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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Springfield, MO, 65804
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Schedule: PRN
Select Specialty Hospital-Springfield 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: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) 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
- 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.
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Frequently asked questions
In Springfield, Missouri, holding a current state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is mandatory. Additionally, maintaining Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within the first 90 days of employment is often required, aligning with state regulations and healthcare standards.
COTAs managing patients with complicated diagnoses must adapt therapy sessions dynamically, collaborating closely with occupational therapists. This involves tailoring treatment plans in real-time and keenly observing patient responses to optimize recovery, especially in critical care settings like Select Specialty Hospital.
Starting as a per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with Select Medical offers pathways to full-time positions. Demonstrating clinical proficiency and dedication during the orientation and on-the-job experience can open doors to advanced roles within occupational therapy departments.
Select Medical emphasizes a structured orientation program tailored for COTAs to ensure seamless integration. Their focus on critical illness recovery creates a unique environment where per diem therapists engage with complex patient needs, setting it apart from more generalized occupational therapy roles.
Springfield shows a steady demand for COTAs, but the per diem segment experiences moderate competition due to flexible scheduling and specialized care requirements. Candidates with state licensure and BLS certification often have a competitive edge in securing roles in critical care settings.
Per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield typically earn between $25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Specialized hospitals like Select Medical may offer competitive rates reflecting the complexity of patient care and the critical illness rehabilitation environment.
Per diem COTAs at Select Medical play a pivotal role by delivering focused, patient-specific therapy under occupational therapist supervision, directly impacting recovery trajectories. Their flexibility ensures consistent therapy availability, crucial for patients transitioning through critical illness phases.
Select Medical integrates a specialized orientation and ongoing education for COTAs, fostering expertise in post-ICU rehabilitation. This environment supports therapists in managing complex cases with a multidisciplinary team, enhancing professional growth and patient care quality.
Springfield's accessible road network facilitates manageable commutes to Select Specialty Hospital for per diem COTAs. However, travel times can fluctuate during peak hours, so candidates often consider proximity or flexible scheduling to optimize work-life balance.
Many Springfield healthcare providers, including Select Medical, offer continuing education seminars and in-services tailored to occupational therapy assistants. These programs focus on advancing skills in complex patient care, ensuring COTAs stay current with evolving rehabilitative techniques.