An Occupational Therapist uses a knowledge base of neurology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, human development, psychology, psychosocial development, task and biomechanical analysis and a variety of therapeutic techniques to work with people of all ages (Williams and Shellenberger, 1996, 1994)
A COTA is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a minimum of an Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, Certification through NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) and over 500 hours of applied Clinical Fieldwork under the supervision of an OT professional.
The supervising OT conducts and writes the Initial Evaluation and provides direct supervision, establishes goals and collaborates on interventions. The COTA is tasked with providing interventions, collaborating with the OT and other team members and communicating any recommendations for changes to the Therapy Intervention Plan.
Occupational therapy practitioners ask “what matters to you” not “what’s the matter with you?”
– AOTA President Ginny Stoffel