What is a Travel COTA Job?
Travel COTA jobs are an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) who enjoy traveling. These jobs offer COTAs the chance to work in different locations, experience new cultures, and meet new people. As a travel COTA, you will be responsible for providing occupational therapy services to patients in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
What Do You Usually Do in This Position?
As a travel COTA, you will be responsible for performing various occupational therapy tasks, such as assisting patients with daily living activities, implementing treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. You will work under the supervision of an occupational therapist and help patients with a variety of conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and arthritis.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
To excel in a travel COTA job, you will need to possess the following skills:
- Strong communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Excellent organizational skills to manage patient caseloads and treatment plans
- Flexibility to adapt to different work environments and patient populations
- Compassion and empathy to help patients with their physical and emotional needs
- Technical skills to operate various occupational therapy equipment and software
How to Become a Travel COTA
To become a travel COTA, you will need to complete an associate degree program in occupational therapy assisting and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. You will also need to obtain a state license to practice as a COTA and gain some experience working in occupational therapy settings. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for travel COTA jobs through staffing agencies or online job boards.
Average Salary
The average salary for a travel COTA job varies depending on the location, experience, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $62,940 in May 2020.
Roles and Types
Travel COTA jobs can vary in roles and types depending on the employer and location. Some common types of travel COTA jobs include working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Some COTAs may also specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics, mental health, or hand therapy.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
Travel COTA jobs are available in various locations throughout the United States. Some of the most popular locations for travel COTA jobs include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. These states offer a high demand for healthcare professionals and a diverse range of patient populations.
What are the Typical Tools?
As a travel COTA, you will need to use various tools and equipment to perform your job. Some common tools include goniometers, exercise balls, weights, resistance bands, and splints. You will also need to use electronic medical record software and other technology to document patient progress and communicate with other healthcare professionals.
In Conclusion
Travel COTA jobs offer a unique opportunity for certified occupational therapy assistants to experience new environments, cultures, and patient populations. With the right skills and qualifications, you can embark on an exciting and rewarding career as a travel COTA.