Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: It's just too bad that you don't know what you're getting into studying to be a COTA or an OT for that matter. It's a lot of money, time and effort and you have a child - my condolences. Reality is that COTAs are being laid off/let go by the dozens of late - being replaced by OTRs. Then, should Obama's healthcare reform pass Congress, there will be more trimming in healthcare - all the waste from the fraudulent OT/COTA billing. You'd be wiser studying something that's more marketable. But, you all are so dedicated to the "OT cause" and live with blinders on --- you'll find out soon enough and too bad for your child.

How dare you! As far as condolences, my child is not dead. You made your point about not liking the OT field, and that is all you have to do. My child is great, so please do not feel bad. I am aware of the current events in the world especially those involving healthcare. I am happy with the career I selected. I feel bad that you feel the need to make rude statements because of the chip on your shoulder regarding the OT field.

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: Didn't say your child was dead --- the definition of "condolences" doesn't only apply to the death of someone. It also can mean that I feel sorry for a child whose mother is dependent on the livlihood gained from the OT field. You know nothing about the reality of OT so you don't have an opinion about the subject. If you care about your future and the future of your child, you would make better choices for a career that offers more of a real future. Just a warning.

con·do·lence (kn-dlns)
n.
1. Sympathy with a person who has experienced pain, grief, or misfortune: paid a visit of condolence to the grieving family. See Synonyms at pity.
2. An expression or declaration of such sympathy

Jennifer, I am entertained by the fact you decided to return to re-educate people on they're grammer and wording. I strongly believe people can agree to disagree. I also strongly believe that you only come onto this forum to be negative. You're not trying to argue your point, you just want someone to argue with.
"A true disability is a negative attitude"!

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: Actually, the correct spelling is "grammar" not "grammer." So, you may want to consider going back to school to get a real education. No, a true disability is being an OT or COTA --- I know all about it. You're just a typical die-hard/brainwashed COTA-type - drinking the OT Kool-Aid straight - don't question anything. You won't know what OT is all about until it's too late - right now all you know is what the school is spoonfeeding you, not the reality of the job.
You're the one who challenged my comment to a prior post - I'm only defending my stance on the subject. And, don't say "How dare you" to someone who's not even addressing you - that's a bit nervy and overstepping your boundaries.

I say whatever the hell I want! As you have been saying whatever you want. Everytime members of this forum go into the right direction of Q&A for the OT profession, you come on here under a different name to stir up a argument. I don't come on this forum under 30 names! I know OT very well, but I don't have to prove that to you. Think what you want about me.

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: I just speak the truth to the ignorant and misinformed - consider it my civic duty. And, sounds as if you may need some "time out." No, you don't know OT very well - only what your instructors tell you - which, is far from reality. Just like OT - far from reality!

Yeah okay.

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: I can't find my exact statement, but maybe I did use a hyphen and it's acceptable. But, again, "fifth" is spelled out - not "5th." Get clue.
You're an idiot - face it!

We get it! Please chill out, your on this blog 24/7 to be mean to people. You keep saying your warning people about the OT profession, but your just repeating the same insults (ignorant & fourth grader) over and over. You obviously do not like this profession, maybe because you became tired of what you dealt with. So shouldnt you be tired of writing on these blogs?

tired of mean people in Orlando, Florida said: We get it! Please chill out, your on this blog 24/7 to be mean to people. You keep saying your warning people about the OT profession, but your just repeating the same insults (ignorant & fourth grader) over and over. You obviously do not like this profession, maybe because you became tired of what you dealt with. So shouldnt you be tired of writing on these blogs?

I'm just responding to all the mean responses by these lovely COTA folks - the same folks I so loved working alongside while I was "doing time" in the OT "profession."

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: It's just too bad that you don't know what you're getting into studying to be a COTA or an OT for that matter. It's a lot of money, time and effort and you have a child - my condolences. Reality is that COTAs are being laid off/let go by the dozens of late - being replaced by OTRs. Then, should Obama's healthcare reform pass Congress, there will be more trimming in healthcare - all the waste from the fraudulent OT/COTA billing. You'd be wiser studying something that's more marketable. But, you all are so dedicated to the "OT cause" and live with blinders on --- you'll find out soon enough and too bad for your child.

Actually this statement is not true in all areas of OT. I work in school based OT and we are most definately hiring COTAs. At least here in Pennsylvania.

It kind of sounds as if Jennifer, Ainsley, and Bizznoya are one and the same person. Are you seriosuly having an argument with yourself? I work as a rehab aide and I'm currently in school for the cota program. I have to say that the therapists I work with are amazing, and they all seem satisfied with their jobs. My job is mostly clerical but when I observe the therapists interacting with their patients it just makes me want to be a cota even more, and honestly I"m excited. Now I have been following this forum for awhile now and I will take into account all the negatives things being said. Enough people have said negative things about the profession so obviously there must be something that's not right, however, I think this is something I need to actually experience for myself. I think that all those striving to be Cota's should continue and follow their dream and not let negative postings here influence their decision. By the way, I don't give a rat's ass if my spelling is bad, or I didn't put a period there of here. Whatever. Having perfect grammar does not measure how intelligent someone is. By the way, if you are a PTA, no, you cannot take any kind of test to become a PT. You need to continue your education and now the requirement is a doctorate of PT. Not sure where you got that information, but it's inaccurate.

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: Actually this statement is not true in all areas of OT. I work in school based OT and we are most definately hiring COTAs. At least here in Pennsylvania.

Probably because your state has the funds to hire more OTs and COTAs - a different payor source than Medicare with different rules and regs.
BTW, "definitely" is spelled like this...guess many folks try to spell like it sounds - just if you're interested to know.

Gina in Providence, Rhode Island said: It kind of sounds as if Jennifer, Ainsley, and Bizznoya are one and the same person. Are you seriosuly having an argument with yourself? I work as a rehab aide and I'm currently in school for the cota program. I have to say that the therapists I work with are amazing, and they all seem satisfied with their jobs. My job is mostly clerical but when I observe the therapists interacting with their patients it just makes me want to be a cota even more, and honestly I"m excited. Now I have been following this forum for awhile now and I will take into account all the negatives things being said. Enough people have said negative things about the profession so obviously there must be something that's not right, however, I think this is something I need to actually experience for myself. I think that all those striving to be Cota's should continue and follow their dream and not let negative postings here influence their decision. By the way, I don't give a rat's ass if my spelling is bad, or I didn't put a period there of here. Whatever. Having perfect grammar does not measure how intelligent someone is. By the way, if you are a PTA, no, you cannot take any kind of test to become a PT. You need to continue your education and now the requirement is a doctorate of PT. Not sure where you got that information, but it's inaccurate.

You would write "COTA" like this --- just fyi. I found that information about grandfathering from PTA to PT on a PT forum. But, I will research and find out if this information is accurate. Good for you to look at all sides of the role of a COTA before investing much time, money and effort into the degree/job.

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: Actually this statement is not true in all areas of OT. I work in school based OT and we are most definately hiring COTAs. At least here in Pennsylvania.

Very true, and not in just Pennsylvania. One would just have to look in more than specialty, city, town, or state. I am pleased to be a COTA student, and no one will have me believe I made the wrong decision!

Gina in Providence, Rhode Island said: It kind of sounds as if Jennifer, Ainsley, and Bizznoya are one and the same person. Are you seriosuly having an argument with yourself? I work as a rehab aide and I'm currently in school for the cota program. I have to say that the therapists I work with are amazing, and they all seem satisfied with their jobs. My job is mostly clerical but when I observe the therapists interacting with their patients it just makes me want to be a cota even more, and honestly I"m excited. Now I have been following this forum for awhile now and I will take into account all the negatives things being said. Enough people have said negative things about the profession so obviously there must be something that's not right, however, I think this is something I need to actually experience for myself. I think that all those striving to be Cota's should continue and follow their dream and not let negative postings here influence their decision. By the way, I don't give a rat's ass if my spelling is bad, or I didn't put a period there of here. Whatever. Having perfect grammar does not measure how intelligent someone is. By the way, if you are a PTA, no, you cannot take any kind of test to become a PT. You need to continue your education and now the requirement is a doctorate of PT. Not sure where you got that information, but it's inaccurate.

Thanks Gina!

cota student in Clermont, Florida said: Very true, and not in just Pennsylvania. One would just have to look in more than specialty, city, town, or state. I am pleased to be a COTA student, and no one will have me believe I made the wrong decision!

News flash - you just have to read many of these posts in which numbers of COTAs are being laid off or replaced with OTRs. There are changes taking place in healthcare and in this field. Your choice to bury your COTA head in the sand and to think that it won't happen to you.

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: News flash - you just have to read many of these posts in which numbers of COTAs are being laid off or replaced with OTRs. There are changes taking place in healthcare and in this field. Your choice to bury your COTA head in the sand and to think that it won't happen to you.

Yeah Okay.

Terry in Brady, Texas said: Check out this site for good indight into travel assignments.

www.medtravelerclub.com/

thank you!! :)

cota student in Clermont, Florida said: Thanks Gina!

Amen sister!!

Ainsley is an ANUS in Orlando, Florida said: ANUSley,
You make me laugh you dumb bi!@#. Like I said, it's incorrect to start a sentence with "and" you retard. It is wrong and if you do start with "and", then I am right about you being a worthless MORON!! And a scumbag. And a loser. And a wh0re. And a piece of sh@!. Oh look! I started 4 sentences with "and!!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Anyways, I wish I could slap your 5th grade teacher for failing you. Oh sorry....fifth....RETARD!!

OMG!!!!!! whoever wrote this crap is way out of line!! I go to school all day and work all night needless I am exhausted I come on here to hear from upbeat people not people who get their jollies by telling others off and calling them names. When your finally old enough to be in the fifth grade have your teacher wash your mouth out with soap!

Here is another pretty good OT job site I have been browsing.
realhospitaljobs.com/

cota student in Clermont, Florida said: Here is another pretty good OT job site I have been browsing.
realhospitaljobs.com/

Looks like all these great job offers are with the big corporates that staff skilled nursing - translates: pawns in the Medicare game to make big bucks for the boss/fraudulent billing to stay employed - that is, until Medicare pulls the plug.

Hi COTA student in Clermont!! Let's keep this forum focused on the real issues like you are doing and ignore the posts completely of those who want to make this a hostile place for people seeking respectful responses regarding our profession. Congrats and best wishes with your studies!!

Ainsley in Austin in Texas said: Looks like all these great job offers are with the big corporates that staff skilled nursing - translates: pawns in the Medicare game to make big bucks for the boss/fraudulent billing to stay employed - that is, until Medicare pulls the plug.

Yeah Okay.

COTA in Fort Myers, Florida said: Hi COTA student in Clermont!! Let's keep this forum focused on the real issues like you are doing and ignore the posts completely of those who want to make this a hostile place for people seeking respectful responses regarding our profession. Congrats and best wishes with your studies!!

Thank You! I start my level 1 field work at the end of this month. I am very eagar and anxious!

Hi COTA student in Clermont. I understand and remember having the exact same feelings going into my field work level 1. I wasn't placed in the greatest facility, but I had an excellent, dynamic, OTR instructor. She was a COTA first for 10 years before going to Barry University in Miami to become an OTR. She was such a compassionate, caring and clinically solid therapist. Her therapeutic interpersonal style has been a guideline for me in my career. She will never know what a positive impact she had on me during my fieldwork as her student. She was also the rehab manager of the department.

cota student in Clermont, Florida said: Thank You! I start my level 1 field work at the end of this month. I am very eagar and anxious!

that was a wonderful post. My College Algebra instructor isn't much good he tries to I think intentionally make it harder than it really is. However my OTR instructor will be very good. Thanks again for keeping me positive. :)

stephanie in Kansas City, Missouri said: that was a wonderful post. My College Algebra instructor isn't much good he tries to I think intentionally make it harder than it really is. However my OTR instructor will be very good. Thanks again for keeping me positive. :)

You bet Stephanie! I got tutoring for Algebra when I attended OTA school from a student tutor, plus used the college tutoring center computers. Glad to hear you will have a good OTR instructor. It makes a big difference. Going to school, working, plus family responsibilities is not for the weak of heart! Hats off to you!! You can do it!!!

Donna in Anderson, WI said: If you really want to be a COTA, then just go for it. You sound like you want people to feel sorry for you. I am a mother of two and I made it through college without working with assistants from local state and government agencies. There are many ways to afford college that most institutions don't even know about. Scholarships, and grants helped pay for my degree, and I am not a super brain or athlete. The money is there if you want it bad enough.

No I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. Just stating the difference in perspective. One income may seem small to someone used to making more money and that wage would be fine for someone used to making less and stepping stone towards a better life. Also stating the face that 4-year degrees are easier for some to obtain than others and that some people chose a 2-year degree such at COTA or nursing because they can get out in the workforce faster. Thanks for information on scholarships etc. I am sure there are funds available.

cota student said: Cota skills? The only thing ignorant is name calling. Associate degree, Bachelores, Masters, or PHd, each person worked they're a$$ off to obtain they're degree. College on any level is an accomplishment. I'm going to school to obtain my associates in OT, as a single mother with a child who has autism. I'll be damned if someone tells me indirectly that my dedication and hard work is worthless. I plan on pursuing my masters later on in life, but for now, the COTA program is the best option for me. I respect any person on any degree level, and I deserve the same.

Wow thanks for this. I am in the same boat I am a single Mom with a son w/autism. I also considered RN, which I know is more lucrative, but OT seems a better fit for my interests. I would LOVE to go for a OTR right now but it's simply not possible for my lifestyle at the moment. I do wish they had not upped the requirements to the Masters. The bachelors was much more obtainable. So for now I am considering COTA because it will work for my present situation. I totally agree we need to learn to respect all levels. People who hard for each level of education.

ecj in Trenton, Michigan said: Wow thanks for this. I am in the same boat I am a single Mom with a son w/autism. I also considered RN, which I know is more lucrative, but OT seems a better fit for my interests. I would LOVE to go for a OTR right now but it's simply not possible for my lifestyle at the moment. I do wish they had not upped the requirements to the Masters. The bachelors was much more obtainable. So for now I am considering COTA because it will work for my present situation. I totally agree we need to learn to respect all levels. People who hard for each level of education.

Hey, I'm from Michigan too! When I am done with school I plan on going back there. Please hang in there, OT is a wonderful field, and I am happy I discovered a field suitable for myself and my children. God Bless!

Hey COTA student, I'm also from Michigan, Pontiac. I grew up in Florida though. I was a foster parent of children with different disabilities while I attended OTA school and worked 3 jobs. One of my foster kids had autism. I worked in the school system as an OTA for 18 months in Virginia. The kids with autism became my favorite to work with.

COTA in Fort Myers, Florida said: You bet Stephanie! I got tutoring for Algebra when I attended OTA school from a student tutor, plus used the college tutoring center computers. Glad to hear you will have a good OTR instructor. It makes a big difference. Going to school, working, plus family responsibilities is not for the weak of heart! Hats off to you!! You can do it!!!

thank you so very much sorry about the delay in responding. I am very busy sometimes just chilling at the computer for a minute isn't possible. Have a wonderful weekend!! P.S whats it like in Fort Myers? I/we really want to move somewhere after I'm done with school but I'm tired of such a high crime rate. I live in K.C so for our crime rate compared to how many people actually live in the metro is very bad. I'm at work once again so I gotta bale for now but God bless.

Carol said: I think your director is daydreaming. I no of no COTA's that make that much here in So Cal. After eleven years of being a COTA I only made $23 an hour. I guess if you have twenty years or more experience then maybe, but don't count on it. Overtime... I was lucky to get 20-30 hours a week. Right now I am back in school and will be graduating next year.

I would like to say that a new OTA graduate can make $25/hr in Missouri at a long term care facility and there is a high demand for these jobs. Rah for Missouri!

Rebecca in Springfield, Missouri said: I would like to say that a new OTA graduate can make $25/hr in Missouri at a long term care facility and there is a high demand for these jobs. Rah for Missouri!

It depends on where you live. In some states the pay is different, but COTA's here in FL make $25-$35 hr. starting pay!

what about Michigan? does anyone know in the Detroit Metro Area/Toledo Ohio area what COTA is paid per hour and job availability?

The starting pay in the Detroit metro area is also the same as FL, actually the pay is more.

Ok. Clermont- May I ask where u r getting these numbers? I can only guess its from a teacher as you are still a student. - like your numbers but question the source

michelle in FL said: Ok. Clermont- May I ask where u r getting these numbers? I can only guess its from a teacher as you are still a student. - like your numbers but question the source

NO, Michelle, I do not rely on my teachers to tell me the pay, I do my research. My research came from "GRADUATE STUDENTS" from my school, these students were entry level, and some of them did come and show us their pay stubs because I was in disbelief. I am from Michigan, and I researched the pay there before I moved to Florida. I thought the pay in Florida would be less for COTA's until I did my research here, and the students told me about the pay. Now I will say that the most pay comes from the SNF's and Rehab clinics. Any more questions?

hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-jobs_that_are_red_hot_right_now-894

clink on the link above, and type in COTA along with the city and the state.

Well no. I just was trying to figure out where you got those numbers.I apologize if you don't like how I asked. Thank you for clarifying. I hope you are kind to your patients and make a huge POSITIVE impact after you graduate. I do have one last question. What does everyone think will be the outcome for cotas with the changes in healthcare.

michelle in deerfield said: Well no. I just was trying to figure out where you got those numbers.I apologize if you don't like how I asked. Thank you for clarifying. I hope you are kind to your patients and make a huge POSITIVE impact after you graduate. I do have one last question. What does everyone think will be the outcome for cotas with the changes in healthcare.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I started at $22/hour. The snf wanted me for $18/hour but I had done my homework and negotiated $22. After I started and soon discovered they lied about the minutes, I waited until exactly 90 days and requested $25/hour. I was lucky enough to have 2 classmates' paycheck stubs as proof that I wasn't asking all that much. In addition, I also produced surveys from salary.com.

Be careful about the pay is the advice I'd give new graduates (well, that... and never take a bonus). If they are paying a fortune, you will be either be expected to work harder than your fellow classmates or the place you are at will be disgusting. The toll this job can take on your body (regardless of age) isn't worth the money some of these places are offering.

Liza in Dayton, Ohio said: I started at $22/hour. The snf wanted me for $18/hour but I had done my homework and negotiated $22. After I started and soon discovered they lied about the minutes, I waited until exactly 90 days and requested $25/hour. I was lucky enough to have 2 classmates' paycheck stubs as proof that I wasn't asking all that much. In addition, I also produced surveys from salary.com.

Be careful about the pay is the advice I'd give new graduates (well, that... and never take a bonus). If they are paying a fortune, you will be either be expected to work harder than your fellow classmates or the place you are at will be disgusting. The toll this job can take on your body (regardless of age) isn't worth the money some of these places are offering.

Thanks for the advise Liza. For myself, I'm pretty much looking for the whole package, not the highest pay. I have learned my lesson with looking for the high paying jobs. Thanks

stephanie in kc said: thank you so very much sorry about the delay in responding. I am very busy sometimes just chilling at the computer for a minute isn't possible. Have a wonderful weekend!! P.S whats it like in Fort Myers? I/we really want to move somewhere after I'm done with school but I'm tired of such a high crime rate. I live in K.C so for our crime rate compared to how many people actually live in the metro is very bad. I'm at work once again so I gotta bale for now but God bless.

I had a travel assignment in St. Joseph, MO back around 1996/1997. Went to the Rennaisance Festival, did some serious weekend shopping in KC. Went to the Platt River festival an got my first taste of true kettle popcorn before it became a regular store shelf item. I went to the annual KC barbeque cook-off only to find out the public couldn't eat any of the BBQ, just the judges. Went to an auto auction on the east side of KC. Kind of small though compared to ones I've been to in other locations.
Ft. Myers seems to always have a need for COTA's and OTR's as well. I had 4 travel assignments to Ft. Myers over a 12 year span and finally settled here after the last one ended in April last year. The average PRN rate for COTA's is $35.00/hr. I think hourly pay with benefits may be around $27.00/hr depending on experience. Housing is very inexpensive. The national news media has graciously covered Ft. Myers as the foreclosure capital of the nation per population. We have our crime too, but on a lesser scale mainly due to the lower population. Summers are very hot and humid. Usually there is daily rain for months.

Sure has been quiet around here lately. Everyone must be having summer fun!

LinCOTA in Wyoming said: Sure has been quiet around here lately. Everyone must be having summer fun!

Yes it has been quiet. I started my Level I fieldwork on Monday in a SNF, all I can say is I love it!!!!!!!!!! The OTR is not a snob, even the PT is down to earth.

I thought the same thing about the quiet. COTA in Clermont - glad to hear you are having a positive experience on your Level I fieldwork, and in a SNF, plus you have a good OTR supervisor too! What more could you hope for? There are some nice people in the Orlando area. I lived there a year and a half plus had a travel assignment in Apopka for 3 months.

COTA Student in Cermont: Good luck on your fieldwork! I enjoyed my fieldwork tons, and still have fond memories of the patients I met and the OTR's that supervised me. If I can help you out in anyway, let me know. I am willing to let you pick my brain if need be, just keep in mind I am blond.. lol

If only I had knew the truth about this field four years ago, I would have saved myself a lot of anguish and preserved my right to be treated as a decent human being. There are so many arrogant and self centered people in this field there's no wonder why so many COTAs have left the field. Maybe that's why there are so many jobs available. Think about it. If I would have had any common sense, I would have continued on with my nursing classes, but no, I thought OT would be the better choice... WRONG!!!! For those thinking about getting into this field, think twice and don't let a few people here tell you how wonderful it is... you will be disappointed in the end.

Starla in Austin, Texas said: If only I had knew the truth about this field four years ago, I would have saved myself a lot of anguish and preserved my right to be treated as a decent human being. There are so many arrogant and self centered people in this field there's no wonder why so many COTAs have left the field. Maybe that's why there are so many jobs available. Think about it. If I would have had any common sense, I would have continued on with my nursing classes, but no, I thought OT would be the better choice... WRONG!!!! For those thinking about getting into this field, think twice and don't let a few people here tell you how wonderful it is... you will be disappointed in the end.

I do believe I found the right career for myself. The facility I had the pleasure of observing this week was "wonderful"! Neither the OTR nor the PT were the stereotypical lab coat wearing snobs that we future COTA's hear about. The OTR, PT, COTA's& PTA's were working together. If they did not wear their name badges, one would have never guessed one from the other. We all worked together and it was a great experience!

cota student in Clermont, Florida said: I do believe I found the right career for myself. The facility I had the pleasure of observing this week was "wonderful"! Neither the OTR nor the PT were the stereotypical lab coat wearing snobs that we future COTA's hear about. The OTR, PT, COTA's& PTA's were working together. If they did not wear their name badges, one would have never guessed one from the other. We all worked together and it was a great experience!

And your basing your future career on one facility? How naive you are. You might want to take into consideration what has been said here on this forum. There are some positive things about this field but not many. It's amazing how many new grads I see stay for about a year or two then turn around and leave for another career once they find out what OT is really like.

CeeCee in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: And your basing your future career on one facility? How naive you are. You might want to take into consideration what has been said here on this forum. There are some positive things about this field but not many. It's amazing how many new grads I see stay for about a year or two then turn around and leave for another career once they find out what OT is really like.

I have been on this forum long enough to read the good and bad. I have also experienced occupational therapy with my son who has autism. I am not basing my future on one facility. I was happy to see the opposite of what I have been told, and read on this forum of how bad OT is, and how OTR's look down on COTA's. I know all facilities are not the same, and I may have a bad experience in this field. Thanks for your concern.