Aspiring Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Orlando have three strong program options:
- Keiser University
- AdventHealth University
- Polk State College
Each program offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and prepares students for the national certification exam.
However, they differ in curriculum focus, program length, cost, and unique features.
Keiser vs AdventHealth vs Polk State
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Polk State College | Keiser University | AdventHealth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 74 credit hours | 83 credit hours | 76 credit hours |
| Curriculum Focus | Mental, developmental, and physical disabilities; civic literacy | Client-centered care across lifespan, hands-on fieldwork integrated | Compassionate care, core areas in geriatrics, pediatrics, disabilities, and psychosocial care |
| Fieldwork/Clinical Experience | Diverse clinical settings in hospitals and rehab centers | Extensive fieldwork with diverse age groups and conditions | Two 8-week clinical internships in the final semester |
| Admission Requirements | Minimum 2.5 GPA; civic literacy course | 3.0 GPA; score of 18+ on University Entrance Exam | “C” grade or higher in health science prerequisites |
| Accreditation | Full ACOTE accreditation | Full ACOTE (some campuses probationary, Orlando inactive) | Full ACOTE accreditation |
| Graduation Rate | 62.5% | 73% (varies by campus) | 89% |
| Unique Strengths | Affordable, community-focused | Fieldwork emphasis, multiple campus locations | Compassionate care focus, high graduation rate |
Program Duration
Polk State College offers a 74-credit hour program.
Keiser University requires 83 credit hours. This program is comprehensive and offers a variety of campus locations across Florida.
AdventHealth University has a 76-credit program. The curriculum is intensive, covering core areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, adults with disabilities, and psychosocial care.
Curriculum Focus
Each program offers a unique focus within occupational therapy:
Polk State College emphasizes a balanced approach to mental, developmental, and physical disabilities. The curriculum incorporates civic literacy as a graduation requirement.
Keiser University focuses on client-centered care across the lifespan, training students to work in a range of settings with a strong emphasis on hands-on, fieldwork-integrated learning.
AdventHealth University centers on compassionate care and practical applications in diverse areas like rehabilitation, geriatrics, and pediatric care, fostering critical thinking and empathy in patient interactions.
Clinical and Fieldwork Experience
Hands-on training is crucial for OTA programs, and each school integrates it differently:
Polk State College includes fieldwork at clinical sites in various settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, with requirements for physical and immunization records.
Keiser University provides extensive fieldwork and practicum experiences across different age groups and conditions. The program’s structure emphasizes building competencies through real-world exposure.
AdventHealth University incorporates two eight-week clinical internships in the final semester, allowing students to apply classroom learning in clinical settings.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary:
- Polk State College has a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5 and requires civic literacy.
- Keiser University requires a higher GPA of 3.0 and a minimum score of 18 on the University Entrance Exam.
- AdventHealth University expects a “C” or higher in prerequisites like anatomy and psychology, emphasizing foundational knowledge in related health sciences.
Accreditation and Certification
All three programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), ensuring eligibility for the NBCOT certification exam.
Graduation Rates and Outcomes
Polk State College has a graduation rate of 62.5%, providing a strong local option for Orlando students.
Keiser University reports a 73% graduation rate for its Tampa campus, with variability across other Florida locations.
AdventHealth University boasts a high graduation rate of 89%, reflecting a rigorous and supportive academic environment.
Summary
These three programs provide viable paths to becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, each with distinctive advantages.
Polk State College is affordable for students seeking a balanced education with a community focus.
Keiser University offers flexibility and an intensive fieldwork focus but is costlier.
AdventHealth University stands out for its high graduation rate and empathetic, patient-centered approach, preparing students for a career in compassionate care. Prospective students should consider their budget, academic background, and career aspirations when selecting the best fit for their OTA education.