Are you passionate about making a positive impact and helping others lead fuller lives?
A career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) might be the perfect fit for you!
OTAs work closely with licensed occupational therapists to support individuals of all ages overcome physical challenges.
Find a City With an OTA Program Near You
With programs throughout the state, Students can consider their educational goals, budget, and academic background to choose the best fit for their OTA career path.
Daytona Beach
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs at Keiser University and Daytona State College in Daytona Beach each offer accredited, hands-on training, preparing students for certification and professional roles in occupational therapy.
Fort Lauderdale
Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale and Concorde Career College in Miramar offer ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant programs but differ in pace and structure. Keiser provides a comprehensive two-year experience with structured support, while Concorde’s accelerated 20-month program allows for faster workforce entry through hands-on training and flexible start dates.
Fort Myers
In Fort Myers, students interested in becoming Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) can choose between OTA programs at State College of Florida (SCF) and Keiser University. Both ACOTE-accredited programs provide hands-on training, though they differ in structure, credit requirements, and admission criteria.
Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, Keiser University and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offer ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs that prepare students for the NBCOT certification exam and entry-level OTA roles.
Miami
When considering Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs in Miami, prospective students have three options: Keiser University, Concorde Career College, and Miami Dade College, each offering unique pathways. Keiser and Concorde provide Associate of Science degrees with a direct-to-work focus. At the same time, Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Arts in Pre-Occupational Therapy for those seeking a transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Orlando
The OTA programs at Polk State College, Keiser University, and AdventHealth University in Orlando each offer unique pathways to becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant. While Polk State College provides an affordable, community-focused program, Keiser University emphasizes client-centered care with extensive fieldwork. AdventHealth University focuses on compassionate care across core areas, including geriatrics and pediatrics.
Tallahassee
Keiser University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in Tallahassee provides local students an exclusive opportunity to earn an Associate of Science degree. The program prepares students to assist licensed occupational therapists through hands-on training in therapeutic techniques and patient care.
Tampa
Aspiring Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Tampa can choose between South University, AdventHealth University, and Keiser University. Each offers ACOTE-accredited Associate of Science in OTA programs with unique focuses.
West Palm Beach
Keiser University in West Palm Beach offers the area’s only Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. It features a 24-month Associate of Science degree, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in healthcare.
Your Occupational Therapy Career is Within Reach
Through personalized guidance and skill-building, OTAs help patients adapt their environments and master new techniques to navigate daily activities—whether regaining the ability to dress independently, return to work, or enjoy beloved hobbies again.
Occupational therapist assistant jobs, by name, may sound like you are a type of personal assistant to an occupational therapist – but that doesn’t have to be the case. Occupational therapist assistants work independently of certified therapists over 90 percent of the time.
They can also work with different aspects of rehabilitation or therapy. So, just as there are occupational therapists who work primarily with young adults, those who have suffered work-related injuries, or with physical therapy, there are occupational therapy assistants who do the same.
Research shows that the care given by occupational therapy assistants is comparable in quality to the care received by the occupational therapists themselves. The type of training you get in your occupational therapy assistant classes thoroughly prepares you for all the work you do in the field.