Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOTR/LOTDCOTASpecialties
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
OTR/L
OTD
COTA
Specialties
Even among healthcare professionals, it can be difficult to decode the alphabet soup that follows an occupational therapist’s name.
Unscrambling which credentials and certifications youroccupational therapist(OT) holds will help you understand their training and qualifications to meet your particular needs. You may even want to seek out an OT who holds a specific certification.
andresr/Getty Images
What Is OTR/L?
If your occupational therapist is an OT/L, this indicates that they passed the national certification exam, but have not kept their certification with the board, which requires a fee and proof of continuing education every three years.
There is a good chance that an OT with the OTR/L credential has received their master’s, as this is currently the minimum education required for an OT to practicing.
However, if your OT has been practicing since 2007, they may only hold a bachelor’s degree. OTs with bachelor’s degrees were grandfathered in back in 2007 when entry-level switched from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree.
Some OTs will indicate that they have obtained a master’s with the designation MOT, MA, or MS.
What Is OTD?
The OTD credential indicates that the occupational therapist has received their doctorate in occupational therapy. Doctoral programs are becoming increasingly popular as the profession is contemplating the move toward an entry-level doctorate, though there are currently only seven fully accredited entry-level doctoral programs compared to 161 entry-level masters programs.
An OT with a doctorate will have had about three years of post-baccalaureate education versus an MOT, who would only have about 2.5 years. Doctoral programs vary in their focus, but the OTD practitioner may have had more training inclinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development.
What Is COTA?
COTA stands for acertified occupational therapy assistant. This credential indicates the professional holds an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and passed the national certification exam. The scope of practice for a COTA varies from state to state, but in general, COTAs must work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, can deliver many of the same treatments, but not plot the overall course of care.
Specialty Certifications
A specialty certification often signifies that an OT has undergone additional training in a particular area, passed an exam, and kept up with continuing education related to the topic.
If you are looking for an OT who specializes in a particular area, here is a list of common certifications:
Different national and international organizations regulate the above certifications. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which is the national association for occupational therapists, also rewards the following certifications to practitioners who have logged 2,000–5,000 hours of work in a particular area and are undertaking continuing education in that area.
This list is a general guide to credentials and certifications. There are certainly other credentials and certifications that OTs may hold. The best way to learn about your OT’s qualifications to meet your particular needs is simply toask them.
Note that these credentials and certifications apply only to occupational therapists in the United States. Each country has its own system for credentialing and awarding specialty certifications.
Summary
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
