AdventHealth University (AHU) offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Orlando campus. The program can be completed in two calendar years and requires 76 credit hours.
Students complete general education and science courses, occupational therapy coursework, labs, practicums, and clinical fieldwork. The OTA curriculum focuses on four major areas of practice: psychosocial care, geriatrics, adults with physical disabilities, and pediatrics.
AdventHealth University OTA Program at a Glance
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Degree | Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Program Length | 2 years |
| Credits | 76 |
| Format | Primarily on campus |
| Tuition Rate | $580 per credit* |
| Estimated Base Tuition | $44,080* |
| Minimum GPA | 2.70 for admission |
| Application Deadline | May 1 |
| Accreditation | ACOTE |
| Fieldwork | Level I experiences + two Level II internships |
*Based on AdventHealth University’s published 2025–2026 undergraduate tuition rate of $580 per credit. The estimate does not include books, supplies, transportation, living expenses, or other fees.
Program Overview
The AdventHealth University OTA program prepares students to work under the supervision of occupational therapists in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and behavioral health facilities.
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with labs and clinical experiences. OTA courses are delivered in person, although some general education courses may be available online.
Students who enter the program with fewer than 24 college credits must complete their first- and second-trimester general education courses on campus.
The program follows a six-trimester sequence over two years. Students begin with foundational science, general education, and introductory OTA courses before progressing into psychosocial, geriatric, physical disability, and pediatric occupational therapy.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the OTA program is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Applicants must apply through OTACAS and submit transcripts from previously attended institutions. Applicants with fewer than 24 college-level credits must also submit their high school transcript.
Applicants must have either:
- A minimum 2.70 unweighted high school GPA, or
- A minimum 2.70 admission GPA across at least 12 credits of previous college coursework
For the 2026–2027 academic year, AdventHealth University is test-optional and does not require ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who have scores are encouraged to submit them because they can help with course placement and academic advising.
Applicants must also submit:
- At least two references through OTACAS
- A 500–750 word personal statement
- Official transcripts
- An on-campus interview, if invited
Previous observation, volunteer, or work experience in occupational therapy is not required, but AHU strongly encourages applicants to spend time in multiple OT settings before applying.
Application Deadline
The OTA application deadline is May 1. AdventHealth University recommends beginning the application process well before April 1 so that OTACAS and all required materials can be completed on time.
Curriculum
The AdventHealth OTA degree requires 76 credits divided among three areas:
| Curriculum Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cognate Requirements | 23 |
| General Education | 9 |
| OTA Major | 44 |
| Total | 76 |
The 23 credits of cognate courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pathophysiology, English Composition I and II, General Psychology, and Developmental Psychology.
The 44-credit OTA major includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology
- Patient Care Skills in Occupational Therapy
- Psychosocial Issues in Occupational Therapy
- Therapeutic Media and Technology
- Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics
- Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction
- Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
- Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
- Supervised Clinical Practice I and II
The curriculum is sequential. Taking courses outside the recommended sequence can delay progression through the program.
View the complete course sequence and program requirements in the AdventHealth University academic catalog.
Fieldwork and Hands-On Training
Clinical training is built throughout the AdventHealth OTA curriculum.
Students complete Level I fieldwork experiences connected to areas such as psychosocial care, physical dysfunction, geriatrics, and pediatrics. These experiences allow students to apply concepts learned in the classroom in clinical settings.
The final trimester includes two Level II fieldwork experiences through Supervised Clinical Practice I and II. Each is an eight-week clinical experience.
Students are exposed to clients across the lifespan and complete experiences in at least six types of practice settings.
Most fieldwork sites are located within a 60-mile radius of the AdventHealth University campus, and students are responsible for their own transportation.
Tuition and Program Cost
AdventHealth University lists its 2025–2026 undergraduate tuition rate at $580 per credit.
Based on the 76 credits required for the OTA degree, estimated base tuition is:
76 credits × $580 = $44,080
This is an estimate rather than a published total program price. It does not include books, supplies, transportation, housing, food, personal expenses, or other fees.
Students should check directly with AdventHealth University for current tuition and fees before enrolling.
See AdventHealth University’s current tuition and cost of attendance for the latest published rates and additional expenses.
Accreditation and Certification
The AdventHealth University Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for occupational therapy assistants.
Students who pass the exam earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential.
Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain state licensure before practicing.
Program Outcomes
AdventHealth University publishes graduation data for its OTA program.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering | Students Graduating Within 150% | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 12 | 86% |
| 2023 | 12 | 7 | 64% |
| 2022 | 16 | 12 | 92% |
| 2022–2024 Total | 45 | 31 | 82% |
The university has not yet calculated a final graduation rate for the 2025 cohort because some students are still within the allowable 150% completion period.
What Stands Out About AdventHealth University’s OTA Program
Several features may make AdventHealth worth considering for students comparing Florida OTA programs:
- Two-year completion: The full associate degree can be completed in two calendar years when students follow the recommended sequence.
- Extensive clinical experience: Students complete Level I fieldwork plus two eight-week Level II clinical experiences.
- Four major practice areas: Coursework covers psychosocial care, geriatrics, physical disabilities, and pediatrics.
- Test-optional admissions: ACT and SAT scores are not required for 2026–2027 admission.
- ACOTE accreditation: Graduates of the accredited program are eligible to take the NBCOT certification exam.
One factor to consider is the program’s on-campus commitment. OTA courses are taught in person, and clinical placements can be located as far as 60 miles from campus. Students will need reliable transportation and should expect limited free time while completing labs and clinical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AdventHealth University OTA program online?
No. OTA courses are delivered in person at AdventHealth University’s Orlando campus. Some general education courses may be available online, but the professional OTA curriculum includes on-campus classes, labs, practicums, and clinical fieldwork.
How long is the AdventHealth OTA program?
The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant can be completed in two calendar years. The curriculum requires 76 credits across six trimesters.
What GPA do I need for the AdventHealth OTA program?
Applicants generally need a minimum 2.70 high school GPA or a minimum 2.70 GPA across at least 12 credits of previous college coursework.
Does AdventHealth require the ACT or SAT for OTA admission?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, AdventHealth University is test-optional. ACT and SAT scores are not required, although applicants with scores are encouraged to submit them.
Does the program require observation or volunteer hours?
No. Occupational therapy observation or volunteer hours are not required for admission. AdventHealth University strongly encourages applicants to gain experience in several occupational therapy settings before applying.
Is the AdventHealth OTA program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by ACOTE. Graduates are eligible to take the NBCOT certification examination for occupational therapy assistants.