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Best occupational therapist assistants certifications

Occupational therapist assistants certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an occupational therapist assistants to employers. However, not all occupational therapist assistants certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for an occupational therapist assistants are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Medical Assistant.

Below is a list of the best occupational therapist assistants certifications. Obtaining an occupational therapist assistants certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for occupational therapist assistants

RankOccupational therapist assistants certificationOrganization
1Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)NBCOT
2Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)American Red ...
3Medical AssistantASPT
4Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)American Red ...

4 best occupational therapist assistants certifications

1. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy (OT)
udemy
3.9
(70)

2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

3. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

4. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Basic Life Support for...

What is the best certification for an occupational therapist assistants?

The best occupational therapist assistants certification is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is awarded by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this occupational therapist assistants certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 5 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for occupational therapist assistants?

The most in-demand occupational therapist assistants certification is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this occupational therapist assistants certification will give you access to more occupational therapist assistants jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact an occupational therapist assistants career and salary?

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant certification will help you to secure an occupational therapy assistant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An occupational therapy assistant's average salary is $47,932 whereas occupational therapist assistants make an average salary of $51,377.

Best certifications

The most common combination of occupational therapist assistants certifications include: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Medical Assistant.

Online courses for occupational therapist assistantss to earn certifications

Advertising disclosure

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2. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

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Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...

15. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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Learn ACT: Use cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness to increase psychological flexibility...

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Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...

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Become professional therapist / healer Fully Accredited Professional Sound Healing / Sound Therapy Certificate...

18. (Oxford) Diploma in Art Therapy (Extended Master Course)

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Art Therapy : detailed (116 hours) course to help: interpret, express and resolve emotions - in detail...

19. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate

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Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...

20. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate

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Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...

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