Factors Which Motivate the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Become a Registered Occupational...

Objective. This survey study was conducted to describe the motivational factors which commonly inspire the certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) to seek advanced education to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). Methods. A triangulated literature review was employed to articulate the knowledge base surrounding factors motivating adult learners and to identify a theoretical framework for developing a survey tool. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review, piloted, refined, and administered to 267 COTAs enrolled in four education programs designed to ladder them to OTR credentialing. A descriptive analysis of emerging common themes was conducted. Results. The results confirmed the findings in the literature. The two major factors motivating COTAs to pursue OTR credentials are professional advancement and cognitive interest. Variations, however, were identified relating to other motivating factors among those COTAs surveyed. These factors are in order of educational preparation, communication improvement, social contact, family togetherness, and social stimulation. Conclusions. Cognitive interest and professional advancement were found to be the factors which motivate COTAs to seek OTR credentials. Issues of professional identity and respect from others emerged as related themes, as well as career mobility. As managed care affects market shifts and the demand for OT personnel, further research is necessary to help educational programs tool their programs accordingly.