Not Just COTA’s
Heather Swartz DOR, COTA/L
I am an Occupational Therapy Practitioner.
Remember those words. You are, too.- We are not “just COTAs.” I have heard that statement uttered more than I wish to have heard it. It’s up to us to make it known, and I have done just that.
I am a proud graduate of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. When I graduated as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and became licensed, I knew I was stepping into a fast-paced profession. I never expected, nor did I plan, to advance from new graduate to Director of Rehabilitation in just a three short years.
My passion lies in serving the geriatric community within skilled nursing centers–helping people increase and hold on to their independence and quality of life. It isn’t just my job, it’s what truly satisfies me and fuels my dedication every day. I know this passion of mine has led me to where I am today. I did not set out, or make it known that I wished, to move into a position of management.
I just showed up every day, and I led with collaboration, empathy, and a patient-centered approach because I was simply striving to be a part of the patient's success story.
My journey was fueled not only by a deep passion for patient care, of course, but also my eagerness to learn beyond the basics. The drive for deeper understanding is probably what fueled it even more. Early on, I embraced every opportunity to grow whether it was taking on challenging cases or learning from experienced therapists. I watched occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapy practitioners, and speech language pathologists closely. I wanted to understand everything.
Truth be told, I wanted to be seen as better than “just a COTA”. I am an Occupational Therapy Practitioner, and I’m going to make that known; it has been my honest mentality. Once I understood things better, I began volunteering for projects outside my job description. I came to understand that leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about consistently showing up with initiative, empathy, collaboration, and a solutions-focused mindset.
Apparently, many weren’t used to seeing this from new graduates because I was treated as if what they were seeing from me was truly special. I would get comments that were along the lines of “No way you just graduated, that’s pretty hard to believe” or “You seem like you have been doing this for years.” I would laugh and wonder why I was standing out so much, to be honest. I was just being myself. Transitioning into leadership came naturally because I had built a foundation of trust with my colleagues.
I learned that the best leaders listen first, value the expertise of their team, and create an environment where both patients and staff feel supported.
As Director of Rehabilitation, I’ve been able to combine my clinical skills with strategic thinking, balancing the needs of my patients with the goals of my department, and it’s working out great. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, I collaborate with nursing on new admits; share clinical input on best practice when someone has a new diagnosis, wound, fall etc.; discuss discharge planning; and communicate with insurance companies. I do it all for the best interest of the patient, but I am also showing that “just a COTA” can do oh, so much! It needs to be known, and I am so lucky to be showing this advocacy for our profession in real time every day.
Looking back, the past three years have been a whirlwind of learning curves and milestones.
My advice to other new therapists is simple: stay curious, stay humble, and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Your career path may take you further and faster than you ever imagined. I have an occupational therapy assistant license to practice occupational therapy. But that does not mean any of us have to stop there.
I am an Occupational Therapy Practitioner. I am proud to serve in a profession that changes lives every day and grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and patients who have shaped my journey. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter will lead.
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