Tampa Bay · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Tampa Bay area, FL
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Tampa Bay area, FL has 2 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. Occupational therapists in Florida earn a median $99,360 a year.
Tampa Bay here means programs in Tampa, Clearwater, Ruskin, Bradenton. See all Florida programs.
Compare OT programs in Tampa Bay area, FL at a glance
NBCOT results, length, published cost and admission requirements side by side, all from official sources. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Published cost | Min. GPA | GRE | Obs. hours | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gannon University-Florida Campus Ruskin | OTD | 96% | 3 years (full-time) | $108,136* | — | No | 40 | Summer |
| Nova Southeastern University-Tampa Bay Regional Campus Clearwater | OTD | 86% | 3 years | — | 2.8 | No | None | — |
— = not published or not yet verified. Costs are as each school publishes them (full-program tuition; * = all-in total). NBCOT = share of new graduates passing in 2025. Click a program for sources and quotes.
All occupational therapy programs in Tampa Bay area, FL
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gannon University-Florida Campus Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Ruskin | 3 years (full-time) | See program | 96% ’25 | Accredited |
| Nova Southeastern University-Tampa Bay Regional Campus Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Clearwater | 3 years | Blended (about 70% online, 30% on-campus) | 86% ’25 | Accredited |
Status and degree level from the ACOTE directory. Length and format only where confirmed on the program’s own website. NBCOT = share of the program’s new graduates who passed the NBCOT exam in the latest year reported (NBCOT school performance data, retrieved 2026-10-08); new programs have no results yet.
OTD programs in Tampa Bay area, FL
- Gannon University-Florida Campus · Ruskin
- Nova Southeastern University-Tampa Bay Regional Campus · Clearwater
OTD or master's in Tampa Bay area, FL?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Florida license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 2 OTD programs, typically 3 years.
- 0 master's programs.
- 1 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 91% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
- 1 program says observation hours are not required. See which.
Pay in Florida
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
How to become an occupational therapist in Florida
- Earn a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites your target programs require (usually anatomy and physiology, psychology, and statistics). See OT school prerequisites.
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited master’s or OTD program, including at least 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork (plus a 14-week capstone for the OTD).
- Pass the NBCOT OTR exam to become a registered occupational therapist.
- Apply for a Florida license from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (Florida Department of Health) before you practice. See how to get licensed in Florida.
More areas in Florida
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Tampa Bay area, FL?
ACOTE lists 2 entry-level OT programs at 2 schools in Tampa Bay area, FL: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Tampa Bay area, FL?
Both are entry-level degrees: graduates of either take the same NBCOT exam and get the same state license. The OTD adds a 14-week doctoral capstone, so it usually takes longer and costs more. Tampa Bay area, FL has 2 OTD and 0 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Tampa Bay area, FL?
OTD programs run 3 years (2 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Florida?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Florida was $99,360 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $66,230 to $117,950.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Tampa Bay area, FL?
Yes: 3 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Florida.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website (linked on its page); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us and we will re-check the source.