Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in Florida requires completing an accredited OTA program, gaining supervised fieldwork experience, passing the national certification exam, and obtaining a Florida license.
For most students, the process begins with an associate-level Occupational Therapy Assistant program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and fieldwork.
Here are the main steps to becoming an OTA in Florida.
1. Complete an Accredited OTA Program
The first step is graduating from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant education program.
OTA programs typically lead to an associate degree and include coursework in areas such as anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic interventions, human development, mental health, and occupational therapy practice.
Students also complete labs and supervised fieldwork as part of their education.
Florida has OTA programs at both public and private colleges. Program length, tuition, admission requirements, and schedules vary considerably by school.
Students can compare current options in our complete guide to OTA schools in Florida.
Does Your OTA Program Need to Be Accredited?
Yes. Accreditation is an important part of the path to certification and Florida licensure.
Florida requires applicants for licensure by examination to graduate from an accredited occupational therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Before enrolling, students should verify the current accreditation status of any program they are considering.
2. Complete the Required Fieldwork
OTA education includes supervised fieldwork that gives students experience applying what they have learned in real practice settings.
Students generally complete both Level I and Level II fieldwork as part of an accredited OTA program.
Fieldwork settings vary and may include:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Schools
- Community-based programs
- Other occupational therapy settings
Florida law requires Occupational Therapy Assistant applicants to complete at least two months of supervised fieldwork experience.
Fieldwork is one reason students should consider more than tuition and location when comparing OTA programs. Clinical schedules and placement requirements can affect how easily a program fits around work and other responsibilities.
Students concerned about scheduling can also read our guide to online, hybrid, and evening OTA programs in Florida.
3. Pass the NBCOT Certification Exam
After completing the required education and fieldwork, graduates must pass the Occupational Therapy Assistant examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Passing the NBCOT exam is required for Florida OTA licensure.
The exam tests whether candidates have the knowledge needed to begin practicing safely and effectively as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Students typically prepare by reviewing material from their OTA program and using exam preparation resources and practice questions.
After passing the exam, candidates receive the certification associated with becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, or COTA.
The NBCOT exam is a national examination. Florida does not administer a separate state OTA licensing examination.
4. Apply for an Occupational Therapy Assistant License in Florida
Passing the NBCOT exam does not by itself authorize someone to practice as an OTA in Florida.
OTAs must also obtain a state license through the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.
According to the Florida Board, new graduates should apply to NBCOT and complete the national examination before submitting their Florida licensure application.
Florida’s basic licensure requirements include:
- Meeting the state’s education requirements
- Completing the required supervised fieldwork
- Passing the NBCOT examination
- Meeting Florida’s character and application requirements
- Completing required background screening
- Submitting the application and required fee
Florida now requires electronic fingerprinting as part of the licensure process.
Prospective applicants should check the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy for current application requirements, fees, forms, and processing information.
5. Start Your Career as an OTA
Once licensed, Occupational Therapy Assistants can pursue jobs in several healthcare and educational settings.
Common work environments include:
- Occupational and physical therapy offices
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Home healthcare
- Schools
- Rehabilitation facilities
The type of work varies by setting. An OTA in a school may help children develop skills needed to participate in classroom activities, while an OTA working in rehabilitation may help adults regain skills following an injury or illness.
OTAs work under the supervision of occupational therapists and help carry out treatment plans. Their work may include therapeutic activities, exercises, adaptive equipment, daily living skills, and documenting client progress.
6. Maintain Your Florida OTA License
Becoming licensed is not the end of the process.
Florida Occupational Therapy Assistants must renew their licenses and meet the state’s continuing education requirements.
The exact requirements can vary based on the renewal cycle and whether it is the licensee’s first renewal. Florida also requires specific continuing education topics as part of license renewal.
OTAs should use the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy as the primary source for current renewal and continuing education requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Become an OTA in Florida?
The largest part of the timeline is completing an accredited OTA degree program.
Occupational Therapy Assistant programs typically require about two years of study, although the actual timeline depends on the school, prerequisite requirements, course sequence, and whether the student attends full time.
Students must also complete fieldwork, take the NBCOT exam, and finish the Florida licensing process before practicing as an OTA.
For this reason, prospective students should look at the entire program sequence rather than assuming every associate degree can be completed in exactly two years.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an OTA in Florida?
The cost varies significantly by school.
Florida students can choose from public colleges and private universities, and tuition can differ by tens of thousands of dollars between programs.
Students should consider:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Uniforms and equipment
- Background checks and health requirements
- Transportation to fieldwork sites
- NBCOT examination costs
- Florida licensing fees
Our Florida OTA schools guide compares program costs and other important differences between schools.
Is Becoming an OTA Worth It?
That depends on your career goals, finances, and interest in hands-on patient care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Occupational Therapy Assistants had a median annual wage of $72,300 in May 2025. Employment of OTAs is projected to grow 21% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3% for all occupations.
An OTA career may appeal to students who want to:
- Work directly with patients and clients
- Enter a healthcare profession through an associate-level degree
- Help people regain independence and everyday skills
- Work in rehabilitation, healthcare, or educational settings
- Pursue a career with projected employment growth
However, students should also consider the physical and interpersonal demands of the work. OTAs spend significant time on their feet and may need to bend, kneel, lift, or assist clients with movement.
Read our Occupational Therapy Assistant Career Overview for a closer look at OTA responsibilities, work settings, skills, salary, and career outlook.
Ready to Compare Florida OTA Programs?
The first major decision is choosing the right Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Florida programs differ in tuition, location, admission requirements, schedules, and program structure.
Start with our complete guide to OTA schools in Florida to compare your options.
You may also find these guides helpful:
- Admission Requirements for OTA Programs in Florida
- Online, Hybrid, and Evening OTA Programs in Florida
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Career Overview
1. Understand the Role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients regain independence in daily activities after an injury, illness, or developmental disability diagnosis. OTAs work under the supervision of occupational therapists, assisting with therapy exercises, guiding patients in using assistive equipment, and documenting patient progress.
2. Educational Requirements
To become an OTA in Florida, individuals must complete an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)-accredited associate degree program. These programs typically take 20 to 24 months and include classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical fieldwork.
Schools Offering OTA Programs in Florida
- AdventHealth University (Orlando, Tampa) – 24-month Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program accredited by ACOTE. Tuition: $50,445. The curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Occupational Therapy, Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology, and Physical Dysfunction Occupational Therapy Practicum. Graduates are eligible for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Concorde Career College (Miramar) – 20-month OTA program with a focus on classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical rotations. Tuition: $47,078.
- Daytona State College (Daytona Beach) – 22-month program with a tuition cost of $7,576 for in-state students. The curriculum includes courses such as Psychosocial Occupational Therapy, Clinical Conditions, and Developmental Issues in Occupational Therapy.
- FSCJ (Jacksonville) – 22-month Associate in Science (A.S.) degree with tuition around $7,900. Includes Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.
- Keiser University (Multiple Locations) – 24-month OTA program with an estimated tuition of $80,813.
- Miami Dade College (Miami) – Pre-Occupational Therapy Associate in Arts pathway, designed to transfer into a four-year degree program. Tuition: $7,093.20.
- Polk State College (Winter Haven) – 24-month program with an estimated total cost of $10,573. The program includes two eight-week Level II clinical rotations.
- South University (Tampa) – 24-month OTA program with online and in-person coursework. Tuition: $56,090.
- State College of Florida (Bradenton) – 21-month A.S. degree program, requiring 74 credit hours to complete. Tuition: $11,008.
3. Complete Clinical Fieldwork
All ACOTE-accredited programs require students to complete Level I and Level II fieldwork in clinical settings. Fieldwork provides practical, supervised experience working with patients in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities.
4. Pass the NBCOT Certification Exam
Graduates must pass the NBCOT exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). The exam evaluates knowledge in patient care, therapy interventions, and ethical practice. The NBCOT offers study materials and practice exams to help candidates prepare.
5. Obtain State Licensure in Florida
After passing the NBCOT exam, OTAs must apply for a Florida occupational therapy assistant license through the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Requirements include:
- Proof of NBCOT certification
- Background check
- Completion of a state jurisprudence exam (covering Florida OT laws and ethics)
- Payment of licensing fees
6. Consider Specializations and Continuing Education
To expand career opportunities, OTAs can pursue certifications in Assistive Technology (ATP), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Stroke Rehabilitation (CSRS), or Kinesio Taping (CKTP). Florida requires continuing education credits for license renewal every two years.
7. Job Outlook and Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for OTAs is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than other occupations. OTAs in Florida work in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Home health services
- Schools and early intervention programs
8. Next Steps
- Research and apply to an ACOTE-accredited OTA program in Florida.
- Complete classroom coursework, hands-on lab training, and Level I & Level II fieldwork.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam and apply for state licensure.
- Seek job opportunities in Florida’s healthcare and rehabilitation centers.
Becoming an OTA in Florida is a rewarding path for those passionate about helping individuals regain their independence. With high job demand, flexible work environments, and strong salary potential, OTAs play a critical role in healthcare and rehabilitation services.