Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bree in Chicago, Illinois said: I really don't think COTAMAN was full of it. Everything he had to say about this field at the time was true. Also, with this new one-on-one therapist/patient rule now in place, I've heard of some major pay cuts on the way. I do feel there will be more jobs for COTAs but with huge pay cuts. PPS, here we go again.

I've been predicting the same for well over a year now. It's a good rule for the patients, but not for us. The worst part is the big corporations will continue to make huge profits.

Tim in Cincinnati, Ohio said: I've been predicting the same for well over a year now. It's a good rule for the patients, but not for us. The worst part is the big corporations will continue to make huge profits.

Are you stupid or what? How do you figure pay cuts? There are now fewer of us and more people that need to be treated. Nursing facilities are mandated under law to provide our services no matter what the cost. We are now worth A LOT more money… I’m sure there will be a whole bunch of you dummies that agree to take a pay cut because you have no common sense. I just took a huge pay raise myself and will be looking at another big raise shortly…

wowsers in Norfolk, Virginia said: For some reason I think you're full of it!!

He was and still is... full of it...

Hi all, I'm curious what is going to happen with regard to salaries too. I wonder if someone could shed light on why salaries would go down. If we are to provide more 1:1 treats then it seems there will be an increase in need for staff. I don't get how companies would slash pay when it's difficult to staff SNFs as it is....wouldn't it create fierce competion between companies, so you could still demand a high wage? I'm thinking we will all be doing groups (of 2 pts.)what would formely have been a concurrent, as I heard the Txs only have to be similiar Vs same. This new rule opens up a new can of worms if you aske me.......who's going to define "similiar". I personally can't wait for that memo!!!! When all said and done hopefully we can all feel good about our Txs and maybe even get more quality time with our pts. I look forward to hearing what you all have to say, and following the changes with the MDS 3.0!!!!!!

I got a $1 more on the hour, thanks to the new changes. That's nice but what's even nicer (for me, anyway) is that my PRN hours have picked up considerably. I work PRN at two facilities and each want me to schedule hours with them a month in ADVANCE. That's never happened to me before.

Now the downside for me is that I hate groups. I am responsible for entertaining 4 people for 1 hour a week. It's difficult when any or all of those 4 people are not appropriate. I thought the groups would be like it was in the old days and OT would do a little and then PT would do a little... forget it. It's all me for 1 hour. Those who are offended by the word "entertaining," I do apologize.

I am just wondering if anyone has ever worked in school-based OT?

Nope... COTAs aren't allowed to work in the school system here. Other counties hire them but a job is very hard to come by. I did a clinical at a school; that's where I found out that I'm a little too old to be rolling around on the floor.

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: I am just wondering if anyone has ever worked in school-based OT?

Yes, I work in the school system.

So do I.
I have been doing it now for nearly 5 years. I am wondering why more COTAs do not go into school based. As a working parent you could not ask for a better schedule.Also, we are in a union & have great benefits.

I guess some places do not allow COTAs to work in the school system??

Bonnie in Lake Forest, Ca. posted: " The schools here only pay $14 an hour and have you treat anywhere from 30 to 40 kids a day... no thanks...."

Don't see how that's possible. I average 16 kids per day.
I am a salaried employee, but if you were to break it down my hourly rate would be about $25. I love having summers off with my children & also all the holiday breaks & snow days( quite a few here in Pa.!) When I choose to I do some per diem work at an in-patient rehab for $29 per hour.

Like someone else posted on here " think outside of the box". There are definately COTA jobs here in Pa. In schools & in-home care are always hiring.

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: Bonnie in Lake Forest, Ca. posted: " The schools here only pay $14 an hour and have you treat anywhere from 30 to 40 kids a day... no thanks...."

Wow ... that's awful. I make more than double that and see only 12 kids per day. I'm surprised that the rate is so low in CA.

COTA4kidz- are you guys in the teachers union over there in Jersey?

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: COTA4kidz- are you guys in the teachers union over there in Jersey?

I'm not ... I work for an agency that subcontracts to the school district, but in other districts the therapy staff is in the union.

perhaps the rate is so low because the benefits are so good? The Children's Hospital here offered me $14.50/hour but the benefits were awesome! Like... can you say $6/prescription??? :-)

Liza in Dayton, Ohio said: perhaps the rate is so low because the benefits are so good? The Children's Hospital here offered me $14.50/hour but the benefits were awesome! Like... can you say $6/prescription??? :-)

I think that wages must vary greatly by state or even by regions within the state. Also, are these low hourly rates because you are entry level or new grads?

I can't relate to the low salary for COTA's because we make much more here in NJ ... but NJ also has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S. ... so all things are relative.

But more important than the rate of pay (which frankly, I can't complain about) I love what I'm doing. It makes it much easier to get up in the morning when your job actually brings a smile to your face. :)

How can you guys take the program for COTA in NJ? I saw there are some people live in NJ. I only found one college nearby my home (I lived in North NJ. It names Touro College which located in the 5th Ave, NY. Did anybody hear this school?

There used to be more OTA programs in NJ. The school that I graduated from 10 years ago has closed the program. I think the only program in NJ now is in Atlantic County. If you live in North Jersey you would have to go to Touro or Rockland Community College (if it still has a program)

That was for a new grad... 3 years ago. I'm sure it must have gone up a bit since then but if it has, it's been very, very little. I worked at said hospital for 18 years as a transcriptionist before they sent my job to India so I wasn't too hip on going back there. I guess I always assumed that geriatrics pays more than pediatrics.

Liza in Dayton, Ohio said: That was for a new grad... 3 years ago. I'm sure it must have gone up a bit since then but if it has, it's been very, very little. I worked at said hospital for 18 years as a transcriptionist before they sent my job to India so I wasn't too hip on going back there. I guess I always assumed that geriatrics pays more than pediatrics.

The school system pays less than LTC, at least in NJ. A children's hospital may be comparable to the pay offered for working in geriatrics.

How often you get a raise and how much matters a lot too when choosing a job. My pay has more than doubled in the past 10 years. I've worked for the same agency the entire time and we get merit based raises.

Sue in Livingston, New Jersey said: How can you guys take the program for COTA in NJ? I saw there are some people live in NJ. I only found one college nearby my home (I lived in North NJ. It names Touro College which located in the 5th Ave, NY. Did anybody hear this school?

There is a COTA program here in PA ( actually the program that I graduated from). It's offered at Lehigh Carbon Commuinty College in Schnecksville, Pa.

Like COTA4kidz said the pay rate is generally relative to the area. While the cost of living in NJ is exceptionally high, here in the Pocono Mountain area of Pa. - our cost of living is lower (our property taxes are a fraction of our neighbor New Jersey). So $24 per hour works well for me.

As I mentioned I am in the Teacher's union- have teacher's benefits ( yay!!!), a pension & guaranteed raises each year.My job is extremely secure.

I LOVE working with my students- I get to be creative and have fun everyday.

Anyone interested in school-based therapy should check out this link. www.ciu20.org

Hey COTA4kidz,
Are all your students chapter 14's or do you also service Chapter 15's?

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: Hey COTA4kidz,
Are all your students chapter 14's or do you also service Chapter 15's?

We service both.

Hello All

I am in Nursing and looking to make the change into Occupational Therapy. I have a passion for Nursing..I love the human science...and helping patients. I just LOVE caring for people.
I *hate* the extremely abusive environment. Nurses are treated like absolute dirt. The cattiness is like something I have never experienced before..and forget about the legal aspect of it all.

Here is the thing. I'm a 25 year old LPN in NYC. I feel like I waited my entire life to hit the 24/year-old mark so I could receive some financial aid, as an independent. This helped get me through nursing school..by a string. I haven't had much of a life up until now..and as a woman, I have the family thing in the back of my mind. I would like to have ONE child before I turn 30, at least...even if I'm 29. A second one can wait. I'm feeling pretty pressured because our family has a history of ovarian problems and I'm starting to have those issues..I just don't want it to be TOO late you know? I guess I'm a special case.

Sorry for going off on a tangent! We have CUNY schools that have OTA programs. There's something that feels SO right about me going into occupational therapy...even if I have to earn my Masters, later, for the big bucks. I don't even care if it pays less than nursing..I just want a secure job that I am actually happy at. I understand that there are ups and downs to every job...but in nursing, there are way too many downs and it's truthfully, NOT worth it. The field is highly oversaturated as well.

Here's what I wanted to ask. If I go to an AS program for OTA, am I even going to be able to bridge later on...to a Bachelors/Masters? That is my ONLY concern. Literally. I have already accepted the fact that I will need to work hard another 3-6 years in order for this to pay off. I'm looking at LAGCC in NYC and really wanted to apply to their OTA program. However, I don't want to be limited, when I graduate..any suggestions? Thanks :)

Hi, Nurse2OTA! Call the school near you that is offering the AS and asked them if they have an agreement with a nearby 4-year college to get your OT in less than 4 years. For example, there's a 4-year college about 3 hours away from Dayton that OTAs can become OTs but they have to go to school every weekend (or is it every other weekend?) for two years or something like that. It might be that you have to work as an OTA for a year before you can enter an OT fast-track program.

Nurse2OTA in Jackson Heights, New York said: Hello All

I am in Nursing and looking to make the change into Occupational Therapy. I have a passion for Nursing..I love the human science...and helping patients. I just LOVE caring for people.
I *hate* the extremely abusive environment. Nurses are treated like absolute dirt. The cattiness is like something I have never experienced before..and forget about the legal aspect of it all.

Here is the thing. I'm a 25 year old LPN in NYC. I feel like I waited my entire life to hit the 24/year-old mark so I could receive some financial aid, as an independent. This helped get me through nursing school..by a string. I haven't had much of a life up until now..and as a woman, I have the family thing in the back of my mind. I would like to have ONE child before I turn 30, at least...even if I'm 29. A second one can wait. I'm feeling pretty pressured because our family has a history of ovarian problems and I'm starting to have those issues..I just don't want it to be TOO late you know? I guess I'm a special case.

Hi, gave you much praise for your other post on here. I'm originally from NY and now a OTA student in WA.I 've heard the same from RN and nurses about their fields. My bro is a RN, so I get it. As for bridging over to another program I would suggest looking on the AOTA site or www.aota.org/Students/Schools/Weekend/38215.aspx
hope this helps

Thanks so much LIza and OTAStudent. Wow...the vibe of this forum is completely different from the Nurse and Medical Assistant Forum...of all the OTA forums I have been on so far...people don't seem as miserable and catty. I really appreciate the help that you guys are providing me with. I am kind of figuring that I can do the OT thing, and I really think I will enjoy it and NOT regret it at all...but if I realllllly dislike it and for some INSANE reason, I want to go back into Nursing..I figure I can always go back later for my Bachelors (RN) in some accelerated program for 2 years.

Honestly..there aren't ANY jobs in Nursing...maybe some in Texas..but literally that's about it. Texas is more like a state thing...lots of jobs there in comparison to the rest of the country. I don't mind being a jobless OTA for a while..this is strictly due to our country being in a depression. So far, though, the OTs that I know haven't had trouble with employment. OTAs cannot possible have it any worse than nurses...and when they DO land a job, the misery level is at least 50% less than nursing.

I want a field in health care where I feel I am helping people and I can be satisfied. I don't even mind if it pays less than Nursing..I just want to be happy with what I do for the rest of my life you know? Nursing is DEFINITELY not a happy field..it's very miserable..until you have put in YEARS of suffering and experience and can find a more "comfy" position...or until you go back for your Masters in Nursing..for that..I'd feel just as peaceful going for my Masters in OT.

PS. What's the biggest difference between OT and PT? I noticed that OT seems to pay more...am I right?

Nurse2OTA in Jackson Heights, New York said: Thanks so much LIza and OTAStudent. Wow...the vibe of this forum is completely different from the Nurse and Medical Assistant Forum...of all the OTA forums I have been on so far...people don't seem as miserable and catty. I really appreciate the help that you guys are providing me with. I am kind of figuring that I can do the OT thing, and I really think I will enjoy it and NOT regret it at all...but if I realllllly dislike it and for some INSANE reason, I want to go back into Nursing..I figure I can always go back later for my Bachelors (RN) in some accelerated program for 2 years.

Honestly..there aren't ANY jobs in Nursing...maybe some in Texas..but literally that's about it. Texas is more like a state thing...lots of jobs there in comparison to the rest of the country. I don't mind being a jobless OTA for a while..this is strictly due to our country being in a depression. So far, though, the OTs that I know haven't had trouble with employment. OTAs cannot possible have it any worse than nurses...and when they DO land a job, the misery level is at least 50% less than nursing.

I want a field in health care where I feel I am helping people and I can be satisfied. I don't even mind if it pays less than Nursing..I just want to be happy with what I do for the rest of my life you know? Nursing is DEFINITELY not a happy field..it's very miserable..until you have put in YEARS of suffering and experience and can find a more "comfy" position...or until you go back for your Masters in Nursing..for that..I'd feel just as peaceful going for my Masters in OT.

PS. What's the biggest difference between OT and PT? I noticed that OT seems to pay more...am I right?

Some would aregue that OT's work on the Upper Extremeties and PT's the lower , but thats just not true and those that say it is can call a local reahb office to inquire. OT's ? PT's are both unique proffesions but there are definately settings where

cont ....treatment does cross over...As an OTA you will contribute to the overall occupational service being rendered. You are not a assistant of the OTR but work as a collaborator. The OTR does the evaluation and recommends the intervention and you as a OTA and peform the intervention (hands on) and collects the data for the OTR to interpret. OTR -more theory based/ OTA -hands on and activity analysis based. Now how you go into treatment is to long to summarize. It requires what you have learned in school and in externship, but what you are ultimately trying to achieve is independence or improve function in a occupation.Occupational therapy has to do with improving life skills and often involves adaptive tools at times customized by the therapist. An occupational therapist will also often do on-site assessments of both the home environment and work environment and give recommendations on suitable adaptations of each to allow for a better quality of life.

Physical therapy is focused more on treating a persons injury itself and on helping to prevent injuries. The physical therapist is trained extensively on anatomy and the musculoskeletal system. Anyways I hope this helps...

Hi,

I was a little aware of some of what you told me. My basic understanding, from what I have researched, is that PT is a more "in demand" field. I don't know if that's true or if I'm getting confused.

I also read up that OTA's average salary is $50,000/year. NOT BAD at ALL. As a nurse you can expect to make an average of about $10,000-$12,000 more, per year. I know that sounds like a LOT, to most people, but when I figure in the amount of HELL that RNs go through, I don't find it to be worth it. Some do, some don't. I rather just know that I am SATISFIED, CONTENT, and HAPPY about the field that I chose. I don't want to feel like I am going to look back and regret it later..and I have to say..that I have this feeling that I can't shake, with nursing..I DO feel like I'm going to look back and regret it later.

I'm not trying to run from "hard work". On the contrary, I think the OTA/PTA degrees are just as competitive, demanding, and heavy on the sciences, etc. as nursing...or at least quite close. Most people go for nursing because they are disillusioned into thinking it's recession proof...and, RNs are paid more. LPNs are NOT, though. Their average salary is actually a little less than OTAs.

So to be frank, I just want to enter a field that people aren't so abusive, catty, and backstabbing. It's sad to say that Nursing is like this. On top of that, the workload that they give RNs is INSANE and the reprimands they receive for not finishing are HARSH.

Do I think OTA/PTA is all flowers and rainbows? Nope. But I am inclined to think that it's not as sh*tty of a field as Nursing from my own observations. I'm ok with hard work and busting my butt in school.

----cont'd.

What I am NOT ok with is finishing up my Bachelors in Nursing, to have to turn around and deal with the abuse, harassment, cruddy working conditions, EXTREMELY high stress/burnout, and endeless lawsuits. I'm also NOT ok, as a nurse, being expected to know a TRILLION things that they NEVER taught us in school & CONSISTENTLY being disrespected, talked down to, and condemned. Nurses are treated like DIRT. It is painful and ridiculous. I just feel like I would be subjecting myself to a lifetime of suffering if I don't take the chance and look into OTA/PTA.

Will I make less as an OTA? Absolutely. Around $10,000-$12,000 and I am SO OK with that so long as I have found my niche in life. I want something that feels rewarding..and if it's not going to feel rewarding...it wouldn't hurt that it's a stable position that can pay the bills.

I just cannot fathom subjecting myself to the disgust that fills the nursing field. Everyone I know in nursing wants to get out. They are creating nursing schools by the dozens and starting to pump out nurses just like MA schools did. It's disheartening and depressing. I don't want to look back, in 5 years, and say "What if..."...I don't want to think.."What if I had actually taken the chance and pursued OT or PT?". Thinking about OT/PT makes me HAPPY. Thinking about Nursing sort of depresses me..to be honest.

Can anyone here vouch for their salary as a COTA? I live in NYC and I just want to make sure that I am making the right choice. I really hate what nursing has become and thinking about being in nursing, for the rest of my life, makes me miserable....depresses me a great deal. I'm not a person who enjoys fighting..it gets old..and becomes very draining..and in nursing, that's all you do..if you want to survive.

I know what I'm making but I don't know what an entry level COTA makes. If you already have an Associates Degree in Nursing, I would advise that you go to school to be an OTR ... you already have your prerequisites in. Then, your entry level salary will be higher.

I only have my LPN. I may finish my Bachelors in Nursing and then apply to OT schools. This field is so miserable..makes me cry thinking I may have to dedicate another 2.5+ years to it.

beegee in Jackson Heights, New York said: I only have my LPN. I may finish my Bachelors in Nursing and then apply to OT schools. This field is so miserable..makes me cry thinking I may have to dedicate another 2.5+ years to it.

You would have to do so much work even in a COTA program that you might as well go for your masters. If you are serious about pursuing OT, check with a guidance counselor and make sure that you take all of the necessary prerequisites for OT while getting your bachelors.

Another option is to change your work environment. I know of some special schools (CP and such) who hire LPNs to work there. Public schools usually require RNs but a CP center or other school for children with severe disabilities utilizes LPNs because there's a lot of meds to be given, suctioning of trachs and so forth.

Also, some community colleges have the part time LPN to RN program. You may find that you garner more respect as an RN. Sad but true. Titles mean a lot in our society.

Every profession has it's down side. I love my job in the school system but I've worked per diem in long term care and HATED it ... to the point that I had nightmares about it ... so you might want to look into changing your work environment before changing your profession.

Whatever you're going to do ... work on it now while you're still young. It gets harder as you get older ... especially if you have children!! :)

wow, this is so interesting. Today I went to one of those expensive universities in FL to apply for the Bridge LPN-RN program then I was introduce or re-introduce to OTA program a much shorter program. I have all the pre-req and would start immediately....now this is where the problem begins. I have been working as an LPN for 7 yrs and yes just as the previous person said, the field is a dog eat dog world. Most people you talk with says, oh its ok and you can make a good salary...lie. U will have to put uo with alot of s**t, form co-workers and doctors. I sometime work as a school nurse, that I enjoy but with the school board cut back each year you never know when you will be put of that job. I read NURSE2OTA blog and she was reading my mind...I am also confuse on the path to take, when I think about being a nurse for the rest of my life I too get miserable, I love helping people one one one. Does anyone know what OTA make in Florida..I really dont want to go back to school with a loan over $30000 and then come out making $18 or less per hour. Money is not all but as a single parent, I have to take wages into consideration and I know that there is a better way of making a living than Nursing...I have had so many burn out friends and family members.U never know the truth until you get into the field...I often come home depress and wonder what I got myself into....to acheive my RN would not be for me but for others around me who think I should.

lpn in Pompano Beach, Florida said: wow, this is so interesting. Today I went to one of those expensive universities in FL to apply for the Bridge LPN-RN program then I was introduce or re-introduce to OTA program a much shorter program. I have all the pre-req and would start immediately....now this is where the problem begins. I have been working as an LPN for 7 yrs and yes just as the previous person said, the field is a dog eat dog world. Most people you talk with says, oh its ok and you can make a good salary...lie. U will have to put uo with alot of s**t, form co-workers and doctors. I sometime work as a school nurse, that I enjoy but with the school board cut back each year you never know when you will be put of that job. I read NURSE2OTA blog and she was reading my mind...I am also confuse on the path to take, when I think about being a nurse for the rest of my life I too get miserable, I love helping people one one one. Does anyone know what OTA make in Florida..I really dont want to go back to school with a loan over $30000 and then come out making $18 or less per hour. Money is not all but as a single parent, I have to take wages into consideration and I know that there is a better way of making a living than Nursing...I have had so many burn out friends and family members.U never know the truth until you get into the field...I often come home depress and wonder what I got myself into....to acheive my RN would not be for me but for others around me who think I should.

Pompano, I spoke to a guy with 3 years experience and he makes $60,000/year as an OTA. I know that's not "riches", but that's a decent wage. You're in the "senior citizen" belt. What a lucky/hotspot. Follow your heart! Become that OTA :).

From one nurse to another.

lpn in Pompano Beach, Florida said: got myself into....to acheive my RN would not be for me but for others around me who think I should.

Im sure it depends on where in FL you are. In 2002 I was at the AOTA convention in Miami Beach and there were recruiters EVERYWHERE. One was trying to convince me that South FL was the place to be and she said, "and you can make $12.00 an hour" as if it were a fortune. I had started as an entry level COTA the year before making $18.00 an hour so I wasn't impressed with $12!! My pay has nearly doubled since then but I don't know about the wages in FL especially entry level

I'd be interested in knowing what the job market was like in FL. I'd always been told not to bother because the market was saturated with foreign COTAs who worked for less money and (ideally) spoke Spanish. The job market here is pretty decent but it too is starting to be filtrated with people out of country and here on green cards. One of the OTs I work with is from South Africa. He said recruiters came to his college looking to sponsor people to work in the U.S.

Liza in Dayton, Ohio said: I'd be interested in knowing what the job market was like in FL. I'd always been told not to bother because the market was saturated with foreign COTAs who worked for less money and (ideally) spoke Spanish. The job market here is pretty decent but it too is starting to be filtrated with people out of country and here on green cards. One of the OTs I work with is from South Africa. He said recruiters came to his college looking to sponsor people to work in the U.S.

I can't imagine there being enough COTAs or OTRs ANYWHERE!! There is such a shortage here in NJ ... but maybe that's just because it's NJ and heavily populated.

FL has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country so that may affect the OT field as well ... though I've never met an unemployed OT!

Yep, I have NEVER met a jobless person in the Occupational Therapy field...not even in the midst of this economy! I'm sure they're out there somewhere..but I haven't bumped into a SINGLE one.

On the other hand, I know SO many Registered Nurses that can't land a job to save their life. It's very pathetic and sad. Nursing is such a highly abusive field I wouldn't encourage my worst enemy to go into it.

Florida, actually, has one of the BEST hire rates for OTAs. It's the land of senior citizens! :) I bumped into a guy with 3 years experience, as an OTA, and he is clearing $60,000/year.

I personally know of a few positions, up near me in NYC, that are paying BRAND NEW/ENTRY LEVEL COTAs $55,000-$65,000 a year...that's what a RN makes!...but of course they aren't hiring nurses right now.

I say that ANYONE who is smart...enter this field ASAP. I actually did the math and will be finishing my Masters of Science in Nursing since it will only take me another 3-4 years..so this is the quickest track for me. As a Nurse Practitioner, I can open my own clinic and will not have to put up with the abuse of the field.

Are there any OT schools in PA For a cota to further her education as an OTR

Sheryl in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Are there any OT schools in PA For a cota to further her education as an OTR

Misericordia in Dallas, PA has a weekend program. Philadelphia University in Philadelphia has a weekend OTR program but it is not specifically designed for COTA's. You would need to earn your bachelor's degree first.

These are just 2 that I know of off the top of my head, the AOTA website should have a listing of all schools offering a COTA to OTR program.

Thank you. I do have a BS but in MIS. Sheryl Lauritson

I am in my first semester as an OTA student. There are a few programs around the nation that offer a bridge program from a COTA to OTR. I will be doing this bridge program at Belmont University after I'm done with my associates. It is a weekend program and usually meets once overy 3 or 4 weeks.

I my personal Opinion, I would look into a PT/PTA program. More jobs and you are treated better. I have been an OTA for four years now, and I an already changing careers due to burn-out. Only two of the twenty-four students I went to school with are currently working in OT, all the others have made career changes like me.

Whatever you do, avoid nursing at all costs! Many nurses that I know are getting out of the field..or being laid off..more like it. I just graduated and I'm already looking to major in something else. Nursing is the worst field ever. Abuse, harassment, heavy work load, and a lot of disrespect. You don't get to make a difference in patients lives.

COTAGRL in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: There is a COTA program here in PA ( actually the program that I graduated from). It's offered at Lehigh Carbon Commuinty College in Schnecksville, Pa.

Hi there!
I am thinking about going to LCCC and was wondering what you thought about the program. Its pretty far from where I live and I would love to hear what you thought about it before I commit to the drive.
Thanks!

Hi Erin,
Yes, I was pleased with the program. Since you do live quite far from LCCC, I would recommend getting your General Education courses out of the way before starting the LCCC OTA program.

Look into starting the Gen. Ed. courses at a local community college closer to you. That is what I did. LCCC accepted all my credits, and that only left me with the OTA classes to complete. It was a much lighter caseload and that helped off-set the commute.
Good Luck! :)

My daughter has always loved working with Autistic kids and would like to do OT with them. She is strong, hard working and very compassionate but does have a learning disability making reading a challenge. We are thinking about COTA as an alternative to OT because of the fewer years necessary to get a degree and begin to work. I don't know what OTR is or how it is different from COTA and OT. Would someone please let me know the differences?

We are also looking at rockland community college for OTA and taking as many non OTA classes as possible at our local NJ community college.

I am also interested in the information someone posted about the OT fast track weekend program for OTA's. If she does do well in college maybe this would be a good thing for her in the future.

Finally, it seems like NJ has a strong need for OTA's. Is this true and does it include the need for OTA's in schools? What can she expect for a salary in the school system?

Thank you!!!!

Does anyone know the starting pay of a cota in the Chicago area? There is alot of conflicting information out there.