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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Panama City, FL, 32401
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Panama City
Schedule: PRN / 1-2 shifts available per weekCompensation: $35.00/hr.
Now offering a $1,500 Sign-on Bonus!
Select Specialty 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
Working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) on a per diem basis in Panama City allows flexibility, typically offering 1–2 shifts weekly. This setup suits those seeking balance between personal time and professional duties, while still gaining experience in complex patient care settings.
Yes, Florida mandates state licensure for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Applicants must meet the state’s criteria, including passing the NBCOT exam and maintaining certified BLS. These credentials ensure compliance with Florida’s healthcare regulations and patient safety standards.
COTAs working with critically ill post-ICU patients should hone skills in adaptive techniques for complex diagnoses, patient endurance monitoring, and collaborative treatment adjustments. Mastery in documentation and communication with occupational therapists enhances patient outcomes significantly in this niche.
Select Medical encourages growth by offering extensive orientation and opportunities to transition from per diem to full-time roles. Dedicated COTAs demonstrating commitment and skill can access advancement pathways within a supportive healthcare network.
Per diem COTAs in Panama City earn around $35 per hour, which is competitive within Florida’s coastal markets. Compared to metropolitan areas like Miami, Panama City offers slightly lower living costs, balancing wage scales favorably for local healthcare professionals.
Select Medical’s COTA roles emphasize care for critically ill patients post-ICU, with robust orientation and educational support. Their focus on extended recovery and interdisciplinary collaboration sets these positions apart in Panama City’s healthcare landscape.
Per diem COTAs at Select Medical may encounter fluctuating schedules and diverse patient acuity levels requiring quick adaptability. Navigating complex cases under occupational therapist supervision demands strong clinical judgment and effective communication.
Panama City’s demand for occupational therapy assistants remains steady, with increasing needs in specialty hospitals. Competition is moderate, favoring candidates with current licensure, BLS certification, and experience in post-acute care environments.