant” and is in turn able to put the “COTA” initials behind his/her name.
