What Is The Difference Between OTA and OT Aide
So you are starting to research the occupational therapy career field and maybe a bit confused with some of the job roles available. In this post, we are going to take a look at the difference between an occupational therapist aide and an occupational therapist assistant (OTA).
Occupational Therapy Aide
- The occupational therapy aide will provide support services to the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
- The career requires a high school diploma.
- The occupational therapy aide will receive their training on the job.
- Occupational therapy aide programs are not currently accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AOTA’s ACOTE).
- There is no eligibility for certification or licensure.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
- The title of Occupational Therapy Assistant can be denoted as OTA. This acronym is never used to represent an OT aide.
- The occupational therapy assistant will provide treatment to patients under supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
- The career requires an associate’s degree.
- The OTA will complete observation and supervised fieldwork during their academic program.
- OTA academic programs are accredited by AOTA’s ACOTE.
- The occupational therapy assistant can become licensed and certified.
- To become a certified occupational therapy assistant you will need to pass the NBCOT COTA certification exam.
- Once certified the title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant can be denoted as COTA.
