Hmmmmmm......interesting question. I would have to say two things: 1) different regions have different needs based on schools and market so some states have more of one than the other, 2)for the most part, we hear alot more PTA needs than COTA.
It's a tough question and keep in mind, I haven't done any statistical analyses or job trends, this is just based on what we have seen. You can also find out more about each occupation at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm. Look up each and it'll show you geographic profiles, salary trends, etc.
Thanks for your response sunsnook. I was asking because I am currently taking prequisites for either a COTA program or a PTA program and having a hard time deciding which one would be best. I'd rather choose the one that is in more demand since I love them both equally.
I was in that same situation when I was going through school but moved towards the PT side after I learned more about each profession. It really depends on which type of settings you would want to work in as well as region of the country. I can tell you as a traveling assistant a lot of jobs are in SNF's regardless of where you go. I have had good recruiters that have been able to keep in hospitals and peds for the most part.
Good luck with your decision and schooling!
I have met more PTA than COTA travelers. Typically, in hospital and outpatient settings PT and PTA jobs to OTR and COTA are easily 4:1, but I dont know if that is supply or demand. In rehab, especially SNF, COTA's rule! But again is that supply or demand? Regional differences I have noted that the further west I travel, the more COTA's I meet in hospital settings. And of course, there are pediatric settings, most COTA's I know work with kids. Pre school and school settings. Not to muddy the waters, but have you considered doing both? Try one out and then the other. I know what you are thinking, but , yes, you can go back to school again and again, unless you are already 60 years old, you have a lot of years to decide what you want to be when you grow up and often, it is not just one thing!
BTW, You really dont want to travel right out of school , or rather, experienced therapists dont want you traveling right out of school. Have you talked to the therapy school about their ability to place new grads? Have you looked at local and regional want ads?
Good luck and dont worry, there are lots of jobs for those who want one.
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