Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction

If you are a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) looking for a job, the first step is to create a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and education. Your resume is your marketing tool to get the attention of potential employers, so it's important to make it stand out. In this article, we'll go over the essential elements of a COTA resume and how to write one that gets noticed.

1. Start with a strong objective or summary statement

Your objective or summary statement is the first thing employers will read on your resume, so it should make a strong impression. Use this section to highlight your career goals and what you can bring to a potential employer. Be clear, concise, and specific about what you want to achieve and what you can offer.

• Example objective statement: Seeking a position as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a reputable healthcare organization where I can utilize my skills to provide quality patient care and contribute to the success of the team.
• Example summary statement: Highly skilled and dedicated COTA with 5 years of experience in acute care settings. Possesses expertise in developing treatment plans, implementing interventions, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve positive patient outcomes.

2. Highlight your education and certifications

Your education and certifications are essential components of your COTA resume. List your degree or diploma, the school you attended, and your graduation date. Also, highlight any relevant certifications or licenses you hold, such as the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification or state licensure.

• Degree or diploma: Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• School: XYZ Community College
• Graduation date: May 2021
• Certification: NBCOT
• License: State of California Occupational Therapy Assistant

3. Showcase your relevant work experience

Your work experience is the most critical component of your COTA resume. List your previous jobs, starting with the most recent one, and describe your responsibilities and achievements for each position. Be specific and use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.

• Occupational Therapy Assistant, ABC Hospital, San Francisco, CA (June 2021 - present)
• Develop and implement treatment plans for inpatient and outpatient populations, including stroke, orthopedic, and neurological patients.
• Create and facilitate group therapy sessions focused on improving functional skills and promoting independence.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including physical therapists, speech therapists, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and staying up-to-date with evidence-based practices and procedures.
• Occupational Therapy Aide, XYZ Rehabilitation Center, San Diego, CA (July 2019 - May 2021)
• Assist OTs and COTAs with implementing treatment plans and activities of daily living (ADLs) for patients with physical and mental disabilities.
• Prepare treatment areas and equipment, making sure that the equipment is safe and correctly used.
• Transport patients to and from therapy areas, ensuring their safety and dignity.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of therapy areas, making sure that they are free of hazards and properly stocked with supplies.

4. Include additional relevant skills and achievements

Aside from education, certifications, and work experience, you can also include other relevant skills and achievements that showcase your strengths as a COTA. This section could include your knowledge of various treatment techniques, specialized training, volunteer work, or awards and recognitions.

• Skills and certifications: Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) certified, kinesiology taping certification, fluent in Spanish
• Achievements: Received Employee of the Month award for establishing a new program for patients with hand injuries at ABC Hospital

Conclusion

A well-crafted COTA resume highlights your skills, experience, education, and certifications that make you a suitable candidate for a job. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the right format and keywords, you can create a compelling resume that opens doors to new opportunities in a rewarding career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.