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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$17

$33

$47

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified occupational therapy assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $33.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.93 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,843 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

National Staffing Solutions-Therapy

Plainfield, NJ • On-site

$29.25 - $39/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

National Staffing Solutions-Therapy is seeking a travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for a travel job in Plainfield, New Jersey.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

SNF Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - COTA / OTA

We’re currently seeking a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to join our amazing team.

Details of the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant opening:

  • Anticipated start date: ASAP
  • Anticipated duration of contract: 13 weeks
  • Anticipated schedule: Monday - Friday
  • Enjoy peace of mind knowing you can elect Day One Medical Benefits

Daily Range of Responsibilities of the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant: 

  • Assist the Occupational Therapist in evaluating the patient's functional status and occupational therapy needs, to enhance the health, well-being and quality of life for your patients

Job Qualifications for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant:

  • Associate’s degree from an accredited Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Program.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification / Licensure in the state of practice.
  • Current BLS certification.

Submit your resume to us today for consideration of the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant opening and one of our dedicated recruiters will be in touch within 24 business hours.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

National Staffing Solutions-Therapy Job ID #073126DV267. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined.

About National Staffing Solutions-Therapy

National Staffing Solutions is a leader in the travel healthcare industry for over a decade. National Staffing Solutions places healthcare professionals in positions that allow them to gain valuable experiences, fill the skyrocketing demand in their field, and travel nationwide at premium pay.

We use our insight, experience and nationwide resources to make exceptional connections every day! Through our many years of service, we are now positioned perfectly to pass your name and resume to our healthcare partners that are looking for YOUR help.

Facilities across the nation choose National Staffing Solutions as their workforce partner to solve nursing shortages that range from quick-fill demands to areas in urgent need of medical attention. Hundreds of healthcare organizations throughout North America rely on us each year to connect them with quality professionals, like yourself, who are ready to work.