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NYSOTA


Frequently Asked Questions




1. How much does NYSOTA membership cost? Back to Top
  1. OT $100
  2. OTA $80
  3. Student $40
  4. Sustaining $129
  5. Retired OT $74.50
  6. Retired OTA $72.50
  7. Associate $77
  8. Honorary N/C
  9. Corporate $200

APPLY ONLINE HERE!

2. What types of memberships are available? Back to Top
Memberships are available for individuals involved in the OT profession, preparing to become involved, or are otherwise interested in supporting the mission and goals of NYSOTA.  Severl types of membership status are available:
  • OT- Practicing Occupational Therapists who have graduated from accredited OT programs and are registered to practice in New York State.
  • OTA- Practicing Occupational Therapy Assistants who have graduated from accredited OTA programs and are "certified" to practice in New York State.
  • Student- Persons who are currently enrolled in accredited OT or OTA programs and are not currently credentialed to practice as an OT or OTA.
  • Sustaining - Friends of the profession; non-OT partners who support the mission of NYSOTA and the OT profession. 
  • Corporate- Related venders and other rehabiltiation and education-related businesses who would like to affiliate with NYSOTA. Corporate membership allows for discounts on advertising in the newsletter and on the website, discounts on vendor booths at NYSOTA conferences and much more.  Please contact us at info@nysoa.org for further information.
  • Retired- Retired practitioners may maintain their social and professional ties with NYSOTA through this special discounted  membership.
  • Honorary- This special membership is a prestigious award given by NYSOTA to outstanding practitioners who have made a significant contribution to NYSOTA and the OT profession. 

Go to the  online application and select the membership level that fits you!
3. What’s in it for me? Back to Top

There are numerous benefits to becoming a NYSOTA member. The association is continually seeking additional resources and services for it's members. Here are some of the advantages to membership: 

1.      Discounts on continuing education courses provided by NYSOTA, an AOTA approved provider.


2.      A sense of community among practitioners throughout the state.

3.      The abilty to Network with other occupational therapy practitioners from around the state through NYSOTA sponsored web-based discussion forums, district meetings and events, conferences, newsletters, etc.


4.      A voice in critical legislative issues that effect your practice in NYS.

5.      Being aware of issues that affect your practice, through email bulletins, webnews, newsletters, district meetings, discussion groups, mailings, etc.

6.      Access to experts in numerous areas of practice through special interest liaisons.

7.      The opportunity for leadership opportunities at the district and state levels, including elected positions, volunteer positions within special interst groups and short-term task committies.

8. Ability to receive and submit news in the NYSOTA Newsletter. News about your program, agency, and staff can be shared throughout the state.

9. Job postings are available on the members-only webpage. For more information on how to submit please contact us at info@nysota.org.  

4. When does the membership period begin? Can I join anytime? Back to Top
 Membership goes from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. You can join at any time. Fees are pro-rated.
5. How do I renew my membership? Back to Top
 The association sends out renewal applications to current members as the membership year nears the end. You can also print out a renewal form , or  renew directly online .
6. How can I get more involved? Back to Top
 Contact the district chair at local meetings or at info@nysota.org .
7. Where and when are NYSOTA meetings held? Back to Top

There are 8 districts throughout the state.  Meetings are held at convenient locations within those districts. Once you are a member, you will receive informaiton regarding upcoming meetings, events, and continuing educaiton opportunities. You can also refer yoru district's page on NYSOTA.org or the Events Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

8. How are my membership dues allocated? Back to Top
 24% is given to your local district for meetings, and to fund events in your area.  76% is given to the state to fund meetings, state-wide public relations, community awareness efforts and to lobbyist activities that support occupational therapy practice in New YorkState.
9. When and where is the NYSOTA annual conference held? Back to Top

The annual NYSOTA conference is held during the fall season. Locations rotate throughout the state among the 8 districts. Conferences are typically held at large hotels with conference and convention facilities on site. To keep conferences affordable, members receive a discounted rate. The conference committees also negotiate special hotel rates for NYSOTA members. Because NYSOTA is an AOTA approved continuing education provider, the annual conference is an affordable and fun way to earn professional development units, as well as network with colleagues throughout the state.

10. How can NYSOTA support my professional development? Back to Top

NYSOTA supports your ongoing professional development is several ways:

  • NYSOTA is an AOTA approved provider of continuing education. CEUs from the annual conference, and any other NYSOTA-sponsored education course or meeting can be used to towards your NBCOT Professional Development Units (PDUs).
  • The Continuing Education Tracker is a web-based tool that allows you to easily view your NYSOTA professional development activities. Tracking PDUs is already a requirement for re-certification with NBCOT, and may eventually be a requirement for renewing lisencure with NYS in the future (refer to the legislative news for further information on this topic).
11. What is the role of NYSOTA in NYS legislation? Back to Top

NYSOTA plays a critical role in advocating for how and where we as occupational therapy practitioners practice in NYS.  The NYSOTA legislative chairperson monitors and supports relevant legislation relating to issues affecting OT practice. 

 

NYSOTA also monitors legislation associated with other related professions and issues related to reimbursement, funding, and insurance. Members are advised on how to contact their elected State Assembly Members and State Senators to provide comments on critical issues that may be coming up for a vote.

 

Legislative news is regularly posted on the website to keep members informed of important issues that impact OT practice in New YorkState.  

 

The legislative chair is the voice of all NYSOTA members and welcomes member support through verbal feedback regarding current issues or through financial support of the NYSOTA Political Action Committee (PAC).