City: Orlando, Tampa
Length: 24 months
Tuition: $50,445
Website: https://www.ahu.edu/programs/as-occupational-therapy-assistant
Program Overview
The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at AdventHealth University (AHU) prepares students for a rewarding healthcare career by providing a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and real-world clinical experience.
The program spans two years and includes both general education courses and core occupational therapy assistant classes. Students graduate with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and schools.
Accreditation and Certification
The OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
State licensure is required to practice, and licensure requirements typically depend on NBCOT exam results.
Program Outcomes
The program boasts an 87% graduation rate over the last four years. Graduates have strong pass rates on the NBCOT exam, positioning them for successful employment in healthcare settings. The demand for occupational therapy assistants continues to grow, offering job stability and career advancement opportunities.
Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rate
Admission to the OTA program is highly competitive, with only 24 students admitted per intake. The application deadline is May 1, and applicants must apply through the Occupational Therapy Assistants Centralized Application Service (OTACAS). Minimum requirements include:
- A high school GPA of at least 2.70 or 12 college credits with a 2.70 GPA.
- ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 910, unless the applicant has 24 or more college credits.
- Submission of official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- While volunteer hours in an occupational therapy setting are not required, they are strongly encouraged and can improve an applicant’s chances of acceptance.
Curriculum
The program covers 76 credit hours, blending general education, OTA coursework, and fieldwork experiences.
Coursework includes:
OCTH 105 – Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of occupational therapy, including its history, philosophy, and core theories. Students explore therapeutic intervention across various settings, develop skills for therapeutic relationships, and enhance their clinical reasoning. Includes both lecture and lab components.
OCTH 110 – Matthew 25: A (1)
Students engage in mission-based clinical care, working with underserved populations in a free OT clinic, assisting individuals in poverty, and participating in hospital chaplain rounds. This interactive course emphasizes compassionate care and community service.
OCTH 112 – Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology (3)
This course covers biomechanics and kinesiology related to human movement, focusing on anatomical landmarks, muscle testing, and exercise principles. Special attention is given to upper extremity function in daily activities. Includes both lecture and hands-on lab work.
OCTH 115 – Matthew 25: B (1)
A continuation of Matthew 25: A, this course allows students to deepen their engagement in mission-based clinical care, working closely with patients, families, and hospital chaplains in underserved communities.
OCTH 117 – Patient Care Skills in Occupational Therapy (2)
Students learn fundamental OT skills such as patient interaction, vital assessments, transfers, positioning, ergonomics, wheelchair management, and therapeutic exercises. Case-based scenarios and hands-on practice enhance clinical competency.
OCTH 121 – Psychosocial Issues in Occupational Therapy (4)
This course explores mental health diagnoses, psychosocial interventions, and OT’s role in mental health treatment. Students participate in service-learning, conduct group interventions, and integrate psychosocial components into clinical practice. Includes lecture and lab.
OCTH 122 – Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Practicum (1)
A Level I fieldwork experience where students apply psychosocial OT principles in clinical settings. They gain experience in patient interaction, professional conduct, observation, and treatment planning under the supervision of OT practitioners.
OCTH 131 – Therapeutic Media and Technology (2)
Students explore therapeutic tools and assistive technologies used across various patient populations. Hands-on experience helps them understand how different media enhance therapeutic interventions.
OCTH 211 – Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics (4)
This course examines the aging process, common geriatric conditions, and OT interventions to improve elderly clients’ quality of life. Students learn about ethical issues, documentation, and caregiver support. Includes lecture and lab.
OCTH 213 – Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction (4)
Students study OT’s role in treating physical disabilities caused by illness or injury. The course covers OT history, documentation, psychosocial aspects, and reimbursement policies. Hands-on labs focus on evaluation and treatment techniques.
OCTH 214 – Physical Dysfunction Occupational Therapy Practicum (1)
A Level I fieldwork experience where students apply knowledge from OCTH 213 in clinical settings. Students observe and assist with patient care, evaluations, and interventions under the supervision of OT professionals.
OCTH 215 – Occupational Performance Practicum (1)
A Level I fieldwork experience focused on geriatric care. Students gain hands-on experience working with elderly patients, developing clinical and communication skills, and applying OT techniques in real-world settings.
OCTH 221 – Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics (4)
Students develop entry-level pediatric OT skills through lectures and labs. Topics include child development, pediatric diagnoses, intervention techniques, family collaboration, legal considerations, and reimbursement issues.
OCTH 222 – Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practicum (1)
A Level I fieldwork experience where students apply pediatric OT concepts in clinical settings under professional supervision. They develop skills in observation, documentation, and assisting with evaluations and interventions.
OCTH 223 – Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy (3)
This course prepares students for their transition to professional practice, focusing on clinical reasoning, ethics, advocacy, research participation, and quality assurance. Case studies help reinforce problem-solving and decision-making skills.
OCTH 231 – Supervised Clinical Practice I (4)
A Level II fieldwork experience where students apply OT skills in a clinical setting under professional supervision. They refine clinical reasoning, patient care, and professional collaboration. Requires 40 hours of clinical practice per week for eight weeks.
OCTH 232 – Supervised Clinical Practice II (4)
A second Level II fieldwork experience in a new clinical setting, allowing students to build on their skills, apply OT principles, and gain real-world experience in a professional healthcare environment. Full-time clinical placement.
OCTH 233 – Seminar for Clinical Practice (1)
This course prepares students for national certification and employment by covering job search strategies, interview preparation, and professional writing. It includes discussions on fieldwork experiences and is delivered in a blended format (on-campus and online).
More information about the curriculum here:
Hands-On Training
Students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice, which takes place in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings. The program requires two eight-week Level II fieldwork internships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world practice.
Tuition and Fees
The total estimated program cost is $50,445, covering tuition, fees, books, and other materials. Each trimester’s tuition ranges from $5,130 to $9,120, with additional costs for uniforms, technology, and professional fees. Financial aid and payment plans may be available for eligible students.
Career Support and Job Placement
AHU provides career services to help graduates transition into the workforce. While the program does not guarantee job placement, students receive support with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation. The high demand for occupational therapy assistants increases graduates’ chances of finding employment quickly.
Online Availability
The OTA program is not offered online and requires in-person attendance for coursework, labs, and clinical training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I transfer credits from other schools into the OTA program?
Yes, students can transfer general education credits from regionally accredited institutions. However, OTA-specific courses are not transferable due to differences in program structures.
What hands-on experiences or lab facilities does the program provide for skill development?
Students gain hands-on training through lab courses and supervised clinical experiences. The program includes Level I and Level II fieldwork, where students work directly with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools.
How competitive is the application process, and what can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?
The OTA program is highly competitive, with 24 students accepted per intake.
To improve your chances:
- Maintain a strong GPA (minimum 2.70).
- Gain volunteer or shadowing experience in an occupational therapy setting.
- Submit a well-written personal statement demonstrating your passion for the field.
- Secure strong letters of recommendation from professionals or educators.
Does the program offer job placement assistance or career services after graduation?
Yes, AHU provides career support services, including resume workshops, job search assistance, and interview preparation.
While the program does not guarantee job placement, the high demand for occupational therapy assistants makes employment prospects favorable.
What types of fieldwork or clinical rotations are required, and where do they take place?
Students complete two Level II fieldwork internships, each lasting eight weeks. These rotations take place in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Most clinical sites are located within a 60-mile radius of the AHU campus.