Occupational Therapy Schools in Florida

The Florida state has 10 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy program. Plus, the state also has 11 ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree. The license is required to practice as an OT or OTA in the state of Florida and it’s compulsory for the graduates of OT schools to apply for the licensure.

The 10 Occupational therapy schools in Florida are-

1. Adventist University of Health Sciences-
2. Barry University
3. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
4. Florida Gulf Coast University
5. Florida International University
6. Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale Campus
7. Nova Southeastern University
8. University of Florida
9. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Florida & Miami Campus
10. Gannon University – Florida Campus

Occupational therapy in Florida-

The occupational therapist, Occupational therapy assistant, and OT/OTA students have their own state association, i.e. FOTA (Florida Occupational Therapy Association).

The FOTA is a non-profit volunteer organization which provides a professional community for its members. The FOTA is a state-based professional organization and public voice for the occupational therapy profession in Florida.

The main role of the association is to promote the occupational therapy profession, create public awareness, provide support to the therapist in continuing education and improve and maintain the quality of occupational therapy profession in the state of Florida. The FOTA is an affiliated state body of the American Occupational therapy association.

Website – www.flota.org/

Occupational therapy License in Florida-

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy Assistants are required to get a license from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• Entry level master degree or OTD degree
• NBCOT exam’s passing certificate.
• Application fees of $180.

Temporary OT/OTA License:

A limited permit to practice as an occupational therapist (OT) or as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) may be granted to persons who have completed the educational and experience requirements for licensure and are waiting to take or receive the results of the certification examination. The limited permit is valid for 12 months or until the date on which the results of the certification examination are made available.

Occupational therapy Programs in Florida- OT schools Overview

Adventist University of Health Sciences-

The OT school provides state-of-the-art facilities to the students. The OT school has many important labs such as The Occupations Lab, The Occupational Therapy Performance lab, and the Occupational therapy Skills lab. The Occupations lab provides simulated living areas such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and laundry area offering students real-life practical scenarios for problem-solving. The Occupational Therapy Performance Lab offers hands-on techniques for kinesiology and biomechanical treatments. The Occupational Therapy Skills lab allows for specialty classes such as orthotics, physical agent modalities, sensory integration, and wheelchair management.

Adventist University of Health Sciences
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Orlando, Florida
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Department chair-	Tia Hughes, DrOT, MBA, OTR/L
Course Duration- MOT	27 months program (including fieldworks).
Seat capacity	30 admits per intake.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Submit an online application through OTCAS; A supplemental application to the OT school; A personal Interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE score (combined score – 300, writing 4.0) 3 letters of reference; A personal statement; An essay; A resume English proficiency
Prerequisite Course work	Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs); General Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Sociology/Anthropology; Statistics; Medical Terminology; Four credits of biology, physics, or chemistry with lab.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803
Website	www.adu.edu

Barry University

The Occupational therapy school offers an entry-level Master of Science in Occupational therapy. The program integrates face to face and distance education. On-campus occupational therapy courses are scheduled on two weekends each month in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, so that adults may continue to work or raise their families while preparing for the occupational therapy profession.

The OT school also offers an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) – Post professional online program. This flexible, distance-delivered program is designed for Registered occupational therapists who wish to advance their education beyond the master’s level.

Barry University
Courses Offered–	1. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) 2. Occupational Therapy Doctorate OTD (Post-professional).
University Campus	Miami Shores, Florida
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Belkis Landa-Gonzalez, ED.D., OTR/L
Course Duration- MSOT	2.5-year program (including field works).
Seat capacity	A maximum of 42 students.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	First, Submit an online application through OTCAS; Second, a personal Interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.2 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam result. 2 letters of reference; Evidence of 40 hours of observation or volunteer work in an occupational therapy setup; A personal statement.
Prerequisite Course work	Human Anatomy; Human Physiology; (or Anatomy and Physiology I and II); Sociology or Anthropology; Psychology (Developmental or Abnormal); Kinesiology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 11300 Northeast Second Avenue Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695 Email- ot@mail.barry.edu
Website	www.barry.edu/ot/

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

ACOTE’s Status: Probationary Accreditation (effective April 1, 2017)

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Tallahassee, Florida
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Dean-	Cynthia Hughes Harris, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA
Course Duration- MSOT	2.5-year program (including field works).
Seat capacity	A maximum of 27 students.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	First, Submit an online application through OTCAS; Second, an online application to the FAMU.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam result (combined score 300, writing section- 3.5); TOEFL score >80 iBT (for international candidate); 3 letters of reference; Evidence of 40 hours of observation or volunteer work in two different OT setup; A personal statement.
Prerequisite Course work	Human Growth and Development/ Lifespan; Intro to Anthropology or Sociology; Intro to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; General Biology Lecture; General Biology Lab; Chemistry (“Fundamentals” or higher); College Physics I with lab; Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab; Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab; Introduction to Statistics; Research.
Address	Division of Occupational Therapy 334 Palmer Avenue, Room 318 Tallahassee, FL 32307-3500 Email- lewesa.peterson@famu.edu
Website	www.famu.edu

Florida Gulf Coast University

The OT school offers state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms with small class sizes. The school has a 100% overall pass rate 2014-2016 in NBCOT’s certification examination.

Florida Gulf Coast University
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Fort Myers, Florida
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Director	Lynn Jaffe, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course Duration-MSOT	2-year program (including field works).
Seat capacity	——.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	First, Submit an online application through OTCAS; Second, an online supplemental application to the OT school. Third, personal Interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A Baccalaureate degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam result (Verbal- 143, Quantitive-143, writing section- 3); 3 letters of reference; Evidence of 10 hours of observation or volunteer work in two different OT setup; A personal statement.
Prerequisite Course work	Human anatomy & physiology with lab; Abnormal psychology or psychopathology; Lifespan human development; Research course with health professions or behavioral research focus; Musculoskeletal anatomy course with lab; Neuroanatomy/neurophysiology; Introductory physics or qualified physical science; General psychology; Statistics; Sociology or anthropology course with a multicultural theme.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy and Community Health 10501 FGCU Boulevard South Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 Email-wsmith@fgcu.edu
Website	www.fgcu.edu

Florida International University

The OT school offers low, in-state affordable tuition compared to private universities. The OT school provides opportunities to become involved in research with nationally renowned faculty members.

Florida International University (FIU) Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Miami, Florida
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Graduate Coordinator	Dr. Lynne Richard
Course Duration- MSOT	2.5-year program (7-semester/80 credits)
Seat capacity	——
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	First, Submit an online application through OTCAS; Second, an online supplemental application to the FIU.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam score (no min score required); TOEFL score >80 iBT (for international candidate).
Prerequisite Course work	Human Anatomy with Lab; Neuroscience; Pathology; Human Physiology; Abnormal Psychology; Human Growth & Development; Biology with Lab; Statistics; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Department 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC 3,443 Miami, FL 33199 Email-occupthe@fiu.edu
Website	cnhs.fiu.edu/ot/index

Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale Campus

This occupational therapy school offers the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program for the Certified Occupational therapy Assistant (COTA). The OT program includes an on-campus and online way of learning. The occupational therapy program integrates didactic, face-to-face, and clinical experiences to prepare students to achieve success on the NBCOT® exam.

The Keiser University Occupational Therapy Bridged Program has applied for accreditation and has been granted “Candidacy Status” by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale Campus
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)- Bridge Program OTA to OT
University Campus	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Public or Private-	Private non-profit Institute.
Program Chair	Marek Graczkowski, EdD, MHSA, OT/L
Course Duration- MSOT	2-year program.
Seat capacity	——
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Submission of a completed Graduate School Application
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	An Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree; One (1) year of recent, professional experience working as a licensed occupational therapy assistant and an active unrestricted Professional OTA license. 3 letters of recommendations; A letter of Intent; An interview with faculty.
Prerequisite Course work	Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with lab; Statistics; College Algebra; English Composition I & II; Introduction to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Life Span Development.
Address	Occupational Therapy Master’s Program 1500 NW 49th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Email- mgraczkowski @keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)-

NSU offers 2 entry-level occupational therapy programs: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) & Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD); NSU also offers 2 post-professional occupational therapy programs: a Clinical Doctorate (Dr.OT) & Research Doctorate (Ph.D.).

Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences
Courses Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Dr.OT Clinical Doctorate (post-professional)-Online program
University Campus	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (MOT) Tampa campus, Florida (OTD)
Public or Private-	Private nonprofit Institute.
MOT Program Director	Rachelle Dorne, ED.D., OTR/L, CAPS
Course Duration-	2.5-year program (54 credits)- MOT 2-3 year hybrid program –OTD
Seat capacity	Max 50 students – MOT Max 20 students- OTD
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Submit an online application through OTCAS; An online supplemental application to the NSU. Online Interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam score (Total score -284, writing- 3.5); a minimum of 40 volunteer hours in at least two different OT practice settings. 3 letters of recommendations.
Prerequisite Course work	Biology with lab (introduction, general, or principles of) Human anatomy and physiology (including lab) Physics with lab (general, college) OR Kinesiology English composition Other humanities (e.g. art, communications, literature, foreign language, history, philosophy; Psychology; Human growth and development or developmental psychology; Other social sciences (e.g. ethnic studies, anthropology, sociology, ethics); Statistics; Medical terminology (college).
Address	Occupational Therapy Department 3200 S. University Drive Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018 Email-keatta@nova.edu
Website	healthsciences.nova.edu

University of Florida

The University of Florida Department of Occupational Therapy offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) beginning from the Fall semester of 2018. The program has recently got the Candidacy Status by the ACOTE.

The MOT Program is closed, except for UF Pre-OT Health Science students graduating May 2018. The Program is transitioned to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

University of Florida
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
University Campus	Gainesville, Florida
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
OT Dept chair	Sherrilene Classen, Ph.D., MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA
Course Duration-	3-year program
Seat capacity	——
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Submit an online application through OTCAS; An online supplemental application to Florida University.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A baccalaureate degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam score (Min combined score -300, math-141, verbal-150); 3 letters of recommendation; A personal statement; A minimum of 30 volunteer hours in at least two different OT practice settings.
Prerequisite Course work	Biology with lab; Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Statistics; Sociology or Anthropology; Oral Communications ( public speaking, therapeutic or personal communication); Medical Terminology.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy 101 S. Newell Drive P.O. Box 100164 Gainesville, FL 32611-0154 Email- ctmyers@phhp.ufl.edu
Website	www.ot.phhp.ufl.edu

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Florida Campus

The University of St. Augustine offers a master of occupational therapy program at 3 different campuses, 2 in Florida and one in Texas. All the MOT programs are accredited by the ACOTE.

The different entry-level options offered by the OT schools are-

1. Flex MOT (Online/Weekend) in Miami and St. Augustine- Online/ alternating weekends, 9 trimesters, 3-year MOT program.
2. Residential MOT in Miami, FL; St. Augustine, FL, and Austin, TX – Weekdays, 6 trimesters, 2-year MOT program.
3. Residential Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in Austin, TX, San Marcos, CA and St. Augustine, FL

ACOTE status of the OT program-
St. Augustine, Florida campus OTD- Candidacy status
Miami campus MS- Candidacy status
Miami campus entry-level OTD- Applicant.

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Institute of Occupational Therapy
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)- Full time entry level Flex MOT- Online/weekend entry level
University Campus	St. Augustine, Florida Miami, Florida
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
MOT Director	Erin Schwier, OTD
Course Duration-	3-year program
Seat capacity	——
OT Admission	Twice a year (September and January).
Application Procedure	Submit an online application through OTCAS; An online supplemental application to Florida University.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A baccalaureate degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam score (Min combined score -300, math-141, verbal-150); 3 letters of recommendation; A personal statement; A minimum of 30 volunteer hours in at least two different OT practice settings.
Prerequisite Course work	Biology with lab; Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Statistics; Sociology or Anthropology; Oral Communications ( public speaking, therapeutic or personal communication); Medical Terminology.
Address	St. Augustine Campus- Institute of Occupational Therapy 1 University Boulevard St. Augustine, FL 32086-5783 Miami Campus- Occupational Therapy Program 11410 NW 20th Street Miami, FL 33172 Email- admissions@usa.edu
Website	www.usa.edu

Gannon University – Florida Campus

Gannon University- Florida Campus
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
University Campus	Ruskin, Florida
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director	John T. Connelly
Course Duration-	3-year program (119 credit)
Seat capacity	30 students
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Submit an online application through OTCAS; In-person interview or online interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better in all college coursework; GRE Exam score- Not required; TOEFL iBT score- Min. 79 (for an international candidate); An essay about the OTD program; 3 letters of recommendation; A minimum of 40 volunteer hours in at least two different OT practice settings.
Prerequisite Course work	Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab; Intro to Psychology; Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology throughout the lifespan or equivalent; Intro to Sociology or a course in diversity; Physics I; Statistics.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 105 Commercial Center Drive Ruskin, FL 33570 Email- connelly004@gannon.edu
Website	www.gannon.edu

Jacksonville University
(Applicant OT – entry-level doctoral)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
2800 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville, FL 32211-3321

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Florida-

#1 Adventist University of Health Sciences 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Department
671 Winyah Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
Status: Accreditation.

#2 Concorde Career Institute-Miramar 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
10933 Marks Way
Miramar, FL 33025-1703
Status: Accreditation

#3 Daytona State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1200 W. International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Status: Accreditation

#4Florida State College at Jacksonville
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
4501 Capper Road, Room A309
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Status: Accreditation

#5 Keiser University, 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1800 Business Park Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Status: Accreditation

Different campuses of Keiser University where OTA program is offered by the OT school- Daytona Beach Campus, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville Campus, Melbourne, Miami, Orlando, Pembroke Pines Campus, Tallahassee Campus, Tampa Campus, and West Palm Beach, FL.) 

#6 Polk State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Division of Academic Affairs
999 Avenue H, Northeast
Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299
Status: Accreditation

#7 Remington College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
7131 Business Park Lane
Lake Mary, FL 32746-5627
Status: Accreditation

#8 South University – Tampa
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
4401 N. Himes Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614-7095
Status: Accreditation

#9 South University – West Palm Beach
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
9801 Belvedere Road
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-3640
Status: Probationary Accreditation (effective April 1, 2017)

#10 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
5840 26th Street West, Building 28
Bradenton, FL 34207-7046
Status: Accreditation

#11 The Praxis Institute-Hialeah Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
4162 West 12th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33012-4150
Status: Accreditation

Occupational Therapy jobs in Florida-

The outlook for occupational therapy employment is very good in Florida. The United States’s Bureau of Labor Statistics includes occupational therapy as one of its fastest-growing occupations, with registered occupational therapists predicted to have a faster than average growth (21- 36%). Many Health Care Recruitment providers have reported a shortage of occupational therapists and OTA in Florida.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 6,140 employed and licensed occupational therapists in Florida in May 2016. And the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Florida for the occupational therapist and occupational therapy Assistant.

Occupational Therapy Salary in Florida-

As per indeed.com, the average salary for an occupational therapist in Florida was $85,000 per annum (in 2016) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy professionals were $84,150 and $40.46, respectively in May 2016.