AOTA Certification
Exciting Changes Are Coming!
AOTA members have been giving us feedback about AOTA’s certification process. We not only heard them, we listened!
With the guidance and help of our volunteer leaders, we have evaluated the certification process. By the end of 2012, we will be unveiling a more streamlined and easy-to-understand application program that takes out the guesswork and still maintains the rigor of a peer-reviewed portfolio process for certification.
While the details of the more streamlined changes will be available later in 2012, we plan to have them go into effect for the 2013 application deadlines in June and December. Individuals who have already begun the certification process using the current system may still apply in June or December of 2012.
Best Things Stay the Same!
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are continually challenged to communicate the effectiveness of their interventions and to demonstrate continuous professional growth. Through its voluntary Board Certification and Specialty Certification programs, AOTA provides formal recognition for practitioners who have engaged in a process of ongoing, focused, and targeted professional development.
AOTA certification is a validation by your professional organization of your dedication to continuing competence and quality service delivery.
You may leverage your certification for things like career advancement, marketing advantage, and increased recognition by peers and other professionals. You’re in control!
Certification Areas
Criteria that define either advanced (Board) or specialized (Specialty) occupational therapy practice are at the core of each of the Board and Specialty Certification programs. These criteria represent knowledge, critical and ethical reasoning, and interpersonal and performance skills that are specifically geared to occupational therapy.
The 9 certification areas are as follows:
Board Certification
(OT) |
Specialty Certification
(OT and OTA) |
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Pediatrics
- Physical Rehabilitation
|
- Driving and Community Mobility
- Environmental Modification
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
- Low Vision
- School Systems – New in 2013!
|
2012 Applications
The 2012 application deadlines are
June 13 and December 12, 2012
For individuals who have already downloaded the original application and would like to apply in 2012, you may still do so by going to the following link:
How Can I learn More?
Information about the specific requirements for the revised certification will be available later in 2012, and we will have information in the AOTA 1-Minute Update and News section of OT Practice magazine. Practitioners who would like information e-mailed to them when it’s available may provide their contact information here.
