Understanding Professional Alphabet Soup: COTAs, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists Explained

Bowl of soup full of professional acronyms, with Red Better Learning Friend holding a spoon. Text": “Professional Alphabet Soup” “Because what does it even mean?”

As a parent, navigating your child's healthcare can feel overwhelming. When it comes to finding the right therapist for your child, you're confronted with a plethora of letters and titles to decipher. COTAs, SLPs, and OTs, oh my! Don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll be breaking down the credentials of the most commonly used occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and certified occupational therapy assistants, so you can confidently make the best decision for your child's healthcare.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)

First up, let's talk about Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), they’re sometimes also called speech therapists. SLPs evaluate and treat children and adults with communication and feeding difficulties due to a variety of developmental, neurological, or genetic disorders. These therapists provide a wide range of services, including articulation, language development, swallowing disorders, and fluency therapy.

Certificate of clinical COMPETENCE in Speech-language PATHOLOGY (CCC-SLP)

You might see your therapist’s name with MS or MA for master of science or master of arts degree followed by the CCC-SLP. The SLP credential is earned after completing graduate-level courses in communication disorders, a clinical fellowship year, and passing the national examination in Speech-Language Pathology. In addition to a master's or a doctoral degree, SLPs must obtain a state license to practice.

Occupational Therapists (OT)

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals across the lifespan with various disorders and disabilities to improve their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). OTs equip their patients with practical skills like dressing and grooming themselves, completing activities like preparing meals, and maneuvering their homes and communities. They also evaluate and treat sensory processing difficulties, fine motor delays, and assist in promoting social and emotional development.

Occupational Therapist - Registered & Licensed (OTR/L)

To become a registered occupational therapist, individuals must complete an accredited master's or doctoral degree program, 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience, and pass a national exam for certification. To practice occupational therapy in any state, they must also be licensed as occupational therapists by their state’s regulatory board.

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTA)

Lastly, let's talk about certified occupational therapist assistants (COTAs). COTAs work under occupational therapists, to provide support, documentation, and daily therapy. They help individuals achieve their goals by implementing strategies and recommending equipment and devices that enhance daily living. COTAs are usually more hands-on when delivering therapy sessions, collaborating with patients to build their confidence, and addressing any concerns with their occupational therapists.

To earn the COTA credential, individuals should complete an accredited associate degree, pass the national examination, and be licensed by their state's regulatory board.

We hope that this blog has helped you decipher the credential codes of therapy professionals commonly used in healthcare. Occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and certified occupational therapy assistants provide an essential and life-changing role in a child's life. Whether your child needs help communicating better, improving fine motor skills, independent living skills, or any other rehabilitation concerns, seeking professional therapy services will make a difference in your child's life. Speak to your healthcare provider, insurance provider, or referrals from other parents to locate a credible therapist around you. Remember, qualifications are crucial, but genuine passion, commitment, and heart drives the best professionals.

Want more letters for your soup?

A few of the SLPs and OTs at Better Learning Therapies (BLT) specialize in Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) and we have many of the first Meaningful Speech Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) trained SLPs in the state of Utah. Click the links to learn more about these services and the clients they benefit!