When choosing an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program near Fort Lauderdale, students can consider the offerings at Keiser University and Concorde Career College’s Miramar campus.
Both institutions focus on career-oriented, hands-on learning, but they differ in program structure, duration, and location convenience.
Keiser vs Concorde in Fort Lauderdale
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Keiser University Lauderdale | Concorde Career College Miramar |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Associate of Science (AS) in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Associate of Science (AS) in Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Program Duration | Approximately 2 years | Accelerated, completed in about 20 months |
| Accreditation | ACOTE-accredited | ACOTE-accredited |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Miramar, FL (near Pembroke Pines and Miami Gardens) |
| Hands-On Experience | Fieldwork integrated with curriculum | 360 lab hours and 760 clinical hours |
| Start Dates | Standard academic calendar | Frequent, flexible start dates |
| Learning Environment | “Students first” philosophy, with structured support | Hands-on, real-world focused training |
| Student Support Services | Career services, student support, and resource centers | Career services, student support, and access to resource centers |
| Ideal for Students Who | Prefer comprehensive support and a traditional, two-year program | Want an accelerated path to enter the workforce quickly |
| Career Preparation | NBCOT exam prep included; immediate entry into OTA role | NBCOT exam prep included; immediate entry into OTA role |
Program Structure
Keiser University offers a traditional Associate of Science (AS) degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant that spans approximately two years. This program is ideal for students who prefer a comprehensive learning approach, with fieldwork integrated into the curriculum to develop practical skills.
Concorde’s program is an accelerated Associate of Science (AS) in Occupational Therapy Assistant, allowing students to complete their degree in about 20 months. This shorter duration is ideal for those seeking a quicker path into the workforce.
Start Dates and Support
Keiser emphasizes a “students first” philosophy, focusing on personalized academic support and structured learning, with resources such as career services and student support integrated into the campus experience.
Concorde offers flexible, frequent start dates and emphasizes real-world experience through hands-on instruction. In addition, students have access to career services and resource centers, helping them gain practical skills and prepare for licensure exams.
Location
The Keiser campus is situated in Fort Lauderdale, making it accessible for those residing directly in the city.
Located in Miramar the Concorde campus is just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. It is convenient for students living across the broader South Florida metro area.
Similarities in OTA Programs
Both Keiser and Concorde emphasize hands-on training and offer resources such as career services, student support, and access to experienced instructors. Each institution provides ACOTE-accredited programs, preparing students to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and pursue licensure as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).
Differences in OTA Programs
The main differences lie in program duration and campus location. Keiser’s program takes two years, while Concorde’s accelerated structure allows students to graduate in about 20 months.
Keiser’s Fort Lauderdale campus is ideal for those in the city, while Concorde’s Miramar location may be more convenient for students from Pembroke Pines, Miami Gardens, and other parts of South Florida. Concorde also offers frequent start dates, accommodating students who wish to begin their studies without delay.
Choosing the Right Program
For students prioritizing an accelerated path, Concorde offers an efficient route to enter the OTA workforce quickly.
Keiser provides a longer, more traditional academic experience with ample support, ideal for those seeking a structured learning environment in Fort Lauderdale.
Both programs prepare students well for a fulfilling career in occupational therapy through a blend of academic and hands-on experience.