Autism Review

This weekend I am attending the AOTA/NBCOT Student Conclave and was excited to see hundreds of students in attendance! I offered some welcoming remarks to the attendees prior to Dr. Clarke's keynote presentation last night.

This morning Paul Grace, the CEO of NBCOT, offered an excellent presentation on 'Steps Toward Your Essential Credential.' Paul gave students many tips on how to prepare for taking the certification examination, including information on making sure that all college or university requirements are met, how to set up an account with NBCOT, review of examination security, and a call to participate in NBCOT examination development after students achieve their certification. He also encouraged all students to participate on the NBCOT Facebook page. Each week sample exam questions are posted and students engage in conversation using evidence-based practice on how to arrive at the best answer.

As I type, there are two separate sessions for OTR and COTA candidates on "Realities and Myths of the OTR/COTA Examinations." These extremely popular sessions go through critical information about the examinations and are giving students helpful tips on what to expect on the exam.

Later today there are many interesting choices from concurrent sessions on topics ranging from clinical practice specialty areas in pediatrics, work and industry, productive aging, mental health, and rehabilitation. Other sessions focus on OT practice in the Army, transitioning from student to practitioner, how to start your own private practice, health care reform, and many others!

If you weren't able to attend the meeting this year I hope you will consider next year's conclave! It is an excellent kick-start to your professional career as an OTR or COTA!