Hey everyone. So I want to try working in England as a COTA and I am wondering if my license and NBCOT certification will carry over. If not, what is the process of being able to work as an OTA in England?
Another comment shared from Jenny: "The COTA and NBCOT certification won’t carry over, but you can work as an OTA without that. All you need is a work visa to apply for OTA positions."
I'm not sure if a COTA is exactly the same as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) in the UK. Essentially here, OTAs assist the OTs with carrying out their interventions, often being more 'hands-on' with patients/clients. They work in a variety of settings and specialisms.I/the Hub couldn't advise specifically on work visa applications. I would suggest you visit the UK government website for info on this: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
"Hi. COTAs as such aren't a thing here in the UK. There are OT Assistants who have no formal college education but usually have worked in care or have had on the job training. The posts are there but in limited supply. Contact your local hospital and try to make contacts within the area you will be moving to. You could look at training to be an OT? I'm not sure if they will recognise your qualifications but they may. The ways into that are via a 3 Yr undergrad at university, a masters for 2 yrs, or more recently an apprenticeship whilst you work. The latter can be hard to access as there are limited posts available and existing assistants are given priority in my locality. Contact the Royal College of OT for more info.
Whereabouts will you be living? Also to note OT here isn't completely the same as in the USA. There is a lot of discharging of pts home, preventing admission to hospital, community services, psychiatry and learning disabilities plus other specialities but the focus can be different from my experience of working in both countries. Hope that helps." - Caroline, 'Occupational Therapy Community' Facebook group."Your COTA role would mean you could apply for Band 4 Assistant or lower in the NHS" - Emily, 'Occupational Therapy Community' Facebook group.
Hi Tessa, im doing the opposite journey, Ive worked in london the past 5 years and now attempting to move to CA and get my OTR/L. Let me know if you’d like to connect And I can help with the HCPC process.
I'm not sure, usually i'd provide my email and go from there however id rather that not be public. maybe @Jamie Grant can recommend a way to put us in touch?
Hi @Tessa and @Tessa! You are able to message each other from the Hub - by clicking the 'chat' logo (bottom right of screen on desktop; top right of screen on the Hub app). Otherwise, email hubteam@theOThub.com and we can be the 'middle man'.
Another comment shared from Jenny: "The COTA and NBCOT certification won’t carry over, but you can work as an OTA without that. All you need is a work visa to apply for OTA positions."
Hi @Tessa. I'm passing on a few comments shared on the Hub's social networks, in response to your query:
"This might be a helpful starting point: Occupational therapy support worker: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/occupational-therapy-support-worker." - Rosie, The Occupational Therapy Hub Facebook page.
"Hi. COTAs as such aren't a thing here in the UK. There are OT Assistants who have no formal college education but usually have worked in care or have had on the job training. The posts are there but in limited supply. Contact your local hospital and try to make contacts within the area you will be moving to. You could look at training to be an OT? I'm not sure if they will recognise your qualifications but they may. The ways into that are via a 3 Yr undergrad at university, a masters for 2 yrs, or more recently an apprenticeship whilst you work. The latter can be hard to access as there are limited posts available and existing assistants are given priority in my locality. Contact the Royal College of OT for more info.
Whereabouts will you be living? Also to note OT here isn't completely the same as in the USA. There is a lot of discharging of pts home, preventing admission to hospital, community services, psychiatry and learning disabilities plus other specialities but the focus can be different from my experience of working in both countries. Hope that helps." - Caroline, 'Occupational Therapy Community' Facebook group. "Your COTA role would mean you could apply for Band 4 Assistant or lower in the NHS" - Emily, 'Occupational Therapy Community' Facebook group.
Hi Tessa, im doing the opposite journey, Ive worked in london the past 5 years and now attempting to move to CA and get my OTR/L. Let me know if you’d like to connect And I can help with the HCPC process.
Hi Tessa. Good question. We'll bring this to the attention of fellow Members (inc OTs/OTAs in the UK) to prompt speedier responses.