Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for occupational therapy assistants. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

6 Best Certifications For Occupational Therapy Assistants

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.

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
4.6
(61)

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. 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.

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)

5. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)

Certification Details
  • 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
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Massage Therapy
udemy
4.6
(996)

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.

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 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
IV Therapy
Certifying Organization
National Federation of Licensed...

What is the best certification for a Occupational Therapy Assistant?

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) certification is most common among occupational therapy assistants. This certification 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. To become a certified occupational therapy assistant with 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?

We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.

What Certifications Can Impact a Occupational Therapy Assistant Career and Salary?

Occupational therapy assistants are most often promoted to an certified occupational therapy assistant position. A certified occupational therapy assistant average salary is $48,137 whereas occupational therapy assistants make an average salary of $50,653. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant certification could help you to get a certified occupational therapy assistant position in your career path.

Best Certifications

Occupational therapy assistants are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Medical Assistant.

online courses for Occupational Therapy Assistants that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

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1. Introduction to Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices

coursera

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

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How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...

3. Massage Therapy

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Massage Therapy Course 101...

4. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

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Learn SFBT skills for creative conversations and better outcomes. With video of live sessions...

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Become a holistic professional who knows both Western and Eastern approaches to Sound Therapy!...

6. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy

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Become Professional Art Therapist with this Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...

7. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...

8. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life

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35 Art Therapy exercises for life happiness & stress management. Art therapy with paintings, art & affirmations...

9. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

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Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...

10. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches

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Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...

11. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy

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Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...

12. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Practitioner ACCREDITED

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Combining Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to create Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT for short - join now!...

13. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach

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CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...

14. Art Therapy: Personal Development and Self Healing with Art

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Arts Therapy heals! Improve your Mental Health with 30 Art Therapy Exercises. With Certificate Upon Completion...

15. (Nov. 2022)The MOST Extensive, Accredited, Art Therapy.

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Everything you need to heal yourself - and heal others. Workbooks. hundreds of Art Therapy exercises. active Q/A...

16. Professional Cupping Therapy & Massage

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Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...

17. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Course

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Become a Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and elevate your understanding of human behaviour...

18. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification

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4.3
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International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...

19. Dyslexia Therapy for Self Help or as a Career

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Dyslexia Therapy as a Self-Help Model for Dyslexics & Dyslexia Therapy as a Career...

20. Sound Therapy & Sound Healing Accredited Practitioner Course

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4.5
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Learn how Sound can Balance & Heal, How to run your own Sound Healing Sessions & Play 9 instruments. Accredited Course...

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