Students looking for Occupational Therapy Assistant programs in Jacksonville have two local options: Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) and Keiser University’s Jacksonville campus.
Both schools offer associate degree programs that prepare students for entry-level work as Occupational Therapy Assistants. The programs include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and fieldwork experience.
The biggest differences are cost, admissions requirements, program structure, and school type. FSCJ is a public state college, while Keiser University is a private university.
Jacksonville OTA Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Credits | Minimum GPA | School Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) | Associate in Science | 74 | 2.5 | Public |
| Keiser University – Jacksonville | Associate of Science | 83 | 3.0 for prerequisite coursework | Private |
Both programs include required fieldwork as part of the OTA curriculum.
Florida State College at Jacksonville OTA Program
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a 74-credit Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
The curriculum covers subjects such as functional anatomy, mental health, physical rehabilitation, geriatrics, and occupational therapy practice. Students also complete Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.
FSCJ operates the OTA program as a Limited Access program, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must complete required prerequisite courses. The admissions process also uses HESI-A2 scores and an applicant ranking system.
FSCJ May Be a Good Fit For Students Who:
- Want to attend a public college
- Prefer a lower-cost option
- Meet the prerequisite and HESI requirements
- Want to complete their OTA education in Jacksonville
View our complete FSCJ OTA program profile.
Keiser University Jacksonville OTA Program
Keiser University offers its Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Jacksonville campus.
The 83-credit curriculum includes courses in kinesiology, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, pediatric occupational therapy, psychiatric disorders, and aging and performance skills.
Students also complete fieldwork that provides supervised experience working with clients in occupational therapy settings.
Admission is selective. Applicants need a 3.0 cumulative GPA in required prerequisite coursework, which includes subjects such as anatomy and physiology, algebra, and psychology. Additional admissions requirements may apply.
Keiser May Be a Good Fit For Students Who:
- Prefer a private university setting
- Want a structured OTA curriculum
- Meet the program’s prerequisite requirements
- Want to attend Keiser’s Jacksonville campus
View our complete Keiser University OTA program profile.
Comparing FSCJ and Keiser University
For many students, cost may be one of the biggest differences between these programs.
FSCJ is a public college and may offer a significantly lower tuition cost, particularly for Florida residents. Keiser is a private university and typically has higher tuition.
Admissions requirements also differ. FSCJ lists a 2.5 minimum GPA and uses a competitive Limited Access admissions process. Keiser requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework.
The programs also differ in size. FSCJ requires 74 credits, compared with 83 credits at Keiser.
Neither option is automatically better for every student. Your choice may depend on tuition, admissions eligibility, schedule, campus preference, and the type of college environment you prefer.
OTA Program Accreditation in Jacksonville
Accreditation is an important factor when comparing Occupational Therapy Assistant programs.
Before enrolling, students should confirm the program’s current accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates of an ACOTE-accredited OTA program can pursue the certification process through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Florida also has state requirements for practicing as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Because accreditation and program details can change, students should verify current requirements directly with the school and ACOTE before applying.
Which Jacksonville OTA Program Should You Choose?
Jacksonville gives prospective OTA students two distinct choices.
FSCJ may make more sense if affordability is your main concern. Its public-college structure and lower credit requirement can make it an attractive option for Florida residents.
Keiser may appeal to students who prefer a private university and its program structure. The Jacksonville campus also gives local students access to Keiser’s established OTA program without leaving the area.
Compare the total cost, admissions requirements, program schedule, fieldwork expectations, and current accreditation status before making a decision.
Explore OTA Programs Across Florida
Jacksonville is one of several Florida cities with Occupational Therapy Assistant programs.
Students who are open to attending school elsewhere can compare programs in:
You can also compare schools statewide in our complete guide to OTA schools in Florida.