A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) has an exciting role in healthcare, helping patients build the physical skills needed for daily activities. COTAs work under Occupational Therapists (OTs) and assist in developing treatment plans for patients to recover from injuries, disabilities, or developmental disorders.

Occupational therapy services are facing increased demand, and becoming an OTA is a great way to get into the field fast. OTA certification enables these professionals to provide high-quality patient care and qualify for various career prospects. Below, this guide outlines the occupational therapy assistant certification requirements, so you can enter the field with confidence.

What is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a healthcare professional trained to provide hands-on therapy that helps patients improve motor functions, adapt to their environments, and perform essential daily tasks. While Occupational Therapists develop treatment plans, COTAs focus on executing these plans and guide patients through therapeutic exercises and activities. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are indispensable to occupational therapy across various settings—hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and home healthcare environments, to name a few.

Why is COTA certification necessary?

Certification is critical in ensuring that COTAs meet national competency standards and maintain credibility within the healthcare industry. In the hiring process, a certification is a necessity for many employers even to consider hiring and promoting OTAs. Certification increases job opportunities and can open doors to a higher salary.

OTA certification also demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and the best practices in occupational therapy. A certification ensures COTAs have the industry-required knowledge and skills to best serve their patients.

Plus, earning COTA certification (by examination) is a required step in the pathway to state licensure. Earning a state license is required to practice as an OTA.

Being a certified professional builds trust with employers and patients alike, reinforcing the importance of committing to COTA requirements throughout one’s career. Beyond employability, certification can open doors to specialized areas within occupational therapy, as well, such as working with pediatric, geriatric, or neurorehabilitation patients. Finally, understanding COTA requirements and pursuing certification encourages professional and educational growth through continuing education and renewal processes.

Learn how to become a COTA through Goodwin University.

Educational requirements to become a COTA

To become a COTA, candidates must complete an associate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

In an OTA degree program, students gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Kinesiology
• Psychology
• Therapeutic techniques and interventions
• Clinical reasoning and patient assessment

Occupational therapy assistant certification requirements come with a fieldwork component. Level I fieldwork introduces students to basic patient interactions, while Level II fieldwork provides extensive hands-on clinical experience in real-world therapy settings.

National certification requirements for COTAs

After completing an accredited OTA program, graduates must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This national certification exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills in:

• Occupational therapy principles and practices
• Patient evaluation and intervention strategies
• Ethical and professional standards

The NBCOT exam requires an application fee and adherence to eligibility criteria, including submission of academic transcripts. Upon passing the exam, candidates earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) title. Certification must be maintained, so COTAs must continuously meet education requirements and renew their certification periodically.

COTA license requirements in Connecticut

Each state has specific licensure requirements for COTAs, and obtaining a state license is mandatory for practice. State-specific and nationwide licensure requirements for OTAs often overlap. In Connecticut, the licensure process includes:

1. Passing the NBCOT Exam: Candidates must achieve a passing score on the national certification exam, which grants them the COTA title.
2. Applying for Licensure: The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires an official application, including academic transcripts and proof of NBCOT certification.
3. Completing Background Checks: A criminal background check is required as part of the licensing process.
4. Paying Licensure Fees: Candidates must submit the necessary licensure fees.
5. Meeting Continuing Education Standards: To renew their license, COTAs must complete continuing education courses as mandated by the state.

Since licensure requirements may change with emerging research, candidates should verify the latest regulations through their state’s occupational therapy board or regulatory agency.

Learn more about becoming an OTA in Connecticut here.

How long does it take to become a certified OTA?

The timeline for becoming a COTA varies. An associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting takes approximately two years to complete. These programs usually meet many of the OTA certification requirements, such as fieldwork, hands-on experience, and traditional coursework. At Goodwin University, the OTA degree program can be completed in as few as 16 months full-time.

Clinical training for aspiring COTAs adds around 16 weeks, but this experience is necessary for becoming the best possible OTA. Preparing for the final certification exam from NBCOT differs for each person, but most take a few months to study and pass the exam.

All in all, meeting the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant requirements takes around 2.5 years, making it a timely option to enter the healthcare field.

Job outlook & career opportunities for COTAs

The demand for COTAs is rising due to an aging population and increasing awareness of occupational therapy’s benefits. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in this field with 21% job growth in the next ten years, making it an excellent career choice. The abundance of job settings COTAs can work in, like hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health agencies, provide even more job opportunities with chances to tailor your position to your skillset. Salaries vary by location and experience, but certification often leads to higher earning potential.

For those looking to advance their careers, opportunities exist for specialized certifications in pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. Some COTAs may also choose to further their education and transition into Occupational Therapists (OTs) roles by pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in occupational therapy. An institution’s career center can also help the student in this transition.

Earning COTA certification

Becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant involves completing an accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT exam, and obtaining state licensure. Receiving the right education and meeting the occupational therapy assistant certification requirements allows COTAs to embark on a rewarding career helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Goodwin University offers a well-rounded COTA program designed to prepare students for success in this growing field. For more information on educational pathways and certification guidance, do not hesitate to contact us at the link below.

Learn more about COTA programs at Goodwin University to see if being an Occupational Therapy Assistant is the right career choice for you.