Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best occupational therapy assistant certifications
Occupational therapy assistant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an occupational therapy assistant to employers. However, not all occupational therapy assistant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an occupational therapy assistant are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Medical Assistant.
Below is a list of the best occupational therapy assistant certifications. Obtaining an occupational therapy assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for occupational therapy assistants
| Rank | Occupational therapy assistant certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Medical Assistant | ASPT |
| 4 | Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) | NBCOT |
| 5 | Massage Therapy Certification (MT) | Moving on Cen... |
| 6 | IV Therapy (IVC) | NFLPN |
6 best occupational therapy assistant 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.
- 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)
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.
- 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?
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.
- 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)
4. Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
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.
- 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)
5. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
6. IV Therapy (IVC)
National studies show that specialized certification for LPNs is a great avenue for professional growth, helping to increase earning potential and marketability.
- 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 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for an occupational therapy assistant?
The best occupational therapy assistant 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 therapy assistant 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 therapy assistants?
The most in-demand occupational therapy assistant certification is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this occupational therapy assistant certification will give you access to more occupational therapy assistant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an occupational therapy assistant career and salary?
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant certification will help you to secure an certified occupational therapy assistant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An certified occupational therapy assistant's average salary is $48,137 whereas occupational therapy assistants make an average salary of $50,653.
The most common combination of occupational therapy assistant certifications include: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Medical Assistant.
Online courses for occupational therapy assistants to earn certifications
1. Introduction to Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices
This introductory course provides a framework for incorporating integrative therapies into your work with clients or patients. By the end of the course, you will be able to assess if integrative therapies are good options in specific situations, as well as educate patients and colleagues about benefits and risks. You will be confident discussing the evidence base for integrative therapies in general, with an understanding of some of the challenges of research in this area, and able to identify...
2. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...
3. Colombian Wood Therapy Course - Maderoterapia
Learn how to use Colombian Wood Therapy to help your clients reduce cellulite and melt fat...
4. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
5. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Learn SFBT skills for creative conversations and better outcomes. With video of live sessions...
6. Sound Therapy Full Certification Course
Become a holistic professional who knows both Western and Eastern approaches to Sound Therapy!...
7. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
8. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
9. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life
35 Art Therapy exercises for life happiness & stress management. Art therapy with paintings, art & affirmations...
10. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art
Arts Therapy heals ! Improve your Mental Health with 30 Art Therapy Exercises ...
11. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
12. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
13. Oxford Diploma: Art Therapy:create books; run (4) workshops!
All you need to a) create a book and b) run FOUR Art Therapy workshops (including the Art Therapy exercises)!...
14. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learn ACT: Use cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness to increase psychological flexibility...
15. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Practitioner ACCREDITED
Combining Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to create Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT for short - join now!...
16. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE
Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...
17. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach
CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...
18. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
19. (Oxford) Diploma in Art Therapy (Extended Master Course)
Art Therapy : detailed (116 hours) course to help: interpret, express and resolve emotions - in detail...
20. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Course
Become a Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and elevate your understanding of human behaviour...