Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Format: Hybrid
- Professional Phase: 15 months
- Credits: 109 quarter credits
- Tuition: $475 per credit
- Program Website: South University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Program Overview
South University offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) through its Tampa campus. The 109-credit program combines general education courses with occupational therapy coursework, laboratory training, and supervised fieldwork.
The professional phase uses a hybrid format. Students attend live online classes and scheduled in-person laboratory sessions before completing clinical fieldwork at healthcare and community sites. After completing the general education requirements, the professional phase takes approximately 15 months and includes Level I and Level II fieldwork.
Students admitted to the professional phase can select Tampa or Orlando as their laboratory location, although placement at the preferred location depends on availability.
Admission Requirements
Admission takes place in two stages. Students first enter the general education portion of the program and complete the prerequisites required for admission to the professional phase.
Applicants to the professional phase must:
- Complete all prerequisite courses with at least a C
- Earn at least a B in OTA1003 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Have at least a 2.85 cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework
- Complete Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology I and II within seven years of starting the professional phase
- Complete OTA1003 within two years of starting the professional phase
- Submit official transcripts
- Complete the OTA Video Observation Form
- Complete required physical exam, background check, and drug screening requirements
- Meet the program’s stated essential functions
OTA courses with an OTA prefix generally cannot be transferred into the program.
Application and Selection
South University uses rolling admissions for the professional phase. Applications are reviewed as they are completed, and qualified applicants enter a ranking process.
Ranking is based primarily on the applicant’s prerequisite GPA and science prerequisite GPA. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis according to applicant ranking, so South University encourages students to apply early.
Applicants are generally notified of an admission decision within 30 days after the completed application is received.
Curriculum
The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant requires 109 quarter credits.
| Curriculum Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 32 |
| Foundation Requirements | 11 |
| Professional OTA Curriculum | 66 |
| Total | 109 |
Professional courses include:
- Medical Conditions
- Occupational Analysis I and II
- Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
- Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents
- Movement for Human Occupation
- Occupational Therapy for Adults and the Elderly
- Occupational Therapy Management
- Community Practice
- Professional Issues
- Professional Documentation
- Level I Fieldwork
- Level II Fieldwork
The professional curriculum focuses on occupational therapy across the lifespan, including mental health, pediatric practice, adult rehabilitation, community practice, therapeutic activities, documentation, clinical reasoning, and professional practice.
The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant requires 109 quarter credits. Students can review the complete course sequence in the South University Academic Catalog
Fieldwork and Hands-On Training
South University’s OTA curriculum includes laboratory training and several supervised fieldwork experiences.
Students complete three Level I fieldwork courses covering mental health, children and adolescents, and adults and older adults.
The program concludes with two Level II fieldwork experiences:
- OTA2380 Level II Fieldwork A — 8 credits
- OTA2390 Level II Fieldwork B — 8 credits
Each Level II fieldwork experience is paired with a fieldwork seminar. These clinical experiences give students the opportunity to apply occupational therapy skills under professional supervision in real practice settings.
Because laboratory and clinical requirements must be completed in person, South University’s OTA degree cannot be completed fully online.
Tuition and Program Cost
For the 2026–2027 academic year, South University lists OTA tuition at $475 per credit.
At 109 credits, base tuition is approximately $51,775 before books and other required expenses.
South University also lists additional costs for books, technology and registration fees, graduation, background checks and drug screening, immunizations, a physical exam, CPR certification, and uniforms. Actual costs can vary based on the number of credits taken each term and individual student expenses.
Students should review South University’s current Cost of Attendance information before enrolling rather than relying on a single estimated total program price.
Students should review the university’s current tuition and cost information for the latest figures.
Accreditation and Certification
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at South University, Tampa is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Students who pass the exam earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential.
Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain state licensure before practicing. South University states that its Associate of Science OTA curriculum meets Florida’s educational requirements for licensure.
Program Outcomes
South University reports that 27 students graduated from its Tampa OTA program during 2023–2025, with an overall three-year graduation rate of 93%.
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 92% |
| 2024 | 89% |
| 2025 | 100% |
| 2023–2025 Overall | 93% |
NBCOT publishes separate certification exam performance data by school and program.
What Stands Out
South University’s program differs from many Florida OTA programs because much of the professional coursework uses a live hybrid format rather than requiring students to attend campus for every class.
Students still need to attend in-person laboratory sessions and clinical fieldwork, but they can complete much of their classroom instruction online. Students admitted to the professional phase can also choose Tampa or Orlando for their laboratory sessions, subject to availability.
Another point to consider is cost. At $475 per credit for a 109-credit program, base tuition alone is about $51,775. Students comparing South University with public community college OTA programs should weigh the higher cost against the hybrid schedule and Tampa/Orlando laboratory options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University’s OTA program online?
South University’s OTA program is hybrid, not fully online. The professional phase combines scheduled live online classes with in-person laboratory sessions and clinical fieldwork.
How long is South University’s OTA program?
The professional phase takes approximately 15 months after students complete the required general education and prerequisite coursework. The full Associate of Science degree requires 109 quarter credits.
Can I complete the South University OTA program in Orlando?
The Associate of Science OTA program is offered through South University’s Tampa campus. However, students admitted to the professional phase can select Tampa or Orlando as their laboratory location, subject to availability. Didactic courses are delivered through the Tampa program.
What GPA do I need for South University’s OTA program?
Applicants need at least a 2.85 cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework to apply to the professional phase. They must also earn at least a B in OTA1003 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assistant.
How much does South University’s OTA program cost?
South University lists tuition at $475 per credit for 2026–2027. Based on the 109-credit curriculum, base tuition is approximately $51,775, before books, technology fees, registration fees, clinical requirements, and other expenses.
Is South University’s OTA program accredited?
Yes. South University’s Tampa OTA program is accredited by ACOTE. Graduates are eligible to take the NBCOT certification exam and pursue Florida OTA licensure.
Does South University’s OTA program require fieldwork?
Yes. The curriculum includes three Level I fieldwork courses and two Level II fieldwork rotations. Fieldwork must be completed in person.