For aspiring Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Jacksonville, Florida, two prominent Associate of Science (A.S.) programs are available at Keiser University and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).
Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and prepare students for certification exams and entry-level OTA positions.
However, critical differences in structure, cost, admission requirements, and curriculum make each program unique.
Here’s a comparison of their main features.
Keiser University vs. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Keiser University Jacksonville | Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Credits Required | 83 | 74 |
| Accreditation Status | Full for Jacksonville campus | Full |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Fieldwork Requirement | Extensive, integrated in multiple courses | Level I & II fieldwork |
| Core Coursework | Kinesiology, Pediatric OT, Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders | Functional Anatomy, Mental Health, Physical Rehab |
| Program Focus | Broad OTA preparation, diverse settings | Ethical, culturally competent practice |
Accreditation and Program Structure
Both programs hold ACOTE accreditation, which ensures their graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a crucial step toward licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Keiser University’s Jacksonville campus and other Florida locations are fully accredited, though some Keiser campuses, like Melbourne and Orlando, have probationary status. FSCJ has a straightforward accreditation status with its next review scheduled for 2027-2028.
FSCJ’s OTA program requires 74 credits, while Keiser University’s program entails a more extensive 83 credits. Each credit-based structure combines general education, OTA-specific coursework, and extensive fieldwork experiences to equip students for diverse occupational therapy settings.
Admission Requirements and Selectivity
The application process for both programs is selective, although they have slightly different requirements:
FSCJ: This is a Limited Access program, meaning applicants must meet GPA and prerequisite standards. FSCJ requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and completion of the HESI-A2 exam with a minimum score of 75% in sub-tests like Anatomy & Physiology and Math.
Admission is competitive and based on an applicant ranking system that includes points for GPA, HESI scores, and healthcare experience.
Keiser University: Admission to Keiser’s OTA program is also selective. Applicants need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on prerequisite coursework, including Anatomy and Physiology, Intermediate Algebra, and Introduction to Psychology, along with a minimum score of 18 on the University Entrance Exam.
Additionally, students must pass background checks and drug screening before admission.
Curriculum and Fieldwork
Both programs emphasize a combination of general education courses, specialized OTA coursework, and extensive fieldwork, yet the structure and emphasis vary:
Keiser University: The 83-credit program includes major OTA courses such as Kinesiology, Neurological Disorders, Musculoskeletal System Disorders, and Aging and Performance Skills. Fieldwork is integrated into the curriculum with hands-on experience in courses like Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Psychiatric Disorders.
Keiser requires two Fieldwork sessions, providing comprehensive exposure to diverse client care settings.
FSCJ: With 74 credits, FSCJ’s curriculum also covers foundational areas such as Functional Anatomy, Mental Health, Physical Rehabilitation, and Geriatric Occupational Therapy. The program mandates Level I and Level II Fieldwork experiences, enabling students to practice in real-world scenarios under the supervision of licensed therapists.
FSCJ’s fieldwork is designed to be completed within 18 months following coursework, with options for both full-time and part-time placements based on the student’s needs.
Mission and Goals
Both programs aim to develop competent, professional OTAs who contribute to the field. Keiser University’s mission emphasizes preparing students from diverse backgrounds for the healthcare environment, supporting professional growth through community partnerships and continuing education.
FSCJ, meanwhile, focuses on culturally competent, ethical practice, aiming to provide evidence-based training with a focus on meaningful occupation.
Graduation Rates and Outcomes
Graduation rates provide insight into program success:
- FSCJ: Over the last three years (2021-2023), FSCJ has maintained a graduation rate of 61.6%.
- Keiser University: Graduation rates vary by campus; Jacksonville’s campus reported a 66% graduation rate over three years, reflecting Keiser’s mission to support student success within a structured program.
Conclusion
Keiser University and FSCJ both offer ACOTE-accredited OTA programs in Jacksonville, but their differences in cost, credit requirements, and curriculum emphasize varied paths to the same career goal.
FSCJ offers a cost-effective option with a strong commitment to cultural competence, while Keiser University provides a broader credit curriculum, aimed at offering in-depth exposure to OTA specializations. Prospective students should consider their budget, academic preparation, and career goals when choosing between these two respected programs.