Advent Health
Orlando, Tampa
AdventHealth University’s Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students for careers helping diverse patient populations, including adults with disabilities, geriatrics, pediatrics, and psychosocial cases. Emphasizing clinical expertise and compassionate care, the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.
Accredited by ACOTE, graduates are eligible for the NBCOT certification exam, an essential step toward licensure. With a curriculum that includes specific practicum courses and two final supervised clinical practice placements, students gain practical experience necessary for entry-level positions in occupational therapy.
Concorde Career Institute
Miramar
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate Degree program at Concorde Career Institute in Miramar, FL, takes 20 months to complete and includes 81.5 semester credit hours of classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experience. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), though it is currently on probationary accreditation as of December 2023. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a requirement for state licensure.
Tuition is $47,078, and students complete 360 lab hours on campus and 760 clinical hours in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient facilities. The curriculum includes courses in therapeutic media, applied kinesiology, pediatric and psychosocial occupational therapy, and clinical fieldwork. While the acceptance rate is not specified, admission is competitive, requiring prerequisite coursework, background checks, and health screenings.
Concorde allows block transfer credits for students with prior degrees in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or Health Sciences. The program is offered in a blended format, with some general education courses available online, but OTA-specific coursework and clinical training require in-person attendance. Concorde also provides career services to assist graduates with job placement and professional development.
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach
Daytona State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is a 22-month, limited-access Associate of Science degree program that prepares students for entry-level OTA careers. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the program includes 74 credit hours with comprehensive coursework and clinical fieldwork designed to build practical psychosocial, physical dysfunction, and pediatric occupational therapy skills.
Admission requirements include specific prerequisite courses, a satisfactory background check, and a Basic Cardiac Life Support certification. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and typically find opportunities in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and outpatient clinics.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offers an Associate in Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, preparing students to become certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs). This two-year, 74-credit program combines general education, professional coursework, and fieldwork, providing hands-on experience in occupational therapy services across various settings.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), FSCJ’s program enables graduates to sit for the National Certification Examination required for licensure. Admissions to this limited-access program are competitive, requiring prerequisites, HESI-A2 testing, and meeting specific GPA and other criteria.
Keiser University
10 locations in Florida
Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at multiple Florida campuses. This program prepares students for entry-level roles under licensed occupational therapists. This 83-credit, 16-month program provides hands-on learning in therapeutic interventions across self-care, work, and leisure activities to support client independence.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), graduates can sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Tuition and fees vary by campus. Some campuses are on probationary accreditation status due to certification exam pass rates.
Miami Dade
Miami
Miami Dade College’s Pre-Occupational Therapy Associate in Arts (A.A.) program provides a foundational pathway for students pursuing a career in occupational therapy. The program focuses on core sciences and human behavior, including anatomy, physiology, and growth and development courses, preparing students for transfer to a four-year institution.
With classroom instruction and practical knowledge, graduates can continue their studies and pursue opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities. The program consists of 60 credits and is estimated to take two years to complete.
Polk State College
Winter Heaven
Polk State College offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), a 74-credit-hour program designed to prepare students for entry-level occupational therapy assistant roles. The curriculum provides skills to help clients of all ages with emotional, developmental, and physical disabilities, promoting independent functioning through adapted techniques and environments.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the program includes general education and OTA-specific courses, such as fieldwork experiences. It prepares students to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
South University
Tampa
South University’s Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students for entry-level occupational therapy roles by equipping them with the skills needed to support clients’ health and independence. With a focus on compassionate, client-centered care, students learn to assist individuals with physical, psychological, or developmental needs.
The program includes essential coursework, hands-on fieldwork, rigorous admission criteria, and a 2.85 GPA prerequisite requirement. Accredited by ACOTE, graduates are eligible for the NBCOT certification exam, a necessary step toward licensure and professional practice as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).
State College of Florida
Bradenton
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at the State College of Florida prepares students to assist individuals across various age groups in achieving independence in daily activities under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist. Graduates gain expertise in assisting with evaluations, setting and implementing treatment plans, and maintaining client records in diverse practice areas such as pediatrics, physical disabilities, and mental health.
Completing the program qualifies graduates to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), with licensure requirements varying by state. This program emphasizes hands-on skills and prepares students for careers in hospitals, schools, and community health facilities.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an OTA Program in Florida?
The length of Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs in Florida varies by institution but generally takes 21 to 24 months to complete.
Below are the durations of some OTA programs in Florida:
- Keiser University – 24 months
- AdventHealth University – 24 months
- Daytona State College – 22 months
- Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) – 22 months
- Miami Dade College – 24 months (Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A.)
- Polk State College – 24 months
- South University – 24 months
- State College of Florida – 21 months
These programs include classroom instruction, lab training, and hands-on clinical fieldwork to prepare students for certification and licensure as an OTA.