https://caot.in1touch.org/uploaded/web/Accreditation/OTAProfile_Update2018.pdf
The Profile of Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) provides the overview of the role of an OTA and frameworks/competencies used to guide their work. CAOT is working towards promoting how OTAs are involved in different areas of practice. Our OTA/PTA network has a specific focus on educating OTs about OTAs, and promoting OTA awareness across the country.
Chapters at CAOT (British Columbia, Quebec, and Northern territories) represent occupational therapists at the provincial/territorial level through local lobbying efforts and government relations. Additional Chapter activities include representation on relevant provincial committees, interacting with local occupational therapy organizations, and working with OT funders. Chapters differ from provincial associations as they represent the strategic priorities of the national association. When appropriate, resources are shared across chapters and networks. Some provincial associations also act as regulatory bodies. CAOT’s chapters have a mandate to advance excellence in occupational therapy practice for their region. This involves engaging in active leadership that promotes the value of the profession in their province/territory.
In Quebec and the Northern Territories, Regional Directors communicate to membership via Facebook. In British Columbia, Monthly OTalk updates are sent to each CAOT-BC member. To stay current in between monthly newsletters, we encourage you to read and subscribe to the CAOT-BC Blog.
- Chapter advisory committee representation
- Practice network involvement
- Advocacy
As a CAOT member, OTs can connect with the following research journals:
- CJOT and OTNow
- Online journals including the American (AJOT), Australian (AOTJ), British (BJOT), Hong Kong (HKJOT), New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy (NZJOT), South African (SAJOT) (limited access), and WFOT Bulletin
- The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy: a peer-reviewed, open-access journal with a mission to publish high quality articles that focus on applied research, practice, and education in the occupational therapy profession.
CAOT does not recommend an average fee for occupational therapy services; the rate would depend on numerous factors such as the location of the occupational therapy practice, competition for services, type of practice, method of service provision, overhead costs and legislation. You may want to consult with the provincial occupational therapy association for information on fees e.g. CAOT-BC fee survey
It is important to be aware of your occupational therapy provincial regulatory association’s requirements with regards to fees and billing practices. CAOT also recommends that an occupational therapist consult with professional advisors such as a lawyer, accountant, bookkeeper and bank manager when starting and managing a small business.