OTA Schooling, Where?

Im trying to find a school to go to for Occupational Therapy Assistant and I keep hitting a dead end. I need it in the Denver area or online anywhere, does anyone have suggestions where to look or know of a good school?

Take a look at this web site... you will find the info your looking for. The site says there is only one OTA program in Colorado... Pueblo Community College. www.aota.org/Students/Schools/EntryLevelOTA/40561.aspx#ar

You cannot get an OTA degree online. Also I've heard it is getting difficult for schools to find OTA students their clinical fieldwork and internships.

RickCOTA said: Take a look at this web site... you will find the info your looking for. The site says there is only one OTA program in Colorado... Pueblo Community College. www.aota.org/Students/Schools/EntryLevelOTA/40561.aspx#ar

How did you get certified?

You have to graduate from an Accredited OTA program. Once you do that you can take take the "National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy" or NBCOT Exam. You can find all the information you want at www.nbcot.org. They are talking about raising the fee to $800.00 by 2009. The test is not easy so be warned. I graduated from Pueblo Community College about 25 years ago. At that time there were six schools that offered the program. However, there has been a large decline in interest from prospective students. Westwood, Red Rocks CC, and Arapahoe Community College all had the program but they did away with them due to lack of interest.

I have a friend who is a former COTA in Colorado and she left the field a year ago last May because the pay was so bad. She just got her degree as a Physician's Assistant and so far after one year she loves it. Average pay for a PA is 80K a year and you only need an Associates degree. COTA's in Colorado make about $15-$18 an hour depending on experience.

It's amazing all the OTA programs that have closed in the last seven years. They say the need is expected to grow much faster then other careers but when you are looking for a job why can't you find anyone who wants to hire you. If they do it's usually the job from hell. Makes you wonder where the future really lies for COTAs.

Rebecca in Salem, Oregon said: I have a friend who is a former COTA in Colorado and she left the field a year ago last May because the pay was so bad. She just got her degree as a Physician's Assistant and so far after one year she loves it. Average pay for a PA is 80K a year and you only need an Associates degree. COTA's in Colorado make about $15-$18 an hour depending on experience.

You need a bach. degree..then two more years to be a Physicians assistant...

Lindy in Denver, Colorado said: You need a bach. degree..then two more years to be a Physicians assistant...

I totally disagree with you. I got my PA from Red Rocks Community College in Colorado and I only had to go for two years. There's a catch however. You have to have ten years or more experience in any area of the health care field to get accepted. I was an LVN for 12 years so I had a lot of knowledge in medical terminology and patient care. This is an 8 hour a day, five days a week program that runs year round... no breaks! So you better be financially set because there's no way you can work and go to school. I think RRCC has a great program.

So are there very few jobs for people that are just entering the OTA field? I am considering switching careers. What are aspects of the job that you really like and aspects that you don't like? I would appreciate anyone's comments as I am just starting to research other careers and their education/certification requirements. Thanks

Linda in Boulder, Colorado said: So are there very few jobs for people that are just entering the OTA field? I am considering switching careers. What are aspects of the job that you really like and aspects that you don't like? I would appreciate anyone's comments as I am just starting to research other careers and their education/certification requirements. Thanks

Do yourself a favor and find something else to do. There are limited jobs in Colorado and unless you are willing to move somewhere the job market is good for COTAs, your going to be very disappointed when you graduate. I just graduated and started looking a few months ago before I graduated and can't find anything.

Well I'm in a market where its good for COTAS but I'm looking to get out of the field. Unfortunately Kimberly is right about being disappointed when you graduate, if you notice through out these forums there is an apparent undertone of dissatisfaction with most of the current COTAS. There is a reason for that. You can either stick it out and make the best of it, or find something else that makes you happy. I'm chosing the latter.

Peter in Houston, Texas said: Well I'm in a market where its good for COTAS but I'm looking to get out of the field. Unfortunately Kimberly is right about being disappointed when you graduate, if you notice through out these forums there is an apparent undertone of dissatisfaction with most of the current COTAS. There is a reason for that. You can either stick it out and make the best of it, or find something else that makes you happy. I'm chosing the latter.

-- Peter, I worked as a COTA for 12 years in REHAB, I "retired" in 1987, I am considering getting re-certified. I was struck by your comments. Can you tell me what your dissattisfactions are? I am actually thinking of working in the schools w/ Peds. I would love to hear your feedback.

I have been a COTA for one year and have been replaced by a foreign therapists twice. It seems they are willing to take the same salary as a COTA. Most companies will take them for this reason while at the same time, have someone who can do evals... the best of both worlds. Personally, I think we need to stop these people from coming to the US and taking jobs from COTAs like me.

Katy in Littleton, Colorado said: Im trying to find a school to go to for Occupational Therapy Assistant and I keep hitting a dead end. I need it in the Denver area or online anywhere, does anyone have suggestions where to look or know of a good school?

You might try looking at Green River Community College in Auburn WA. I earned my COTA from them back in 1972, and after all these years, they have now added an online program. I'm not sure how the clinical piece works, but I know they have a distance education program, and it's a good school.

I am considering attending school for COTA in Chicago does anyone think thats a bad idea? I don't want to waste my time going to school and i am unable to find a job.

i am thinking about going back to school and getting a master degree in occ therapy. i already have a master degree in public administration but cannot seem to find a job in my field and i figure something medical should have more jobs available. i also would like to make at least 50,000 a year so that i will be able to pay off my student loans. i would be working in the dayton or cincinnati, ohio area. is this a growing field?

I am a Recreation Therapist and want to switch careers. I am considering a degree in occupational therapy because I heard the pay is better and I would be able to work in a hospital. I live in wi and will not be able to move. Is Occ. Therapy a bad idea? Should I keep searching for something else?

Rebekah in Madison, Wisconsin said: I am a Recreation Therapist and want to switch careers. I am considering a degree in occupational therapy because I heard the pay is better and I would be able to work in a hospital. I live in wi and will not be able to move. Is Occ. Therapy a bad idea? Should I keep searching for something else?

If it were me, I would keep looking. Even if you get your OTR, you will be competing with all those foreign therapists out there. Here in California, they are thicker than hair on a dogs back. I have been out of school for about two years and have had a difficult time finding a good job. Like a few others have said here, this field is the Enron of healthcare.

looking to earn a COTA in OT but need to do much of it online as employed for next 3 years as sped ed tchr (retiring in 3)-ideas out there for best choices?
Thanks

susan in Dayton, Ohio said: i am thinking about going back to school and getting a master degree in occ therapy. i already have a master degree in public administration but cannot seem to find a job in my field and i figure something medical should have more jobs available. i also would like to make at least 50,000 a year so that i will be able to pay off my student loans. i would be working in the dayton or cincinnati, ohio area. is this a growing field?

Like you, Susan, I have a M.S. degree and have had difficulty finding solid work. My Art Ed degree left me with few options, especially since the "no child left behind" act wiped out art from so many school systems. I am considering OT and PT as career shifts. I have heard consistently about a growing and insatiable need for COTA but don't see the evidence in the job leads that I search for CO. Also, finding a school to certify me is not easy. PTA seems a more solid choice, although many PT's prefer to carry out therapy on their own. I am volunteering at a local PT/OT office - where there are 6 PT to 1 part time OT. The OT ran her own business for many years, but had to close it several years ago. If I find more details I will add later.

For anyone who has been a COTA - could you give me a rough idea of what the daily job entails? It sounds like I could use my creativity and people skills with a COTA job so a 2 yr. education seemed worth it. It sounded so promising for job prospects here in CT...but from all of the entries I have read here, I get a whole different picture of future (un)employment. Thanks for any info!

TM in Meriden, Connecticut said: For anyone who has been a COTA - could you give me a rough idea of what the daily job entails? It sounds like I could use my creativity and people skills with a COTA job so a 2 yr. education seemed worth it. It sounded so promising for job prospects here in CT...but from all of the entries I have read here, I get a whole different picture of future (un)employment. Thanks for any info!

I am a COTA and have been for about 2 1/2 years. I LOVE my job. Eventually, I would like to go back to school and wind up with a Master's in OT, though. (Mostly for the difference in pay, but also because I know I have what it takes.) The daily job responsibilities of a COTA can vary tremendously depending on setting, but the bottom line is that the COTAs usually get the most "face time" with the patients while the OTRs have more paperwork to deal with. Creativity and people skills are absolute MUSTS! I can't speak of the availability of jobs, but in my experience many facilities will have multiple COTAs working under one/each OTR. In which case, the OTR does the evaluations, treatment planning, possibly reimbursement work while the COTAs do all of the treatments.
I say go for it! It is as rewarding as you make it! :o)

I am in Sterling VA and looking for a local program to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. This is proving to be quite a challenge. Any advice?

Katy I don't know in your area but what i will tell you is when you get to anatomy (lab portion) make up pins with nametags on them to identify different parts of what ever it is you will be studing in lab good luck

Katy in Littleton, Colorado said: Im trying to find a school to go to for Occupational Therapy Assistant and I keep hitting a dead end. I need it in the Denver area or online anywhere, does anyone have suggestions where to look or know of a good school?

There is a school in denver. Pima Medical Institute

Lynn Conrad in Wasilla, Alaska said: You might try looking at Green River Community College in Auburn WA. I earned my COTA from them back in 1972, and after all these years, they have now added an online program. I'm not sure how the clinical piece works, but I know they have a distance education program, and it's a good school.

Pima Medical Institute in Denver colorado is starting a program soon.

I also LOVE being an OT - I was a COTA for about 12 years before going back for more OT education. I have had some of the coolest jobs, both as an OTA and as an OT.
My experience is that there ARE jobs in the Denver area and in CO, but not the OTAs/OTs to fill them. I receive postcards in the mail about jobs that are available, some with offers of sign-on bonuses. I have never not had an OT job, and while I may not have loved all aspects of all jobs, I agree with others who say it is what you make it (as is any job/career field)
I do feel fortunate - I wouldn't change my career for any other.

RickCOTA said: You have to graduate from an Accredited OTA program. Once you do that you can take take the "National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy" or NBCOT Exam. You can find all the information you want at www.nbcot.org . They are talking about raising the fee to $800.00 by 2009. The test is not easy so be warned. I graduated from Pueblo Community College about 25 years ago. At that time there were six schools that offered the program. However, there has been a large decline in interest from prospective students. Westwood, Red Rocks CC, and Arapahoe Community College all had the program but they did away with them due to lack of interest.

I didnt really get what you were sayin sorry.

Kimberly in Colorado Springs, CO said: Do yourself a favor and find something else to do. There are limited jobs in Colorado and unless you are willing to move somewhere the job market is good for COTAs, your going to be very disappointed when you graduate. I just graduated and started looking a few months ago before I graduated and can't find anything.

Depends on where u live. In Ky the average grad makes 25 to 30 an hour, the day outta ota school. They fight for ya here!

Sara in Murray, Kentucky said: Depends on where u live. In Ky the average grad makes 25 to 30 an hour, the day outta ota school. They fight for ya here!

Sara,

Are those rates for permanent employees or travelers?
Please advise,
Thanks Jeannie

YellowFish in Denver, Colorado said: I also LOVE being an OT - I was a COTA for about 12 years before going back for more OT education. I have had some of the coolest jobs, both as an OTA and as an OT.
My experience is that there ARE jobs in the Denver area and in CO, but not the OTAs/OTs to fill them. I receive postcards in the mail about jobs that are available, some with offers of sign-on bonuses. I have never not had an OT job, and while I may not have loved all aspects of all jobs, I agree with others who say it is what you make it (as is any job/career field)
I do feel fortunate - I wouldn't change my career for any other.

Strang, I lived and grew up in Colorado and could not find a single job there four years ago. I have talked to I don't know how many recruiters and companies and they all say... " sorry, we don't have anything right now, but if you send us your resume we will keep it on file and when something does become available, we we contact you". Same old, same old.

Hello all. I currently work in the non-profit sector as a direct support professional, here in Kentucky. Work with the MR/DD population, I have a Bachelor's, and dont know if its worth going to start an OTA program, or go for my Masters in Occ Therapy. Is there more work available as and COTA or and OT in KY? (Louisville specifically) Thanks for all the input.

Im not sure if this will help or not for those who are COTA in Colorado. I am a manager of a home healthcare company that also does a lot of facility work. I am in HUGE need of a COTA and OTAs who are not certified to start work immediately in the longmont and denver area. I am coming up short with finding them. Does anyone know any other places to look besides careerbuilder, monster and craigs list for them? If you are one and are interested please let me know. Thanks for any help in advance.

NicoleR36 in Louisville, Colorado said: Im not sure if this will help or not for those who are COTA in Colorado. I am a manager of a home healthcare company that also does a lot of facility work. I am in HUGE need of a COTA and OTAs who are not certified to start work immediately in the longmont and denver area. I am coming up short with finding them. Does anyone know any other places to look besides careerbuilder, monster and craigs list for them? If you are one and are interested please let me know. Thanks for any help in advance.

Have you posted on AOTA or OTAC (state association)'s websites? What about with jobing.com (Denver metro 'branch')
But why are you looking for OTAs who are not certified? I would think a company who engages in 'best practices' would want to make sure to hire only appropriately credentialed OTAs (ALL OTAs should have passed the NBCOT exam; whether they maintain their "C" with NBCOT is up to them/the employer - I hope that statement makes sense) Not hiring properly credentialed OTAs/COTAs will run you into a huge problem with OT supervision, billing, etc...
Good luck!

Some of my contracts will actually take OTAs that are in the process of getting there certification. Sorry if I was not clear. Thank you for the websites I will definately look into those.

NicoleR36 in Louisville, Colorado said: Im not sure if this will help or not for those who are COTA in Colorado. I am a manager of a home healthcare company that also does a lot of facility work. I am in HUGE need of a COTA and OTAs who are not certified to start work immediately in the longmont and denver area. I am coming up short with finding them. Does anyone know any other places to look besides careerbuilder, monster and craigs list for them? If you are one and are interested please let me know. Thanks for any help in advance.

Hi, I'm a new graduate COTA in Louisville, CO. I would like to know more about the positions open. Do offer training and is this an employee situation.
Thanks, Cristyn

Cristyn I think I found your resume on a COTA site. If you want to email me at nsmith@brightstarhealthcare.com I can talk to you about our opportunities because there are lots of them. Thanks!

Nicole aren't you a recruiter for a staffing agency i.e. Bright Star?

I am considering going to school for Occupational Therapy Aide. It is only a 6 month program through Penn Foster. Does anyone know if I would be qualified to sit for COTA or any other exams or even find a job? I have searched everywhere for this information but cannot find anything. Any information will help. Thanks!

In order to become a COTA you have to get an associates degree, which in most cases, is two to three years of college. There is no other way. As for getting a job as an OT aide, that depends on what the market is like in you're area.

Jillian J in Phoenix, Arizona said: Believe you meant to say "...in 'your' area." Just fyi.

go away jennifer...

Katy in Littleton, Colorado said: Im trying to find a school to go to for Occupational Therapy Assistant and I keep hitting a dead end. I need it in the Denver area or online anywhere, does anyone have suggestions where to look or know of a good school?

I know there is a new program starting in Denver at Pima Medical Institute. Try that one.

I am a retired r.n. with a b.s.n.and would like the field of o.t.assistant what do i need would like to do it online thanks for your help.Nicole

Nicole said: I am a retired r.n. with a b.s.n.and would like the field of o.t.assistant what do i need would like to do it online thanks for your help.Nicole

Why did you get out of nursing? I am getting out of OT and into nursing. Far as I'm concerned, Nursing is the way to go. I think you will find that out the hard way.

PULA

Katy in Littleton, Colorado said: Im trying to find a school to go to for Occupational Therapy Assistant and I keep hitting a dead end. I need it in the Denver area or online anywhere, does anyone have suggestions where to look or know of a good school?

Hi Katy, I just wanted to advise you that you can sign up online at www.pennfoster.com for an Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The program is affordable with a very low down payment and a low monthly payment, or other payment arrangments can be made with Penn Foster. Check it out.....

flower in Lemon Grove, California said: Hi Katy, I just wanted to advise you that you can sign up online at www.pennfoster.com for an Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The program is affordable with a very low down payment and a low monthly payment, or other payment arrangments can be made with Penn Foster. Check it out.....

yes, an aide not an assitant...

Pima Medical Institute in Denver just began an OTA program fall 2009. The director is the president of the Occupational Association of Colorado and a fantastic person. Check in out: www.pmi.edu/locations/denver.asp

Also, I temporarily moved to Pueblo, CO a couple of years ago to go through the OTA program at Pueblo Community College. I highly recommend this program!

Good Luck, Cristyn

FGT in Simpsonville, South Carolina said: Cristyn,
Are OTA jobs in the Denver area hard to come by? I have been an OTA for 1 year and have been thinking about moving to Denver.

Thanks.

Just got back from working in Denver and there are jobs available. However, the pay is among the lowest in the industry for COTAs. Expect to make about 16-18 dollars an hour with one years experience. Thats what most the COTAs I worked with were making. Colorado has never been a high paying state for any career.