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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Meridian, MS, 39301
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Regency Hospital Meridian
Schedule: Per Diem/ PRN *No weekends requirement*
Regency Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery. We help patients during some of the most vulnerable, painful moments of their lives – and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) play a central role in providing compassionate, excellent care every step of the way.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication which could lead to potential full-time opportunities
- Foster Well-being: We offer benefits which support the financial, work/life and emotional well-being of you and your family members. Part time/Per Diem positions are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to part time employees.
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
- Reporting directly to the Occupational Therapist, you will be treating patients with complex needs and challenging diagnoses.
- Conducting individual patient therapy regimens under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT).
- Monitoring patient's response to treatment and modifying treatment during sessions as indicated in collaboration with an OT.
- Completing appropriate documentation according to department policies and procedures.
- Participating in departmental, hospital, and community continuing education seminars and in-services.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Current state licensure or eligibility for state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant required.
- Certified BLS or completion in first 90 days of employment required or as required by state regulations.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Meridian's healthcare sector shows steady demand for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, especially in specialized facilities like Regency Hospital. While competition exists, per diem roles often provide flexible entry points, making it easier for qualified COTAs to secure shifts without long-term commitments.
Besides the national COTA certification, employers in Meridian commonly require current state licensure and BLS certification. Staying updated with Mississippi’s occupational therapy regulations and completing continuing education enhances your employability in this region’s healthcare facilities.
Success in per diem COTA positions demands adaptability, strong communication with supervising OTs, and proficiency in managing diverse patient cases. Time management and rapid acclimation to varying clinical environments are essential, given the intermittent nature of per diem work.
Handling patients with complex, chronic conditions requires quick clinical assessments and treatment adjustments. Per diem COTAs often juggle unfamiliar settings and patient profiles, demanding flexibility and keen observation to ensure therapeutic goals are met efficiently.
Select Medical encourages skill demonstration during per diem assignments, often leading to full-time offers. The organization’s vast network and comprehensive orientation programs help COTAs build expertise and progress within specialized post-ICU rehabilitation environments.
Per diem COTAs at Select Medical work closely under licensed OTs, participating in ongoing education and team meetings. The culture supports professional growth and ensures that even part-time staff receive orientation and resources to maintain high-quality, compassionate patient care.
In Meridian, per diem COTA salaries typically range between $25 to $35 per hour, reflecting local demand and healthcare facility standards. Rates vary with experience and certifications, and Select Medical offers competitive compensation aligned with regional occupational therapy benchmarks.
Meridian’s moderate size means most healthcare facilities are accessible within reasonable driving times. For per diem COTAs, commute convenience factors into shift acceptance, with many preferring facilities close to home to optimize work-life balance and availability.
Per diem schedules provide flexibility, allowing COTAs to select shifts that fit personal commitments. In Meridian’s healthcare environment, this arrangement supports professionals seeking supplemental income or gradual transition into full-time roles without sacrificing well-being.