The Fort Myers area is home to two notable Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs, each offering an Associate of Science (AS) degree but with unique approaches and requirements.
Both programs prepare students to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), providing hands-on skills for working under licensed occupational therapists to support clients in achieving greater independence.
| Feature | State College of Florida (SCF) | Keiser University |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length (Credit Hours) | 74 credit hours | 83 credit hours |
| Curriculum Focus | Occupational Therapy Practice Framework; Person-Environment-Occupation Model | Emphasis on hands-on training in clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice |
| Admission GPA Requirement | 2.75 for general education courses | 3.0 cumulative GPA |
| Prerequisite Courses | Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Written Communication, and Mathematics | Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Intermediate Algebra, General Psychology |
| Fieldwork Requirements | Required fieldwork integrated into coursework; close community connections | Extensive two-part Fieldwork series, partnerships for community placements |
| Accreditation | Full ACOTE accreditation | Full ACOTE accreditation (some campuses on probationary accreditation) |
| Certification Eligibility | NBCOT exam eligibility upon graduation | NBCOT exam eligibility upon graduation |
| Program Mission | Emphasizes community needs and professional ethics, SCF SOTA involvement | “Students-first” philosophy, focus on building foundational knowledge and career readiness |
| Campus Availability | Fort Myers only | Multiple Florida campuses, including Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Miami, etc. |
| Program Start | Fall term only, limited enrollment | Rolling admissions at various campuses |
However, while the programs share similar goals, there are differences in curriculum structure, program credit hours, and certain accreditation aspects.
State College of Florida OTA Program
The State College of Florida OTA program requires students to complete 74 credit hours, focusing on a comprehensive approach that includes the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation Model. With a mission centered on community needs and professional ethics, the program aims to prepare graduates for a variety of occupational therapy settings. Key courses cover foundational areas such as anatomy, psychology, and clinical skills, with prerequisites like Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, and Written Communication. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.75 GPA in general education courses, completion of a background check, and drug screening.
The program also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with professional organizations through SCF SOTA and other state and national occupational therapy associations. With an annual fall intake, the program’s limited enrollment status fosters a close-knit learning environment. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification exam, and the program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Keiser University OTA Program
The Keiser University OTA program spans 83 credit hours and offers additional campus locations throughout Florida, including Fort Myers. Keiser’s program is designed with a “students-first” philosophy, focusing on hands-on training in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and the development of competencies necessary for a changing healthcare environment. Courses include Introduction to Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, and a two-part Fieldwork series. Prerequisites for the program include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Intermediate Algebra, and General Psychology, alongside a university entrance exam.
Keiser’s OTA program also supports broader professional goals through partnerships with community organizations, creating opportunities for continuing education and fieldwork. Accredited by ACOTE, Keiser’s program provides graduates eligibility for the NBCOT certification exam, though certain campuses, such as the Melbourne and Fort Lauderdale locations, currently hold probationary accreditation status due to certification exam pass rates. Keiser also requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for applicants.
Key Differences in Program Structure and Requirements
While both programs offer a pathway to the same certification, there are a few key distinctions:
- Credit Hours and Curriculum: Keiser requires 83 credit hours, slightly more than the 74 credits at State College of Florida. This reflects Keiser’s inclusion of additional fieldwork and specialized courses in areas such as Pediatric and Psychiatric Occupational Therapy.
- Admission GPA Requirements: Keiser University has a higher GPA threshold of 3.0, compared to State College of Florida’s 2.75 GPA requirement for general education courses.
- Accreditation and Campus Availability: While both programs are ACOTE-accredited, certain Keiser campuses hold probationary accreditation, impacting potential candidates’ decisions based on location.
Similarities in Certification Eligibility and Career Preparation
Both State College of Florida and Keiser University OTA programs culminate in eligibility for the NBCOT certification exam, a crucial step for COTA licensure. Both institutions emphasize hands-on experience, with fieldwork placements that allow students to practice real-world skills under supervision. Graduates from either program are well-equipped for diverse OTA roles, such as in pediatrics, mental health, physical rehabilitation, and community health.
Conclusion
State College of Florida and Keiser University each offer robust OTA programs tailored to support students’ entry into occupational therapy careers. Prospective students should consider factors like credit hours, campus accreditation status, and GPA requirements to choose the program that aligns best with their academic goals and professional aspirations in the field of occupational therapy assistance.