OTA and OT Salary and Pay from OTA Perspective
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- It can be hard to ask people how much money they make. This video discusses how much it costs to go to school to be an OTA VS OT, how much money an entry-level OTA can make (in Texas), and how much money some OTAs make in various settings. Fast forward to 2:20 for the salary. This is my first video ever and is a little rambly. Summary also below.
Summary of OTA VS OT Salary: Median range is ~$60,000 for OTAs and ~$85,000 for OTs. In the video I discuss my fellow new grads pay (between $21-$40 an hour) and some of my clinical instructors pay.
As this is my first video, bear with me. The rambling with hopefully die down in the next couple of videos. Definitely comment below with questions/ what you want to hear more of.
Thank you for actually sharing real numbers from people you know and that are in the field! 😊
Thanks! I'm from Texas and was nervous. Glad to hear these numbers!
This was so helpful! Currently doing my pre reqs for an OTA program so this helped a lot thank you:)
graduating soon with my bachelor’s in social work, but thinking about ota school after graduating. i’ve been doing research on this career and am loving everything i’m finding. i’m really enjoying how informing your videos are. thank you!
Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying them. They won't get less awkward, but I feel like there needs to be more information about this field out there.
The field is dying
@@pierrejames8762 how come ?
I’m excited to see your next video! Thanks for the info!
Thank you, this is very motivating and helpful. I think to be a OTA is better than a RN for me.
this was incredibly helpful! thinking about going back to school for ota. thanks so much for the video!
im looking at doing the same !
Thanks for posting this Jaclyn!
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
congrats and great video very informative
Love the video!!
Thank you ❤❤
Love this video would love more! I'm in school for OTA but want to purse OT.
Thank you- Starting my last fieldwork placement next week and it’s second career - hope to work at a VHA :)
Thank for this video. You have such a sweet personality 💖
Thank you so much!! :)
So helpful:)
Thank you for sharing this is really helpful
You are welcome! I wish I had edited or done a better video now... I just knew people needed some real world experience. It's hard to find it online.
Do you mention somewhere which school you attended to do your OTA course? Your $7k tuition sounds a lot better than my local community college online quote of $24k+ for the 2 year program. This, of course, is not including the year of prerequisits. Doesn't this seem high to anyone who knows of such things? Thanks for this excellent video!
Hi, I’m looking into becoming a COTA and hopefully will be starting school next summer. Although, I do have a question. I was required to shadow some COTA’s and one gentleman I did shadow was super negative about the career telling me how he hates it and how you can’t make a living off of this and that he was getting paid per pt he saw rather than per hour, and this was at a pediatric office. So sometimes only 3 pts will come in for the day and he’d be making little money. I know I would personally love this career, but I would also love to support my family with one job. With that said, is this true? Do offices only pay per pt rather than per hour? This is coming from Arizona
Loved this video! Can you please let us know if it was hard finding your first job?. I am currently working on my pre reqs to apply for the OTA program. But I am scared of going to school and having a hard time finding employment.
I was in San Antonio, TX. I was told "there aren't a lot of jobs", however many of my classmates and I found jobs without much difficulty. I ended up doing home health for a month (it wasn't a good fit). I began cold calling (well, emailing) outpatient clinics, and I was hired to one exactly a month after I got my license :) It depends on where you live and what setting you are seeking. With a little patience, the opportunities will come.
Hi your videos are awesome! Can OTAs work in schools, or is that only for OTs?
I used to want to be a Physical Therapist but knew I couldn’t have the time and money to getting my doctorates then came along Occupational therapy and the past 3 years it’s been my dream but the closer I am to getting my bachelors in psychology I see how hard it’ll be. I live in Maryland and only one school in the state has O.T school smh! and I refuse going out of state which sucks (schools so expensive) and now I’m just thinking of doing OTA instead since there’s 3 schools in Maryland that offer it. I wish I would’ve done OTA from the beginning. I’m so confused
I think starting with your bachelor's is actually an advantage in OTA because then you can do a bridge program if you choose to continue on to OT. I too wish I knew about OTA sooner, but having my degree was super helpful! I would get some shadowing in to see if you want to do OTA or OTR, but you've got this! I am certain you will find the right path.
Do you or anyone else know of any OTA online schools?
I haven't made anywhere even close to that. Cancellations are so bad that you cannot get a steady pay check. I make 50.00 per hour but if you cannot get the patients what use is it?
I’ve been out of school for about a year and half. Been applying to many OT schools while also finishing my prerequisites, but the waiting game is killing me. So I’ve been looking at OTA schools then will eventually go get my master or doctorate in OT
Thank you for this video! I have been accepted to an OTA program and I start this August. I'm nervous and excited for the program! Do you have any tips or things I should keep in mind?
I'll be posting a video about this soon! Has your program started?
Is OTA school hard and stressful and is it a lot of memorizing??? And can you get in without any experience. I am possibly thinking about it, I have an IEP, so memorizing is kind of difficult. I worked in a nursing home as a dietary aide for over a year but that’s pretty much all I’ve done and internship at a preschool once
does the occupational therapist tell the OTA how to do the patients goals? what equipments to use? if it's the OTA's first time. or would i learn that while in college? also I'm taking A&P right now, would i need to apply what i learned in A&P in occupational therapy? because A&P is obviously not just for occupational therapy. and honestly most of the stuff they teach in A&P is more of what a nurse would need to know not a OTA.
What is this new RUclips and Instagram page???!! I feel like I don't even know you! Haha. This video is great!!!
I just had my interview to get into an OTA program and she asked me what was most important in an OTA and I said patience and empathy! Lol and I did get accepted. Do you have any idea if employers look down on medical Institutes such as Pima? Their program is accredited and the school Is as well.
Is OTA SCHOOL a lot of work and stressful???
I just graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services but I already know I want to go back for occupational therapy for my master's degree but the cost of a masters degree Is a little high so I plan on paying my way through occupational therapy assistant school on my own with my own money I make now at 15 per hour like one class at a time though that I am missing in my prerequisites of the ota program near by me
That is such a great plan! It can be expensive to dive right in to a Master's degree.
Hi I’m in Texas now and I’m going to be applying for the OTA program through Navarro College for this upcoming cohort. What school/program did you go to ??
Sorry this is so late! Did you make it in? I went to St. Philip's College.
Thank you for this information! What made you want to become an OTR after being a COTA?
I am a military spouse and constantly move around all the time (so essentially a professional job seeker). I went back for OTR because acute care tends to higher more OTRs than COTAs (and outpatient pediatrics does too, though with a little patience, I've managed to get outpatient pedi jobs in Tx and Wa).
I’m interested in this feild but there are not a lot of full time opportunities out there in the new England area.
That's a bummer :( I know each state is wildly different! I've never looked into that area.
I’m currently applying to OTA programs after obtaining my bachelors degree. Do you think it is worth it to do a bridge program such as salary as a COTA vs the cost of OT school
Be sure to check out the job market in your area. Also if you have Facebook add yourself to therapy groups to get more information about the current changes with insurance and pay cuts. The therapy world is struggling right now.
More videos please
Hello! About how many hours a day did you start in an entry level cota ?
I was full time :) Not all people are so lucky, but I started out full time, even when I did not have a full case load of patients.
I’m a senior in hs and I’m so stuck. Idk if ota is right for me. I’m hoping to get some shadowing done to see if I’m gonna like it or not. If I don’t, idk wt the heck I’m gonna do
I hope your shadowing experience went well! You'll find what is best for you! :)
Hi I am thinking of starting school for OTA, I have been accepted and everything up until recently financial :( now I am debating even attending since I already have loans I am not sure if it is even worth it now because I would have to take out more :( where did you go to school?
Hey!! There are usually cheaper community colleges that have programs (like mine). I went to St. Philip's College in San Antonio.
Thanks so much for all your videos! I am currently debating whether its worth quitting my job to go back to school for the OTA. You mentioned about the Associate degree OTA program you took was $7000/program. Do you mind letting me know which school it is? I am in the east coast area and the OTA program is at least $40,000/program.
look at community colleges for ota programs. im in ct and theres one there
It was a community college-- St. Philip's college in San Antonio, Tx! Good luck! I hope you find the right school :)
Wow $40k for the OTA program. I'm on the west coast and was lamenting in another comment that our local CC want's $24k+ for the program. Did you ever find a cheaper one? Or did you scrap the idea all together? Maybe we should all move to Texas for a few years. San Antonio is a beautiful place to live. :D
Hi! Do you know anything about how the new Medicare change will effect OTAs? I’m looking into going to OTA school but am looking for insight for the future as an OTA. thank you! :)
It is continually changing and can be hard to keep up with. Honestly, by the time you are done with school, it will likely change again. Don't overthink it. Let your passion guide you. From my experience, the job/ pay will come :)
@@cotaconnection9400 thank you so much for the advice! i love your channel!
What are prerecorded?
What made you go back to Schoo after becoming an OTA?
I hope to do a video on this soon, but it's mostly because I am a military spouse and move around everywhere I go. Some states hire less COTAs in settings that I love (Acute care/ pediatrics). There are exceptions to this, of course (I currently work in peds and have friends in acute care in Texas), but because I have to quit a job every 2-3 years, so I wanted to be sure that I could work in the settings that I love.
I live in east texas and am currently really considering becoming a COTA. I just want to know that I will be able to make a livable income. I went to school and am RDA registered dental assistant but it only pays like 12- 18 an hour and there is no jobs where I live and it is such a little income. This is what I really think that I want to go back to school for.
I made great money in San Antonio and it was less than some of my peers. The least pay I heard of my classmates making was $21 an hour (in acute care) and most $34 an hour straight out of school. Texas is good for COTA pay :)
I highly recommend being a COTA, Pay is great. You can make good money at least $26 out of school in a SNF or make more as a traveling COTA.
Omg. OTAs seem to start out great!! I live near Oklahoma City. I’m wondering if I negotiate around the mean/average, based off of BLS and state...are companies (specifically SNFs, outpatient, pediatrics) willing to match the salary around that? Or low ball you?
I love the video! It has reassured me so much, as I study for the NBCOT. Thank you.
Sorry for the late reply (I am finally checking in on this channel and I am shocked and excited about all the questions). I had a home health company low ball me (I only ended up working for them a month). The other two outpatient pediatric clinics I worked at paid me on the higher side of what was expected in my city/state. I didn't have to ask (but you should bring it up!).
COTA Connection all good, no worries at all! I ended up at a job in acute care, January of this year, and I’m happy with the money. But of course, I should factor in the fact that I’m PRN, although I get close to, if not already, full time hours.
@@christianmorrow3254 HECK YESSSS!!!!!!! That makes me so happy!
COTA Connection thank you! I hope you’re doing well and staying safe out there! 😊
If I were to become an OTA and gain some experience first, how many years would it take to become an OT?
You still have to go to school and at this point you would most likely have to enter a doctorate program since the field is switching over. At my school it's a 5 yr program.
If OTR is what you are striving for, you do not need to become an OTA first. There are bridge programs (so usually 2 years of OTA, which is a 2 year degree, and then 2-3 years for master of OT that you can do while working). You also need to be sure to get your bachelor's degree before getting your masters. So, I would figure out if you want to do OTR or OTA first and do not do things the hard way (like I am currently doing).If your ultimate goal is OTR, I would honestly recommend going for that. I hope to do a video at some point to make this clearer. Hope this helps!
Is OTA school a lot of work and stressful? And is it a lot of memorizing
????
I'm in the same boat haha. I do have experience with children with special needs and things like that but as far as classes I don't have. I assume it will be stressful at times. Nothing in the medical field is going to come easy u know?
Can you make a video focusing on the schooling aspect?
What specific things would you like me to address? I plan on doing a tips on how to survive COTA school, but would you like a video about what OTA school consists of overall?
COTA Connection yes that would be awesome! Also maybe a little bit on the prerequisites as well? Thank you so much💗 good video content
@@abihfritz I will make one :) thanks for watching as I try to figure out this whole RUclips thing.
Hey so do you have to have a Bachelor's in OT to get a Master's in it? Or can it be any Bachelor's degree?
I was wondering the same thing!
@@paigemotley4795 yeah I am pretty sure now that you do...
@@eileenstebbins7614 I don’t believe there are any specific OT majors for you bachelors degree. I believe most aspiring otr’s get their bachelor degree in kinesiology, or other related fields and then go on to a masters program in OT
@@sangeline i read somewhere that you have to be a OTA before you become an OT 🤷🏽♀️
Is $60,000 good? Like would I still be able to take a vacation every other year?
Kaitlyn 234 I mean it depends on your lifestyle. If you want to live a lifestyle of a baller buying nice things, buying an expensive car, or what kind of house you want at first. 60k for someone who wants to have a big house, brand new car worth 100k + and have nice jewelry then 60k a year isn’t enough, especially adding a vacation isn’t nearly enough, needing at least 120k a year. However if you want to live comfortably going on a nice vacation with a car that doesn’t have to be the nicest but still is nice and owning a home that isn’t a mansion or anything or not going on spending sprees all the time, then 60k is enough. But trust me if you love the job, you love the job. I wanted to go into a career that was the same thing all the time in the OR room with a starting pay of 114k-180k but realized I would rather deal with making 60k-70k however enjoying what I do everyday.
I think it depends on the person/ lifestyle. If you are good with your money, it is 100% possible.
Did you really say 7 grand for OTA school? Where the heck did you go?! Cuz I graduated in December 2019 and my OTA schooling costed 35 grand 😭😭😭
:(( oh man! I went to St. Philip's College in San Antonio, Tx. Texas has some particularly cheap education opportunities!
Its. 50,000 in Philly for the cota program
@@browngrl77 Wow! That is crazy!!! I mean, still worth it compared to many degrees that do not give you the skillsets COTAs have... but dang!!! So much more expensive than mine.
hahah mine is 59 grand in Los Angeles
Was it hard finding your first job?
I was in San Antonio, TX. I was told "there aren't a lot of jobs", however many of my classmates and I found jobs without much difficulty. I ended up doing home health for a month (it wasn't a good fit). I began cold calling (well, emailing) outpatient clinics, and I was hired to one exactly a month after I got my license :) It depends on where you live and what setting you are seeking. With a little patience, the opportunities will come.
Has anyone taken an online ota school?
Have you heard of any OTA's taking on a job duty as a recreational therapist?
I have not but I do have someone in my MSOT program who use to be a rec therapist. I feel as though OTAs could do that job as long as there are not additional requrements for it (like a degree/ license).
For the classmate that is in your class, do you know why she went back to school to be a OT? I’m just curious because I’m going back and forth between majoring in recreational ther pa or Occupational therapy .
@@LiteracyLover I will have to reach out to her and see. I know her degree in rec therapy made her a GREAT candidate for our master of OT program (which requires a 4 year degree), so that may be a good degree to start with. You could work as a rec therapist while applying to an master's program if you chose to do so! I'll see what I can do to get more info for you :)
I hope it stays that way after October 19 and especially if they go through with the Medicare and Medicaid cuts for 2023
@@cotaconnection9400 True I am about to take a job in HH but its not dramatically short and its actually by the hour with 54Cc per mile. At least HH does not have to worry about PDPM. I wish everyone on here the best
What cuts?
I have. 23 years. Snf. Ota exp and 3 years. Home health. And plan on doing bridge. Program. Anyone has question. Ask away.
how are you? love your videos. lm looking into becoming an OTA. l have a bachelor in liberal arts, sadly l can not find jobs. So, l wanted to ask is it best to do the OTA, then the Masters or what you think ? Also, I'm 35 married and have 3 small kids, so do not know really which to go for? any advise please
Hey there! I think that completely depends on the person. I got my first degree in English, and similarly to you, I could not find jobs I wanted to work. The OTA option is definitely cheaper, however, there are pros and cons to both professions. Many of my classmates in OTA had children, and though it was definitely hard, they all made it! As a military spouse, OTR was a better option for me long term, however, sometimes I think OTAs have the best jobs (less paperwork and more patient time). What state do you live in/ do you have the prerequisites for the programs you are looking in to?
2:34 salary
Top. Pay. Go work. I’m. Rural. Areas many. Don’t. Want. And. Take a dor position. That’s. How you max out. A COTA’s. Wages
I can't believe how cheap the program is in TEXAS good GOD illinois is the worst state to live in
seriously $34000 for COTA program
Tuition. $100k. Lol
OT is a horrible return in investment
I've met OT's who got visibly upset when they found out how much money COTA's were making, without having to take on all the debt.
Most OT’s I’ve asked make at least 6 figures (not new grads), but 80k is super low for a masters, I agree.
@@madelinebailiff5506 where do they work that they're making 6 figures? I want to eventually start my own practice