Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem

In Orlando, FL, employers highly value state licensure for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) along with current BLS certification. Local hospitals often prefer candidates with credentials that comply with Florida’s occupational therapy board, ensuring readiness to handle complex patient care scenarios in critical illness recovery.

Orlando’s healthcare sector shows steady demand for per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, especially in specialty hospitals. While the market offers opportunities, competition can be moderate due to the city's growing medical facilities and a high number of qualified applicants seeking flexible, PRN schedules.

A COTA on a per diem basis must excel in adapting treatment plans on the spot and working under occupational therapist supervision. Unlike full-time roles, per diem COTAs need flexibility and strong clinical judgment to manage diverse patient needs during intermittent shifts in critical illness recovery settings.

COTAs often pursue continuing education through workshops, certification renewals, and specialized training in neurological or geriatric therapy. These educational paths enhance skills and open doors to full-time roles or specialty certifications, crucial for career growth in dynamic healthcare environments like Select Medical.

Select Medical offers extensive orientation and access to continuing education for per diem COTAs, promoting smooth transitions and skill enhancement. Additionally, part-time employees can qualify for 401k benefits after meeting hour thresholds, emphasizing the company’s commitment to work-life balance and professional development.

Select Medical focuses on critical illness recovery, so COTAs there address more complex patient needs than at typical outpatient clinics. The role demands collaboration with occupational therapists on challenging cases and offers flexible per diem schedules with potential pathways to full-time employment.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants working per diem in Orlando typically earn around $35 per hour, aligning with Select Medical’s compensation. This rate reflects specialized skills required for post-ICU patient care and the flexibility demanded by PRN positions in the region.

Daily responsibilities include administering individualized therapy under occupational therapist guidance, tracking patient progress, updating documentation meticulously, and adjusting treatment approaches as needed to support recovery from critical illnesses in an inpatient setting.

Per diem COTAs provide essential flexibility, stepping in during peak patient loads or staff shortages. This adaptability helps maintain consistent care quality in Orlando hospitals, especially in specialty units focused on complex recovery, where patient needs can vary widely day-to-day.

While prior experience with complex or critically ill populations is advantageous, Select Medical’s comprehensive orientation equips COTAs with the necessary skills. New hires benefit from hands-on training tailored to the hospital’s unique post-ICU recovery focus.