Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Florida

Florida has 21 ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree in Occupational Therapy. Plus, the state also has 10 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools in Florida which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy degree. The license is required to practice as an OTA in Florida; one can appear for the licensure examination after clearing the OTA associate degree from accredited OTA schools.

The list of Occupational therapy assistant schools in Florida is-

1. Adventist University of Health Sciences 
2. Concorde Career Institute-Miramar 
3. Daytona State College
4. Florida State College at Jacksonville
5. Keiser University, Daytona Beach Campus
6. Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale
7. Keiser University, Fort Myers
8. Keiser University, Jacksonville Campus 
9. Keiser University, Melbourne Campus
10. Keiser University, Miami Campus
11. Keiser University, Orlando Campus 
12. Keiser University, Pembroke Pines Campus
13. Keiser University, Tallahassee Campus
14. Keiser University, Tampa Campus
15. Keiser University, West Palm Beach Campus
16. Polk State College
17. Remington College- Orlando
18. South University, Tampa
19. South University, West Palm Beach
20. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
21. The Praxis Institute-Hialeah Campus.

Occupational Therapy in Florida-

The occupational therapist (OT), Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) 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 for the occupational therapy profession in Florida.

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy assistant work closely with the patient to facilitate the recovery. OT assistant works on all therapy setup and assists OT on assessment and intervention implementation.

The Occupational therapist Assistant has good job opportunities in Florida. An OTA can also become an Occupational therapist by applying through the bridge program.

Occupational Therapy Assistance License in Florida-

Graduates of the OTA Program are required to sit for the certification examination administered by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). Upon successful completion of the NBCOT exam graduates must apply to the Florida Board Of Occupational Therapy for authorization to practice as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) within the state of Florida. An OTA becomes COTA after passing the NBCOT exam.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• An Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant.
• NBCOT exam’s passing certificate.
• Be of good moral character.
• Application fees of $180.

Temporary/limited OTA License:

A limited permit to practice 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.

An OTA Applicants with a Temporary Permit must work under the supervision of a Florida licensed occupational therapist. If the applicant fails the examination, the temporary permit is automatically invalid. Temporary permits are not renewable, nor extended, or available to anyone who has previously failed the exam.

Florida OTA Schools

#1 Adventist University of Health Sciences 

The OTA School provides state-of-the-art facilities to the students. The OTA 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. The School also offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program.

Adventist University of Health Sciences
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Orlando, FL
Public or Private-	Private college
Program Director-	Vicki Case, MS, Ed, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through college’s website; Interview with the admission representative.
Minimum Requirement	Minimum high school CGPA of 2.70 ; A minimum ACT composite score of 19 or a combined SAT score of 910 from applicants; Submit two ADU Recommendation Forms ; Write an essay explaining his or her interest in becoming an OTA; Volunteer or OT Observation Hours are not required but recommended; If invited, applicants will be required to attend an interview on the ADU campus.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Dept. 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803 [email protected]
Website	www.adu.edu

#2 Concorde Career Institute-Miramar

The OTA School at Concorde Career Institute (Miramar) offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA program also runs in the Memphis (Tennessee) campus of the institute. The school has ADL (activities of daily living) lab for practical learning. Various types of equipment are available for additional training. The institute focuses on classroom training to career skills training.

Concorde Career Institute
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Miramar, FL
Public or Private-	Private for-profit college
Program Director-	B. Butler
Course Duration-	21-month
Class Size	Up to 40 students per year
OTA Class begins	Many times in a year
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	High school transcript; Score report of ACT or SAT;
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 10933 Marks Way Miramar, FL 33025-1703 [email protected]
Website	www.concorde.edu/OTA

#3 Daytona State College

The OTA School at Daytona State College offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school helps to maximize student success (opportunity, mastery of skills, and satisfaction) through excellent, innovative learning practices and up-to-date technologies and evidence.

The OTA School provides both academic and clinical experiences to provide a strong professional foundation.

Daytona State College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Daytona Beach, FL
Public or Private-	Public college
Assistant Chair-	Mary Craig-Oatley
Course Duration-	22-month
Class Size	Up to 24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	BSC1085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab); ENC1101 (Introduction to Composition); PSY1012 (General Psychology); HSC1000 (Introduction to Health Care) ; OTH1001 (Introduction to Occupational Therapy).; All math requirements through MAT1033 should be completed before entering into the program.
Minimum Requirement	Minimum high school GPA of 3.0; Volunteer or OT Observation Hours are required as part of the admission process; Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is required except for those students who have successfully completed college level English and/or Math; Basic Cardiac Life Support and AED through American Heart Association or American Red Cross; A pre-admission consultation with the assistant chair is recommended.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1200 W. International Speedway Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114 [email protected]
Website	daytonastate.edu

#4 Florida State College at Jacksonville

The OTA School at Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The program is a limited-access program and admissions into the program is based on prior academic performance, completion of pre-requisite coursework, observation hours, and other criteria.
The OTA degree combines general education and professional occupational therapist assistant concentration courses through lecture, laboratory and clinical education experiences.

Florida State College at Jacksonville
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Jacksonville, FL
Public or Private-	Public college
Program Director-	Dr. Kimberly Fahlgren
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Mathematics; BSC 2085C – Human Anatomy and Physiology I; BSC 2086C – Human Anatomy and Physiology II; DEP 2004 – Human Growth and Development; ENC 1101 – English Composition I; OR ENC 1101C – English Composition I Enhanced; PSY 1012 – General Psychology.
Minimum Requirement	A completed OTA program application and clinical experience verification form; Copy of all transcripts; A minimum 10 hours of observation, service learning, and/or work experience in occupational therapy with a OTR/L or COTA.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 4501 Capper Road, Room A309 Jacksonville, FL 32218
Website	www.fscj.edu

#5Keiser University, Daytona Beach Campus

The OTA program under the Keiser University is available in the following Florida campuses: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Daytona Beach Campus offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Daytona Beach
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Daytona Beach, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 34 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1800 Business Park Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114 nmason@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#6 Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Fort Lauderdale Campus offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

The campus also offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program for the Certified Occupational therapy Assistant (COTA). The MSOT program includes an in-campus and online way of learning. The MSOT program has been applied for accreditation and has been granted “Candidacy Status” by the ACOTE.

Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Fort Lauderdale, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 70 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1500 NW 49th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 arlenek@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#7 Keiser University, Fort Myers

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Fort Myers Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Fort Myers
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Fort Myers, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 60 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905 tgelpi@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#8 Keiser University, Jacksonville Campus 

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Jacksonville Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Jacksonville Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Jacksonville, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 54 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 6430 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL 32216 msevestre@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#9 Keiser University, Melbourne Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Melbourne Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Melbourne Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Melbourne, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 60 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 900 S. Babcock Street Melbourne, FL 32901
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#10 Keiser University, Miami Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Miami Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Miami Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Miami, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 66 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 2101 NW 117th Avenue Miami, FL 33172 aruiz@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#11 Keiser University, Orlando Campus 

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Orlando Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Orlando Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Orlando, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 72 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through college’s website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 5600 Lake Underhill Road Orlando, FL 32901 imatos@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#12 Keiser University, Pembroke Pines Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Pembroke Pines Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Pembroke Pines Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Pembroke Pines, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 72 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1640 SW 145th Avenue Pembroke Pines, FL 33207-6143 abryant@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#13 Keiser University, Tallahassee Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Tallahassee Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Tallahassee Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Tallahassee, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 55 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1700 Halstead Boulevard Tallahassee, FL 32309-3489 wgielow@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#14 Keiser University, Tampa Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at Tampa Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – Tampa Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Tampa, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 70 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 5002 West Waters Avenue Tampa, FL 33634-1313 mralston@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#15 Keiser University, West Palm Beach Campus

The occupational therapy Assistant school at West Palm Beach Campus offers an Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant. The course duration, prerequisites and admission criteria’s are the same in all 11 campuses.

Keiser University – West Palm Beach
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	West Palm Beach, FL
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Course Duration-	16-months
Class Size	Up to 43 students per year
OTA Class begins	January, May, August.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Completion of general education courses with a minimum grade of ―”C” for each course; Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: BSC2085C (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BSC2086C (Human Anatomy & Physiology II), MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and PSY1012 (General Psychology).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 2085 Vista Parkway West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2719 kantolino@ keiseruniversity.edu
Website	keiseruniversity.edu

#16 Polk State College

The OTA School at Polk State College offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school has lower program costs compared to other Florida OTA programs, reputation, flexible schedule, a competitive salary, and recently added to Career Source Polk’s Demand Occupation List for scholarships.

Polk State College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Winter Haven, FL
Public or Private-	Public college
Program Director-	Dr. Anjali Parti
Course Duration-	74-hour credit program
Class Size	24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Spring
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	BSC 2085C – Human Anatomy and Physiology I PSY 2012 – General Psychology ENC 1101 – College Composition I.
Minimum Requirement	Minimum GPA of 2.0 ; 20 hours of OT Observation Hours are required; Completion of a physical examination; Completion of all immunizations and communicable disease screenings; Certification in CPR; Certification in AIDS/HIV precautions (1 hour); Background check and drug screening.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Division of Academic Affairs 999 Avenue H, Northeast Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299 [email protected]
Website	www.polk.edu/ota

#17 Remington College- Orlando

The OTA School at Remington College- Orlando offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The program is a HYBRID PROGRAM. Typically, each student spends one weekend per month attending face-to-face labs, which take place at their campus north of Orlando in Heathrow, FL.

In-person labs take place locally at modern Orlando campus, while fieldwork is available at select locations throughout the Southeast.

Remington College- Orlando
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Lake Mary, FL
Public or Private-	Private non-profit college
Program Director-	Kurt Hubbard
Course Duration-	24-months
Class Size	Up to 24 students per year
OTA Class begins	—–
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through college’s website;
Minimum Requirement	High School transcripts; Take and Pass a Standardized Entrance Test.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 7131 Business Park Lane Lake Mary, FL 32746-5627 kurt.hubbard@ remingtoncollege.edu
Website	remingtoncollege.edu

#18 South University, Tampa and West Palm Beach campuses

The OTA program at South University is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. Through its carefully balanced and sequenced curricular design, the OTA program prepares qualified students to become successful occupational therapy practitioners. The OTA program further seeks to lead the profession and the community through its contributions in educational leadership, community and professional service, lifelong learning, and scholarship.

The South University has 3 campuses which provide an OTA degree. Two campuses are in Florida and one in a Columbia, South Carolina.

South University
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campuses	Tampa, FL West Palm Beach, FL
Public or Private-	Private non-profit college
Program Director-	Tampa- Terrie Nolinske West Palm Beach- Pamela Kasyan
Course Duration-	1 & ½ Year
Class Size	Tampa- Up to 15 students per cohort; West Palm Beach- up to 20 students per cohort.
OTA Class begins	Tampa- Spring & Fall; West Palm Beach- winter & summer.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	UVC1000 Strategies for Success; AHS1001 Medical Terminology; PSY1001 General Psychology; BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture with Lab; ENG1100 Composition I; ENG1200 Composition II; MAT1001 College Algebra I or MAT1005 College Algebra II.
Minimum Requirement	Copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; Minimum CGPA of 2.85 on all prerequisite courses; Completion of a minimum of 24 hours of observation or volunteering in at least 2 occupational therapy practice areas; Completion of the Self-Assessment Inventory; Student Medical Insurance; A background check; A Drug test; Completed all required immunizations; Provided documented proof of a physical exam; Completion of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Basic I Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers.
Address	Tampa Campus- Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 4401 N. Himes Avenue Tampa, FL 33614-7095 tnolinske@ southuniversity.edu West Palm beach- 9801 Belvedere Road Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-3640 janrivera@ southuniversity.edu
Website	www.southuniversity.edu

#20 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

The program combines coursework at State College of Florida with selected clinical experiences in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The College Library is available for OTA students to enhance learning. The college is equipped with the Health Profession Media Laboratory and provides online tutoring and study skill support.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Bradenton, FL
Public or Private-	Public college
Program Director-	Debra A. Chasanoff, M.Ed., OTR/L
Course Duration-	24-months
Class Size	Up to 24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	BSC 2085C – Anatomy & Physiology I with lab; Mathematics – Any Area II, A.S.; PSY 2012 – General Psychology; ENC 1101 – Written Communication; Additional General Education Program Requirements: BSC 2086C – Anatomy & Physiology II with lab; DEP 2004 – Human Development Life Span; ENC 1102 – Written Communication II OR SPC 1608 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication Humanities – Choose from Area IV, A.S. General Education Requirement.
Minimum Requirement	Official high school or GED transcript and transcript from each College attended; Florida Placement Test scores and/or ACT or SAT scores; Program Application and CAPP audit; Earned GPA of 2.75 or better in all general education courses required by the program towards the degree and a minimum Overall GPA of 2.0 to meet graduation requirements.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 5840 26th Street West, Building 28 Bradenton, FL 34207-7046 [email protected]
Website	www.scf.edu/OTA

#21 The Praxis Institute-Hialeah Campus

The OTA School at The Praxis Institute- Hialeah campus offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school provides adequate classroom, laboratory, and learning resource facilities to enhance the student’s attainment of knowledge and skills. The school provides sites for clinical education that offers the student with the appropriate environment for the attainment of competence in the day-to-day work of the OT assistant.

The Praxis Institute
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Hialeah, FL
Public or Private-	Private college
Program Director-	J. Miller
Course Duration-	24-months
Class Size	Up to 16 students per year
OTA Class begins	—
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Evidence of High School Diploma or Equivalent Physical Examination (MD clearance/PPD); Criminal Background Check & Drug Testing; Evidenced of CPR certification; Evidence of Health Insurance; Entrance Exam with the following minimum scores: Sentence Skills 86, Reading Comprehension 80, Elementary Algebra 57, & Computer Skills 20; Two professional/character references; Applicant’s Personal Letter of Application; Interview/Assessment.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 4162 West 12th Avenue Hialeah, FL 33012-4150 [email protected]
Website	www.praxis.edu/OTA

“Applicant” Occupational therapy Assistant Schools in Florida-

This one is a new OTA educational program in Florida seeking accreditation (not yet holding Candidacy Status). Until Candidacy Status has been granted by ACOTE, this school cannot admit students into the OTA program in Florida.

#1 Webber International University
1201 North Scenic Highway
Babson Park, FL 33827-9751
[email protected] 
www.webber.edu
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant OTA – entry-level OTA baccalaureate degree Program.

Occupational Therapy Schools in Florida-

There are 10 Occupational therapy schools which offer an entry-level Master of Science degree in OT or an OTD. A Master degree/Doctorate degree in OT is required to become an Occupational therapist.

List of OT schools-

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

Get complete info about the OT Schools in Florida

Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Florida-

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistant is very good in Florida. Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities (as per the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 2700 employed and licensed occupational therapy Assistants in Florida in May 2017 and the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Florida for the occupational therapist (OT/OTR) and occupational therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Florida-

Employment and salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants vary based on work setting and geographical location. The current salary range in the local area is $37,000-$55,000 annually with an estimated 30% increase in jobs over the next 10 years. (Retrieved from http://swz.salary.com)

As per indeed.com, the average salary of an occupational therapy assistant in Florida was $62,000 (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy assistants were $61,960 and $29.79 respectively in May 2017.