Students looking for an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program in Fort Myers have one local option: Keiser University. Keiser offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Fort Myers campus.
Students willing to travel outside the Fort Myers area can also consider the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at State College of Florida in Bradenton.
Both programs prepare students for careers assisting occupational therapists, but location, tuition, program length, and admissions requirements differ.
Fort Myers OTA Programs at a Glance
| School | Location | Degree | Length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University | Fort Myers | Associate of Science | 24 months | $80,813* |
*Tuition and program costs can change. Confirm current costs with the school before enrolling.
Keiser University – Fort Myers
Degree: Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Credits: 83 credit hours
Length: Approximately 24 months
Format: On campus
Campus: 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Accreditation: ACOTE accredited
Keiser University offers the only Occupational Therapy Assistant program currently located in Fort Myers.
The 83-credit program combines classroom instruction, lab work, and fieldwork. Students study areas such as therapeutic activities, clinical reasoning, physical and developmental conditions, mental health, and occupational therapy practice.
Keiser estimates that the program can be completed in about 24 months, although completion time can vary based on transfer credits and individual circumstances.
The Fort Myers OTA program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Graduates of an accredited OTA program can apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain state licensure.
View our complete Keiser University OTA program profile for tuition, admissions requirements, curriculum, fieldwork, and accreditation information.
Visit Keiser University’s official OTA program page.
OTA Programs Near Fort Myers
Students who want another option may need to travel outside the Fort Myers area.
One of the closest alternatives is State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in Bradenton. SCF states that its OTA program is offered only at its West Bradenton campus.
| School | Location | Distance from Fort Myers | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University | Fort Myers | Local | AS |
| State College of Florida | Bradenton | About 90 miles | AS |
The drive from Fort Myers to Bradenton is roughly 90 miles, making SCF more practical for students who plan to relocate or can manage a long commute.
SCF’s OTA program is full-time and in person at its West Bradenton campus at 5840 26th Street W. Students interested in the public-college option can read our State College of Florida OTA program profile for more information.
Visit SCF’s official OTA program page.
Choosing an OTA Program in the Fort Myers Area
Students should compare more than location when choosing an OTA program.
Cost: Tuition can differ significantly between public and private colleges. Compare the full estimated program cost, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, background checks, and other required expenses.
Commute: Keiser offers its OTA program directly in Fort Myers. Students considering SCF should account for the roughly 90-mile trip to Bradenton and the program’s full-time, in-person format.
Accreditation: Accreditation is especially important for OTA students. Graduation from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program is part of the pathway to taking the NBCOT certification exam and becoming licensed.
Program schedule: OTA programs include fieldwork in addition to classroom and laboratory courses. Students who plan to work while attending school should ask each program about class schedules and fieldwork requirements before enrolling.
Working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Fort Myers
Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for everyday activities.
OTAs may work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, home health, and senior care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 90 Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in the Cape Coral–Fort Myers metropolitan area in May 2023. The area’s mean OTA wage was $32.88 per hour, or $68,400 per year.
Nationally, employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants is projected to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, work setting, and hours worked.
Fort Myers OTA Program FAQs
How many OTA programs are in Fort Myers?
There is currently one Occupational Therapy Assistant program located in Fort Myers. Keiser University offers its Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Fort Myers campus.
Is Keiser University’s Fort Myers OTA program accredited?
Yes. Keiser University lists its Fort Myers Occupational Therapy Assistant program as fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Is State College of Florida’s OTA program in Fort Myers?
No. State College of Florida offers its Occupational Therapy Assistant program at its West Bradenton campus. Bradenton is about 90 miles north of Fort Myers.
How long does it take to become an OTA in Fort Myers?
Keiser University estimates that its Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant can be completed in approximately 24 months. Actual completion time can vary.
Do I need to take the NBCOT exam after completing an OTA program?
Graduates of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program must pass the NBCOT certification examination as part of the process of becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain a state license.
Explore More Florida OTA Programs
Students who are open to attending school elsewhere in Florida can compare additional options in our complete guide to Occupational Therapy Assistant programs in Florida.