Certifications for COTAs
As a COTA, I've almost always worked in Long Term Care. Geriatrics, I'd guess you'd say, is my specialty. I've known COTAs who have worked in the same field for 20+ years, attended hundreds of hours of continuing education, and have been leaders in their area of specialization. However today, they still only hold the title of COTA.
I've always wondered why there are no board certifications available for a COTA who has practiced in the same area for years. I would guess that within ten years a COTA has probably taken 200+ hours of continuing education, worked 20,000+ hours in practice, and has read somewhere between 400-500 healthcare studies, articles and blogs. (Some of you more "studious" ones probably have even more)
In my years in this field I have only met one COTA who had a BS degree. However this was in Healthcare Administration, and although she continued to practice on the occasional weekend, her full time employment was as an Administrator in a LTC facility. I've also met many COTAs who have held other degrees, but I found that most changed employment after they earned the new degree. Only a few continued to work as a COTA and at that just part time.
Giving COTAs the chance to earn a board certification could be one answer to keep some current practitioners aboard. However, that would still depend on what companies do with a COTA who holds a specialty certification in their field. Would a company offer a higher salary? Would there be any research and/or technically advanced areas to "climb up the ladder" a notch or two? Both thoughts here seem like a big dream, especially looking ahead to the possible forthcoming changes in the medical system.
Until next time, hope all your thoughts are good,
Tim