OT position in Pico Rivera, CA with good sign-on bonus

Is having a sign on bonus of $17,000 good for an OT here in Southern CA? Also with good benefits.

Xtian Medina in Whittier, California said: Is having a sign on bonus of $17,000 good for an OT here in Southern CA? Also with good benefits.

God!! I wish someone would have given me a 17K sign-on bonus when I was working as a COTA. Most COTA's only get $1000 if their lucky. I think the large gap in pay and sign-on bonuses between OT's and Assistant's is a slap in the face for most COTA's. I guess that's why I left this field and pursued another career.

I agree that 17000 is hefty even for an OTR. But the pay gap is based upon the difference in education. There is a substantial amount of education between the COTA and OTR.... i know because i have been in both programs and the increased salary is what motivated me but i also understood and experienced the extra learning i had to do. I enjoyed being a COTA but i love being an OTR and it's not just because of the money.

So what makes you think that OTR's are more qualified then COTA's. Just because someone has a higher degree does not mean they know more. Most OTR's get there experience in the classroom. COTA's on the other hand get most of there experience on the job... hands on. Experience is worth more than it's weight in gold. Who does the majority of patient care. Why do you think being an OTR is more enjoyable then being a COTA. I like COTAMAN, think its a slap in the face when an OTR gets hugh bonuses compared to a COTA who only gets a few bucks. Also, there's not that much difference in education when when you look at the curriculum of each program. Why do OTR's need a masters degree? just a waist of money and time.

One reason I am leaving this field is not that I don't like OT or working with people, its because I am tired of being degraded by OTs all day. I hate when an OTR looks at my name tag and says "Oooh, your just a COTA". Who do these people think they are. I am a person who is not afraid to say whats on my mind and stand up for myself. But if you do say something back then you face reprimand or the chance of getting fired. I've had two other careers and thought they where the most horrible jobs I've ever had. One was working in the business field with a bunch of men but not even they were as bad as the feminist OT females I had to deal with everyday... and I'm a female.
One COTA I worked with was correct when she said "sometimes I think I would get more respect if I was a POW then I do as a COTA". Maybe my last two jobs weren't that bad after all.

luvOT in Massillon, Ohio said: I agree that 17000 is hefty even for an OTR. But the pay gap is based upon the difference in education. There is a substantial amount of education between the COTA and OTR.... i know because i have been in both programs and the increased salary is what motivated me but i also understood and experienced the extra learning i had to do. I enjoyed being a COTA but i love being an OTR and it's not just because of the money.

I have to agree with you.I am a COTA and I think there is a world of difference between a COTA and OTR education. When I first came out of school, I knew how to make it... how to do the right things but half the time I didn't know the why behind it. The why is soooo important and there is no way that is gonna get squeezed into the year of OT classes I took. Sure anybody can do exercises, walk somebody, all that stuff but you have to know the why behind it and have the analysis skills behind it. I have been out of school for 7 years and I am now going back for OT. I think a Bachelor's degree in OT is enough but I do think there is a huge difference in the education of a COTA and OTR

Hi while surfing I came across this site and have a question not totally related. I'm hoping anyone knows of a college who offers a COTA to OTR program in CA or online. Yes that bonus or any bonus at that is good. I don't know any company that offers bonus's any longer.

Christopher Rodriquez in Victorville, California said: Hi while surfing I came across this site and have a question not totally related. I'm hoping anyone knows of a college who offers a COTA to OTR program in CA or online. Yes that bonus or any bonus at that is good. I don't know any company that offers bonus's any longer.

Hi Christopher, I am also interested in an accredited program for COTA's. The OTR is no longer available, but there are some bridge programs form COTA to MOT. I have not found any that are on-line. If you have, please let me know.
Thanks.........Sue

The only online program that I know of is in Nashville, TN for the Master's but the tuition is $8000 and that doesn't include books, or the cost to go there every third weekend. I was gonna go but I just can't afford that.

Hi Sue, I hope this info. is helpful. I found this info on the AOTA web site @ www.aota.org/Educate/Schools/EntryLevelOT/38215.aspx or go to AOTA its under Education programs for ota's seeking OT degrees. If not able to find info I thought these programs were the best for us.

1. Texas Womans University - OTA to MOT bridge program Part-time distant learning will give credit for OTA coursework and work experience and its designed for working OTA's

2. American International College - Springfield, MA

3. Misericordia University - Dallas, PA
3 year program

4. Barry University -
www.barry.edu/snhs/msprograms/occupational therapy/default.htm

These programs are mostly combined BA/Masters degree there are about 8 university total offering programs again if you find anything that sounds as good as Texas woman's univ. let me know.

Christopher Rodriquez said: Hi Sue, I hope this info. is helpful. I found this info on the AOTA web site @ www.aota.org/Educate/Schools/EntryLevelOT/38215.aspx or go to AOTA its under Education programs for ota's seeking OT degrees. If not able to find info I thought these programs were the best for us.

1. Texas Womans University - OTA to MOT bridge program Part-time distant learning will give credit for OTA coursework and work experience and its designed for working OTA's

2. American International College - Springfield, MA

3. Misericordia University - Dallas, PA
3 year program

4. Barry University -
www.barry.edu/snhs/msprograms/occupational therapy/default.htm

These programs are mostly combined BA/Masters degree there are about 8 university total offering programs again if you find anything that sounds as good as Texas woman's univ. let me know.

Also you may want to check out WVU-online and every 3 rd 3 day weekend-however starts july 1 and apps need to be in feb 15-
cost is 608 x 3 credits at 1800 per class waying the cost of diffenece in salary

I'm just wondering what the schooling and pay rate difference is between an Occupational Therapy Aide and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Shonna in Gray, Georgia said: The only online program that I know of is in Nashville, TN for the Master's but the tuition is $8000 and that doesn't include books, or the cost to go there every third weekend. I was gonna go but I just can't afford that.

Thank you Shonna for your response, so far the course in Nashville that offers a Bridge Program is the best one I can find also. The pre-requisites are realistic. Still difficult to be in TN every third weekend though, added to the expense of tuition.
If you do come across anything else that seems more workable please let me know.
Thanks
Susan Baxter

The difference in pay does have to do with additional education. Also, what a lot of COTAs and OTAs don't want to acknowledge is that OTRs sign-off on what a COTA/OTA does, have to attend more boring-ass meetings, have more paperwork, and are required to complete more continuing ed. In addition, it is a question of professional liability. With greater rewards comes greater responsibility/liability. So when the $h!t hits the fan...I bet that 9 times out of 10 it's the OTR who gets slapped with a disciplinary action--not the COTA/OTA. Besides, someone else on one of these posts said it best--"everyone always complains about someone else...nurses complain about doctors, OTs complain about PTs" etc, etc...ad nauseum. Besides, I think COTAman is just the type of person who would complain no matter what the situation was...I mean, if he left the proffession why is he still posting on these forums? Talk about bitter.
On a side note, I really value the assistance that my COTAs and OTAs provide.

So is a COTA pretty much equivalent to an OTA?

Stacey,

I believe the difference between the COTA and the OTA is level of supervision required and also amount of competency. A COTA can perform certain types of evaluations (based on demonstrated competency) can write some notes, and does not require direct supervision of an OTR/L--however, must have all notes signed by OTR/L and cannot create treatment plans. OTAs require direct supervision, cannot write any notes, cannot perform any evaluations. The OTA is more likely to assist the OTR/L during a group session when the OTR/L is in the room providing therapy with them.

Anybody else fee free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks! That answers my question.

A cota has an AS degree (2 yr college) vs. an OT aide who is basically a rehab tech. No education is needed for that aside from porbably hs diploma. I used to be an aide while in college. OT aide and COTA are 2 jobs that you shouldn't compare. COTA has a certification and licensure(depending on state) whereas an aide can be a kid off the street with no formal education to a college student to a retiree, etc.

In response to the question ealier about COTA to OT bridge programs...there is one in Wisconsin also. Distance and one weekend per month essentially. ? Costs.

Christopher Rodriquez in Victorville, California said: Hi while surfing I came across this site and have a question not totally related. I'm hoping anyone knows of a college who offers a COTA to OTR program in CA or online. Yes that bonus or any bonus at that is good. I don't know any company that offers bonus's any longer.

I am in my second year of school for COTA. I have my BS in management and am interested in becoming an OTR while working as a COTA. I would love any feedback on this as well.

I have read that u also need a BS on top of your COTA to get into Texas womens .

Mandy in New Orleans, Louisiana said: I have read that u also need a BS on top of your COTA to get into Texas womens .

I have read that too. Let me know if you find a COTA to MOT program online that does not require the BS.......Thanks