Anyone on here a COTA. Or have become a cota then gone on to OT. I just got accepted into the OTA program at college and start Monday! (Bye bye next year and half). My question is besides the money would you rather be an ota or ot. I shadowed 2 different places and one OT said she hated she never really got to see the progess a pt made since otas did most of the work. And another OT said she loved being higher up.. whats your experience
OT way to go .. great money OTA.. great job too but depends on your determintation and what you desire to do. IF its about they money then OT... if you want to make a decent living ota. Food for thought... although healthcare jobs pay its not all the about the money. I have accepted jobs for the money and you pay dearly. I prefer to work at a good place good people better patients and outcomes less money. However, you need to expereince the good the bad and the ugly of healthcare once you do you will find the position and the place for you. It will only come with expereince. Good Luck I have seen OT's do amazing things for rehab patients!
The main differences...OT's can evaluate and treat patients and supervise COTA's when needed. Whereas COTA's are limited to treating.... they cannot evaluate patients or be without some supervision by an OT (supervision varies by state). Both are highly desired jobs...both have pros and cons. OT pro's: you can do as much as you put your mind to and/or are certified to do, pay is higher, you aren't under anyone.. but the cons: you are liable for COTA's actions under you.. and you have a TON of documentation/paperwork/billing. And the COTA pro's: you mainly treat, thus a lot of patient time, schooling is shorter. Cons: you're under someone else's supervision (may only be monthly, depends on state/facility)... pay is less.. you are more limited to what you can do.
Good luck in your endeavors..it is a very rewarding field!!
Edited to add, I chose to get my Master's in OT but have learned a great deal from COTA's.. you can't go wrong either way; it's personal preference!
Ive worked as a hospice aide for awhile and I enjoy my patient time. But I think the main thing I'm worried about is pay. Can I still provide for my horses on an ota salary
occupational therapy assistant
