What Does it Mean to Be Board Certified by NBCOT?
Occupational therapy professionals who are certified with NBCOT will have one of the following credentials:
- OTR® - Occupational Therapist Registered
- COTA® - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
OTR and COTA professionals have completed occupational therapy education and passed a national certification exam. They have agreed to follow NBCOT’s Practice Standards and Code of Conduct and to fulfill continuing professional development requirements. Only those who maintain an Active in Good Standing status with NBCOT can use the OTR or COTA credential. OTR and COTA professionals are committed to providing safe and effective services to all clients.
OTRs and COTAs are also state-licensed professionals.
Look for the OTR or COTA certification when seeking an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant for yourself or a loved one.
Role of the OTR and COTA
The OTR and COTA work collaboratively. The OTR evaluates the client, plans therapeutic interventions, and completes discharge documents. The OTR also provides clinical supervision of the COTA. The COTA implements and documents the therapeutic interventions, and provides feedback to the OTR on the client's progress during treatment.
Did you recently learn that you, or a loved one, need occupational therapy?
Look for the OTR or COTA certification when seeking an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
“ Every profession experiences continual change. There are always new techniques and interventions to learn. I need to stay at the top of my game to ensure I am always providing my patients with quality care and maintaining my COTA certification helps me do that.”