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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Arab, AL · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

... Occupational Therapy Assistant provides occupational therapy services to patients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), ensuring compassionate, high-quality care in ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$24.25 - $32.50/hr

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - FULL TIME RESEARCH PARK - HUNTSVILLE, AL Join our team and start making a difference! The Health Center at Research Park is a post-acute care facility with long-term ...

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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$16

$30

$43

How much do certified occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified occupational therapy assistant in Decatur, AL is $30.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.67 and $34.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified occupational therapy assistant?

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. COTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, educating patients and their families, and documenting patient progress. They work with individuals of all ages who have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, supporting them to achieve greater independence in their daily activities.

What does a certified occupational therapy assistant do?

A certified occupational therapy assistant helps patients during physical therapy treatments and rehabilitation exercises. They work with the patient's occupational therapist and physician to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient's needs. This can mean assisting with stretching exercises or helping a patient learn and adjust to assistance equipment. The duties and responsibilities of a certified occupational therapy assistant also include keeping detailed records of patient progress and health, and performing other administrative and organizational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified occupational therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you need an associate degree from an accredited program and national certification, along with strong knowledge of rehabilitation techniques and patient care. Familiarity with therapy documentation software, adaptive equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help COTAs effectively support patients and collaborate with occupational therapists. These skills and qualities ensure effective therapy delivery, accurate reporting, and positive outcomes for clients' daily living and independence.

How do certified occupational therapy assistants typically collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work closely under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to implement treatment plans tailored for each patient. They frequently collaborate with occupational therapists by providing feedback on patient progress and suggesting adjustments to interventions. Additionally, COTAs may interact with physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and family members to ensure holistic and coordinated care. This teamwork-focused environment helps ensure patients receive comprehensive support as they work toward their rehabilitation goals.

What is the difference between Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectCertified Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's degree, NBCOT certificationBachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, NBCOT certification
Work EnvironmentAssist in therapy sessions under supervision, clinics, hospitals, schoolsLead therapy plans, evaluate patients, supervise assistants, clinics, hospitals, schools
Job RoleImplement treatment plans, assist patients with activitiesDevelop treatment plans, evaluate patient progress, oversee assistants

The main difference between a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and an Occupational Therapist lies in their education, responsibilities, and level of independence. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants support therapists by implementing treatment plans and assisting patients, while Occupational Therapists develop plans and oversee patient care. Both roles work in similar environments, but the Occupational Therapist holds a higher level of responsibility and requires advanced education.

Where do certified occupational therapy assistants get paid the most?

Certified occupational therapy assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the work setting, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.

What are popular job titles related to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,307 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Reliant Rehabilitation

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$26.25 - $35.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Reliant Rehabilitation rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

670th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Why Join Reliant Rehabilitation?

Joining Reliant means becoming part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of patients and residents across a variety of care communities. As one of the nation's largest contract therapy providers, Reliant offers unmatched clinical support, professional development, and growth opportunities.

Our leadership team began their careers as therapists, and we take pride in promoting from within. You'll be supported by a dedicated clinical team that provides ongoing training, proven protocols, and hands-on guidance - ensuring therapy is delivered effectively for patients and in full compliance to support our partners. With operations in 44 states and more than 900 communities nationwide, Reliant can match your location, schedule, and career goals, wherever your path leads.

 

 

What We Offer:

            Competitive compensation packages

            Medical, dental, vision, and company-paid life insurance

            401(k) with employer match

            PTO Share and Buy-Back Programs

            Maternity and Paternity support program

            Continuing education, mentorship programs and clinical leadership development

            Tuition loan repayment assistance Program

            Flexible scheduling options

Responsibilities

This Occupational Therapy Assistant provides occupational therapy services to patients under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT), ensuring compassionate, high-quality care in accordance with Reliant Rehabilitation standards and the principles of occupational therapy. Foster positive relationships with clients and facility staff while delivering treatment aligned with established plans of care. Responsibilities include ongoing therapy, supervision of Rehab Technicians (as needed), and case management. Uphold professional conduct that reflects Reliant Rehabilitation's commitment to excellence and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

            Support patients in improving functional abilities and independence under the direction of a licensed OT

            Contribute to the development and success of the occupational therapy assistant program

            Strengthen clinical, professional, and leadership skills through collaboration, self-study, and continuing education

            Maintain a valid state license and stay informed on developments in occupational therapy and healthcare

            Understand and apply appropriate billing practices and treatment delivery models to ensure care meets clinical and regulatory standards

            Deliver care that aligns with treatment goals and produces meaningful outcomes

            Follow infection control and environmental safety protocols within the facility

            Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English for effective communication and documentation

Qualifications

          Graduated from a ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program 

           Valid Occupational Therapy Assistant state license

Please note rate range is an estimate and may vary based on skill set and location(s).

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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