What classes are required to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Answer 1

Certification
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).

Qualities Needed
Aptitudes and interests that may be helpful include an interest in health care, a desire to help people and make a difference in their lives, compassion, sensitivity, problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions.

The OTA Program
The OTA program is a two-year curriculum which combines instruction in basic therapeutic methods and techniques with supervised fieldwork/clinical practice at affiliated rehabilitation facilities. Some prerequisite courses, including human anatomy and physiology, must be completed prior to entering the program.

Answer 2

I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(COTA). To become a COTA, you will need to get accepted into a two year associate degree program. Usually the prerequisites include Anatomy and Physiology, English Comp 1, and College Algebra. Each program has different pre-reqs and some allow you to take the necessary classes while you are in the program. Most programs also require that you observe a COTA or OT a certain amount of hours.

The first year you will be in the classroom and the second year you will begin your fieldworks (clinicals).

After graduation, you will take the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy Assistants (NBCOT exam).

I love this career and I look forward to going to work daily. It is very rewarding.