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What is your thoughts on becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant or an Occupational Therapist.?

2 years of schooling compared to 6 years with a master's degree and student debt.

healthcare spring25 occupational-therapy cotacertifiedoccupationaltherapyassistant
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Rachel’s Answer

OTA all the way.
Thank you comment icon Hey Rachel, can you say why? The explanation can help the learner make an informed decision Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Tamina’s Answer

I actually have experience with both paths, so this is a question that's close to my heart. I started my career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and worked in that role for many years before deciding to go back to school for my Master's in Occupational Therapy. Neither path is "better"—it really depends on your personal and professional goals. Becoming a COTA allows you to enter the workforce sooner, gain valuable hands-on experience, and start making a difference with much less time in school and typically less student debt. Becoming an OT requires more education and a greater financial investment, but it also gives you additional responsibilities, including evaluating clients, developing treatment plans, clinical reasoning, and often a wider range of career options. For me, starting as a COTA gave me an incredible foundation and confirmed that this was the profession I wanted to spend my career in before returning to school. My advice is to think about your long-term goals, finances, and where you see yourself in the future. Both careers are incredibly rewarding, and there's no wrong choice—many people have fulfilling careers as COTAs, while others, like me, choose to build on that experience and become OTs later in their careers.
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Kaitlyn’s Answer

Both paths have good things to offer. Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant takes less time and usually means less debt. You can start working sooner and still make a big difference in people’s lives. Many OTAs also enjoy the hands-on part of the job and building strong relationships with clients. Becoming an Occupational Therapist takes longer and costs more, but it gives you more responsibility and leadership in the therapy process. OTs create treatment plans, work in a wider range of settings, and usually have higher pay and more career growth opportunities. It really depends on your goals, your financial situation, and how much time you want to invest in school. Some people even start as an OTA and later go back to become an OT. Either way, both roles are meaningful and important in the field.
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Cheri’s Answer

Hi Megan,

You've asked a question that only you can truly answer, but here are some points to help you decide between becoming an occupational therapist (OT) or an occupational therapist assistant (OTA). Both roles work in similar settings like schools, clinics, and nursing facilities, helping clients improve their ability to perform important activities. This can involve both physical and cognitive challenges. The job outlook for both careers is strong, with opportunities growing fast. Consider these factors:

1. Do you enjoy school and learning? Are you willing to attend a 4-year college? Becoming an OT requires at least 6 years of education, so be sure you’re ready for that commitment.

2. The average OT salary is $46/hour or $96,000 annually, while an OTA earns about $31/hour or $65,000 annually, depending on location and experience.

3. OTAs work under the supervision of OTs. They help with treatment plans but can't perform evaluations or interpret results on their own. Be prepared to take direction if you choose to be an OTA.

4. Both careers offer advancement opportunities. OTs can earn certificates, specialize, or even teach. There might be more job and advancement prospects as an OT, but you can start as an OTA and later pursue an OT degree. Some employers might even help with tuition as you advance from OTA to OT.

Good luck with your decision—occupational therapy is a rewarding field!
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Megan
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Theresa’s Answer

Going back to school to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant was one of the best decisions I've made. I'm able to make a good salary, save money & help people which, helping people in some way was what I was looking to do when researching careers.
It is not always easy work, it can be challenging but once you gain experience you make the make the job work for you.
Thank you comment icon I would not be an OTR over an OTA. They have too much paperwork to do, I’m more of the hands on type person and not so much about paperwork. Plus it doesn’t pay that much more when you consider in the loans you need for 6 years of college!! Rachel Fulton
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Megan’s Answer

It depends what your personal goals are as far as future career and salary of course. I personally became a COTA first. After only 9 months working in the field I decided to go to grad school to become an OTR. I noticed that in my setting (SNF) I was doing just about the same exact job as an OTR, except evaluations, and making close to half the pay. In addition I knew I wanted to advance my career and become a Director of Rehabilitation one day, so it made sense to me to go back. It is important to note that there are often times advancement opportunities for assistants as well. Another thing to consider is your personality, would you prefer to be a COTA under the supervision of an OT? Or would you prefer to be an OT supervising COTAs?
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Jessica’s Answer

Both paths lead to meaningful work, but they differ in responsibility, autonomy, and long term flexibility. An OTA typically completes a 2 year associate program and works under an OT’s supervision delivering interventions, while an OT completes about 6 years of schooling and evaluates, designs treatment plans, and has more leadership and advancement opportunities. If minimizing debt and entering the workforce sooner is the priority, OTA can be a strong choice, but if you want greater clinical decision making authority, program development roles, and higher earning potential over time, the OT route may be worth the investment. I began my OT career as a COTA, however I am at the tail end of completing a bridge program to become an OT. I personally recommend just going for your OT right away since it has more autonomy and flexibility.
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