COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) - Acute Care

About the role

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our Inpatient Acute Care Rehabilitation Team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This hospital-based role offers an exceptional opportunity for Occupational Therapy Assistants seeking extensive clinical exposure and hands-on experience within a nationally recognized academic medical center. OTAs in this role provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to adult patients with a wide range of medical and surgical diagnoses, supporting functional recovery, independence with activities of daily living, and safe discharge planning. New team members participate in a comprehensive, structured orientation program lasting approximately 12 weeks. This extensive onboarding experience is designed to support confidence, skill development, and gradual independence while allowing exposure to multiple service lines across Vanderbilt University Hospital. OTAs work alongside experienced Occupational Therapists Occupational Therapy Assistants in this role provide care across all inpatient units, including high-acuity and specialty populations. Patient care areas include the Neuro ICU, Medical ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, Burn ICU, Surgical ICU, Trauma ICU, Women's Health and Obstetrics units, and the Emergency Department. This position is ideal for an Occupational Therapy Assistant with acute care or inpatient experience who is motivated to deepen clinical skills, broaden hospital-based experience, and contribute meaningfully to patient recovery during critical phases of care. How You'll Make a Difference As an Occupational Therapy Assistant on the inpatient acute care team at Vanderbilt Health, you will work under the supervision of licensed Occupational Therapists and alongside an interdisciplinary healthcare team to: - Deliver occupational therapy interventions in an inpatient acute care setting hospital setting - Support patients with activities of daily living, mobility, and functional performance - Promote safe transitions to home, community, or post-acute care settings - Contribute to high-quality, patient-centered outcomes

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized occupational therapy treatment plans
• Provide therapeutic interventions to support functional independence
• Educate patients and families on safety, recovery, and carryover strategies
• Document patient progress, outcomes, and recommendations in the medical record
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and rehabilitation team members

Requirements

• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with active Tennessee licensure
• Acute care or inpatient experience required
• Strong communication, time management, and documentation skills
• Commitment to patient education, safety, and quality care
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary hospital environment
• Clinical and Technical Skills
• Patient and family education tailored to individual learning needs
• Delivery and modification of evidence-based occupational therapy interventions
• Accurate and timely clinical documentation with interdisciplinary collaboration
• Why Vanderbilt Health
• Practice at a nationally recognized academic medical center
• Day One benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement programs
• Supportive and collaborative inpatient rehabilitation team culture
• Access to professional development and continuing education
• Meaningful work at critical stages of patient recover

Benefits

Additional Information

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center : Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: Acute Rehab PT/OT 3 Job Summary: Provides services to patients who have impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives. . COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) - Acute Care Vanderbilt Health: Nashville, TN Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, with the equivalent of one weekend day per month

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