Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA): Professional Organizations

The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) was established in 1917 to represent the interest and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy.  There are approximately 60,000 members in the AOTA, including occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students. 

Misson:  The American Occupational Therapy Association advances the quality, availability, use, and support of occupational therapy through standard-setting, advocacy, education, and research on behalf of its members and the public.

AOTA offers a student membership which is open to students enrolled in OT or OTA educational programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education(AOTE).  Membership with AOTA includes a subscription to American journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), online subscription to OT Practice magazine, scholarship opportunities for qualified students and free access to OTJobLink.

North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (NCOTA) was founded in 1957 and later incorporated as a not-for-profit membership in 1976.  In 1984, NCOTA led the drive for licensure in North Carolina.  NCOTA is affiliated with the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

Misson: To promote the continued and competent practice of occupational therapy; to impact health care, legislative, and reimbursement communities as advocates for the consumer and the profession; and to be responsive to the needs of the membership by promoting professional education, communication, and monitoring trends in health care and in the community that affect the practice of occupational therapy.

NCOTA offers membership to OTA students.  Membership offers the opportunity to support colleagues, the profession and growth and protection of the practice of occupational therapy.  Membership includes a substanital discount at NCOTA sponsored educational events, access to member only news and discussions, access to website with news, employment opportunities and continuing education activities, and may apply for student scholarships.

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is open to all Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Program students.  SOTA is affiliated with AOTA, however, AOTA membership is separate and is recommended for SOTA members.  SOTA's purpose is to promote the profession of occupational therapy and provide services to the community though student activities. 

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy(NBCOT) provides information and assistance in becoming certified in Occupational Therapy.  There is a section to assist students navigate, prepare, apply, and take the exam for certification.  The information is found under the Students drop down menu of NBCOT.

Applying for a license in North Carolina to work as an OT or OTA is a Separate Process from applying to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam.

The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT) has a section informing OT students what they need to know to work in North Carolina, including licensing information.  This section includes helpful information regarding the application details and tips to prevent delays and is located here.  NCBOT also has a comprehensive FAQ section.