COTA Jobs in Tennessee
COTA jobs in Tennessee are concentrated in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where large rehabilitation networks and health systems drive steady demand for occupational therapy assistants working in skilled nursing, pediatrics, and school-based settings. Employers with a lasting Tennessee presence include Encompass Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and LifeCare Health Partners, which collectively operate clinics and facilities statewide. Demand is particularly strong in geriatric rehab and early intervention programs, with openings at both entry and experienced levels across urban and rural counties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant is responsible for carrying out best practice treatments under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist. The Occupational Therapist Assistant will provide treatment by adhering to specific goals developed by the OT. As well, the COTA must provide feedback to the supervision occupational therapist via documentation or in any other method required by facility policy.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must have a valid professional license and registration for state of practice.
- Provide comprehensive treatment to patients under supervision of Occupational Therapist
- Experience with long-term care and/or geriatric care is preferred but not limited to.
- Well versed with documentation writing
- Document patient’s progress on weekly progress note in a timely fashion.
- Collaborates with all disciplines to provide best patient centered treatment and care.
- Exceptional patient service skills and ability to demonstrate clinical excellence
- Report to work on time, adhere to scheduled hours and demonstrate professionalism at all times.
- Perform all other duties assigned by Director of Rehabilitation
Shifts:
- All positions available.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- KinderCare Discount
- Plum Benefits (Discounted tickets to destinations and attractions)
An Equal Opportunity Employer
INDTHE
See All 59 COTA Jobs in Tennessee
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Find COTA JobsCOTA Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
COTA Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- National HealthCare Corporation14

- Signature HealthCARE10

- Broad River Rehab6

- Powerback Rehabilitation4

- Champion Care2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in COTA jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee occupational therapy assistant license issued by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy
- Associate degree in occupational therapy assisting from a ACOTE-accredited program
- Current NBCOT COTA certification in good standing
- Minimum one year of clinical experience in skilled nursing or rehabilitation settings
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an approved provider
- Ability to document treatment notes in an electronic medical records system
COTA Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cota in Tennessee?
To work as a cota in Tennessee, you must hold an active license issued by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. That requires completing an accredited associate degree program in occupational therapy assisting, passing the NBCOT COTA certification exam, and submitting a licensure application to the Board. Tennessee does not automatically recognize out-of-state licenses, so applicants licensed elsewhere must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Board.
Which companies hire cotas in Tennessee?
Companies currently hiring cotas in Tennessee include National HealthCare Corporation, Signature HealthCARE, and Broad River Rehab, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's concentration of long-term care facilities, hospital-affiliated outpatient clinics, and school systems means hiring is spread statewide, not limited to the largest metros.
Which Tennessee cities have the most cota jobs?
Memphis, Nashville, and Columbia account for the most cota openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense cluster of hospital systems, rehabilitation networks, and outpatient clinics, while Memphis and Knoxville follow due to major academic medical centers and a high concentration of skilled nursing and long-term care facilities serving older adult populations in those regions.
How can I get hired as a cota in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to skilled nursing facilities and school systems, which in Tennessee consistently hire new graduates and offer structured onboarding. Large employers like Encompass Health and LifeCare Health Partners run new-graduate cohort programs that pair entry-level cotas with supervising occupational therapists. Candidates who completed fieldwork rotations at Tennessee facilities have a clear advantage, and holding an active Tennessee cota license before applying removes one of the biggest early barriers.
Where can I find and apply to cota jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to cota jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers hiring now. Find roles that fit your experience and target setting, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 59 COTA Jobs in Tennessee
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