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Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Concept Rehab

Occupational Therapist-PRN

Springfield, IL · On-site

$40 - $52.50/hr

... Therapy Assistant programs for area universities and colleges. * Comply with the Occupational Therapy Licensure and Certification Standards. * Consistently portray the mission, vision, core values ...

vTech Solution

Occupational Therapist

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$39.25 - $51.75/hr

Lincoln, Illinois, United States Responsibilities: - Provide occupational therapy services to ... Required Skills & Certifications: - Minimum 1 year of experience as an Occupational Therapist ...

OrthoVirginia

Hand Therapist - PRN

Springfield, IL · On-site

$38.59 - $57.89/hr

Make customized splints for patient as ordered Coordinates patient care with Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants, and/or therapy technicians. * Schedules ...

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All JobsCertified Occupational Therapy JobsEntry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant JobsEntry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$17

$32

$46

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level certified occupational therapy assistant in Springfield, IL is $32.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level certified occupational therapy assistant do?

An Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Their responsibilities often include assisting with treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and teaching patients exercises and activities that support their rehabilitation. Entry-level COTAs typically work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or outpatient clinics, and play a vital role in helping clients achieve greater independence. They also collaborate closely with therapists, patients, and families to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of therapeutic techniques, anatomy, and patient care, typically supported by an associate degree from an accredited OTA program and national certification (COTA). Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and rehabilitation equipment is also important. Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help you build rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with occupational therapists and healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for supporting patient recovery and delivering safe, effective therapy interventions.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level certified occupational therapy assistants when transitioning from school to a clinical setting?

As an entry level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), one of the main challenges is adapting to the fast-paced environment and managing a larger caseload than what you may have experienced during your training. New COTAs often need to quickly learn documentation systems, become familiar with facility protocols, and collaborate effectively with occupational therapists and other healthcare team members. Building rapport with diverse patients and balancing hands-on care with administrative duties can also require strong time management and communication skills. Support and mentorship from experienced staff can help ease this transition and promote professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Certified Occupational Therapy AssistantCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsGraduated from an accredited OTA program, passed NBCOT examSame as entry level, typically requires certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilitiesSame as entry level, varies by setting
ExperienceEntry level, minimal professional experienceUsually indicates some experience, but can be entry level

The main difference is that 'Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant' refers to a recent graduate who has just obtained certification, while 'Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant' can include both entry-level and more experienced professionals. Both roles work under supervision to assist patients with therapy plans in various healthcare settings.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,930 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Certified OT Assistant - Inpatient/Acute Care - PRN

Hospital Sisters Health System

Springfield, IL • On-site

$24.31 - $36.47/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Hospital Sisters Health System rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Pay Range:
$24.31 - $36.47
A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
HSHS St. John's is seeking a Certified OT Assistant to join their rehab team in a PRN capacity. Ideal candidates will be prepared to evaluate all assigned patients and develop, implement, and execute on treatment plan as outlined by plan of care. Responsible for delegation and direction of all discipline-specific therapy services. Serve as an educator for patients, families, students, co-workers and self-professional advancement. Perform other professional duties associated with the care of patient, development of therapy program services, and engagement and development of interdisciplinary teams.
osition Specifics:
oDepartment: Occupational Therapy
oCore Function: Rehab/Therapy/Sleep
oSchedule: PRN, Day shift, 7:30am-3:30pm or 8am-4:30pm
oFacility: St. John's Hospital
oLocation: Springfield, IL
oCompensation aligned with your experience
For more questions regarding this position, please contact Lauren Aman at lauren.aman@hshs.or
Education Qualifications
  • Graduate (e.g., Associate) from an accredited program which meets the licensure requirements in the state of practice is required.
Experience Qualifications
  • N/A
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
  • Current state licensure, in state of practice, as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant is required.
  • Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) or completion in the first 90 days of employment is required.
  • ILLINOIS: Following occupational therapy philosophies and standards of care set by Illinois Occupational Therapy Act and other applicable governing agencies, licensure is required within 6 months for individuals meeting all other applicable requirements.
Job Description
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0
Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a health care system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
  • Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
  • Retirement benefits including HSHS
    contributions.
  • Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
  • Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
  • Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!

Benefits
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org

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About Hospital Sisters Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a trusted leader in the health care industry, situated in Springfield, IL, US. The company kick-started its noble cause when an American province of The Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis laid its foundation in 1875. HSHS is a non-profit, mission-driven health systems organization, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered medical care. The company operates 15 hospitals, numerous community-based health clinics and centers, and several home health agencies, serving neighborhoods across Illinois and Wisconsin.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

1978

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