The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs at Keiser University and Daytona State College in Daytona Beach offer students pathways to enter the occupational therapy field, each providing unique benefits and structures.
Below is a comparison of key aspects to help prospective students decide which program aligns best with their educational and career goals.
Keiser University vs Daytona State College
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Keiser University | Daytona State College |
|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | Approx. 20 months | 22 months |
| Core Curriculum Focus | Client-centered care, lifespan-based interventions | Occupation-based interventions for diverse disabilities |
| Clinical Component | Fieldwork I and II with extensive hands-on experience | On-site labs and multiple clinical field placements |
| Admission GPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 in prerequisites | Minimum “C” in prerequisites; competitive, limited-access admission |
| Accreditation | ACOTE accredited | ACOTE accredited |
| Certification Exam | Eligible for NBCOT certification | Eligible for NBCOT certification |
| Graduation Rate | 78% (3-year average) | 83% (3-year average) |
| Program Strengths | Focus on cultural competence and professional development | Strong community engagement and emphasis on lifelong learning |
Program Structure and Focus
Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. The curriculum is designed to train students in assisting patients with various needs to achieve independence in daily life through therapeutic occupations.
The program covers areas such as physical disabilities, pediatric care, and aging-related challenges, and integrates evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to prepare students for generalist roles.
Daytona State College also offers an Associate of Science degree in OTA with a 22-month program duration. This program has a strong community orientation and provides comprehensive training through academic coursework and clinical experience.
It focuses on using occupation-based interventions to support clients with physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities in achieving functional independence.
Clinical and Practical Training
Keiser University includes fieldwork components throughout the program, where students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.
Fieldwork is divided into Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II, with the latter consisting of extensive supervised clinical practice.
Daytona State College offers a robust practical training component through on-site labs and field placements across multiple clinical settings.
The second year of the program includes supervised clinical practices, ensuring students have hands-on experience to reinforce academic learning.
Admission Requirements
Keiser University requires applicants to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses, including anatomy, psychology, math, and introductory occupational therapy courses.
Additional requirements include background checks, drug screenings, and a minimum score of 18 on the University Entrance Exam.
Daytona State College requires completion of prerequisite courses, including Human Anatomy & Physiology I, General Psychology, and Introduction to Occupational Therapy. Applicants must also complete all math requirements through intermediate algebra.
Additionally, admission is limited-access, meaning students must apply and be selected through a competitive process.
Cost of Attendance
Keiser University tuition information is available here.
Daytona State College tuition information is available here.
Accreditation and Certification
Both Keiser University and Daytona State College are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
This accreditation ensures that graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Graduation and Pass Rates
Keiser University reports a 78% graduation rate for the Daytona Beach campus, with students generally meeting the program’s benchmark for certification exam pass rates.
Daytona State College boasts a high graduation rate, with an 83% average for recent cohorts. The program also reports strong NBCOT pass rates, with many graduates successfully passing on their first attempt.
Career Preparation and Community Impact
Both programs emphasize community and patient-centered care, but they each bring unique strengths:
Keiser University places a strong emphasis on student development through partnerships with local healthcare providers and continuing education opportunities. The program aims to create adaptable and culturally competent practitioners who can work across diverse healthcare settings.
Daytona State College has a deep connection with local healthcare providers, aiming to meet the workforce needs of Volusia and surrounding counties. Graduates are trained to become effective, responsible professionals with a lifelong commitment to learning and community engagement.
Most Affordable OTA Programs in Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach has a couple of PTA program options for you to consider. Below is a table breaking down the potential tuiition costs. NOTE: Does not include books or additional fees.
| School | Delivery | Credits | $/Credit | Cost |
| #1 – Daytona State College | Campus | 74 | $79.22 | $5,862.28 |
| #2 – Keiser University – Daytona Beach | Campus | 83 | $287.42 | $27,816 |
In conclusion, while both programs offer robust training for aspiring OTAs, students may choose Keiser University for a faster-paced, comprehensive program or Daytona State College for a more affordable, community-focused education emphasizing occupation-based therapy. Both programs equip graduates with the skills needed for a successful career in occupational therapy.