The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.Current AOTA membership is approximately 60,000, including occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students. Members reside in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and internationally.

AOTA represents 213,000 occupational therapy practitioners and students in the United States.

AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward assuring the quality of occupational therapy services; improving consumer access to health care services, and promoting the professional development of members.

AOTA educates the public and advances the profession by providing resources, setting standards, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. AOTA is based in Bethesda, MD.

Mission Statement
The American Occupational Therapy Association advances the quality, availability, use, and support of occupational therapy through standard-setting, advocacy, education, and research on behalf of its members and the public.

Centennial Vision

We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society's occupational needs.

ILOTA is a State Affiliate of AOTA

  
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
NBCOT provides a world-class standard for certification of occupational therapy practitioners. We develop, administer, and continually review our certification process based on current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence of the practice for occupational therapy. Above all else, NBCOT’s mission is to serve the public interest.


NBCOT certified OTR and COTA professionals are known as certificants.  If a certificant fails to renew their national certification, or if they have faced disciplinary action, they are not permitted to carry the NBCOT registered credential trademarks.

Mission

Serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice through evidence-based certification standards and the validation of knowledge essential for effective practice in occupational therapy.

Vision

Certified occupational therapy professionals providing effective evidence-based services across all areas of practice worldwide.