Concorde Career College OTA Program

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate Degree program at Concorde Career Institute in Miramar, FL, is designed to be completed in 20 months.

The program consists of 81.5 semester credit hours, including both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students gain essential skills to assist patients in improving their daily functions, working under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.

Accreditation and Certification

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), ensuring that graduates meet national education and training standards.

However, the program was placed on probationary accreditation as of December 2, 2023. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required for state licensure.

Acceptance Rate and Admissions Requirements

The program’s acceptance rate is not explicitly stated, but admission is competitive. Applicants must meet general education prerequisites, which may include coursework in anatomy, psychology, and mathematics.

Concorde allows block transfer credits for students with degrees in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or Health Sciences, reducing the total required coursework. A background check, immunization records, and drug screening are also required.

Curriculum

The curriculum blends classroom learning, on-campus lab training, and clinical rotations.

Key courses include:

OTAP1140 Occupational Analysis & Therapeutic Media
This course covers the use of tools, equipment, and techniques in therapeutic media. Students analyze and apply activities commonly used in occupational therapy across clinical and community settings.

OTAP1145 Occupational Analysis & Therapeutic Media Lab
A hands-on lab where students practice activity analysis, adapt media for diverse populations, and develop skills in tool use and safety.

OTAP1150 Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics Lab
Students gain hands-on experience with pediatric occupational therapy assessments, adaptive equipment, and intervention techniques while learning to collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

OTAP1210 Foundations of Occupational Therapy
An introduction to occupational therapy history, philosophy, practice models, ethical considerations, and healthcare regulations. The course also covers service delivery systems and reimbursement processes.

OTAP1220 Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Practice Lab
A lab focused on psychosocial occupational therapy, emphasizing independent learning, collaboration, group therapy implementation, and assessment skills for OTAs.

OTAP1230 Applied Kinesiology for OTAs Lab
This lab covers hands-on palpation of joints and muscles, biomechanical principles, and evaluation of motion, posture, and balance.

OTAP1250 Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
Students learn fundamental pediatric occupational therapy skills, including patient observation, assessments, treatment planning, and documentation.

OTAP1320 Psychosocial Occupational Therapy
This course covers psychosocial occupational therapy theories, group dynamics, evaluation methods, intervention strategies, pharmacology, and advocacy for mental health populations.

OTAP1330 Applied Kinesiology for OTAs
Expands knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, movement patterns, and neuromuscular physiology to assess functional mobility and body mechanics.

OTAP1340 Clinical Conditions I
Focuses on common physical, mental, developmental, and orthopedic conditions, examining their effects on individual performance, families, and society.

OTAP1350 Clinical Conditions II
A continuation of Clinical Conditions I, covering genetic disorders, disabilities, disease progression, and their impact on daily living and occupational performance.

OTAP1360 Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction
Covers therapeutic interventions for adults with functional deficits due to medical, orthopedic, and neurological conditions, emphasizing assessment and treatment strategies.

OTAP1365 Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction Lab
A hands-on lab where students practice intervention techniques, functional ability assessments, and treatment planning for physical dysfunction.

OTAP2110 Fieldwork Seminar
Prepares students for clinical practice by exploring joint protection, assistive technology, emerging treatment approaches, and evaluation techniques for occupational therapy interventions.

OTAP2120 Occupational Therapy Concepts
Expands knowledge of professional ethics, practice standards, clinical competencies, and licensure requirements for occupational therapy assistants.

OTAP2125 Occupational Therapy Concepts Lab
A lab-based course applying professional ethics, practice procedures, and communication skills in occupational therapy.

OTAP2210 Occupational Therapy in Emerging and Specialty Areas of Practice Lab
Students practice emerging therapy techniques, including adaptive interventions, assistive technology, and evaluation strategies for various physical and cognitive conditions.

OTAP2215 Fieldwork Level I Clinical
Students observe and participate in clinical fieldwork, spending 120 hours in different healthcare settings to develop professional skills.

OTAP2230 Occupational Therapy Transitions
Prepares students for professional practice, covering state licensure, NBCOT certification, job readiness, and employability skills.

OTAP2310 Occupational Therapy in Emerging and Specialty Areas of Practice
Explores the evolving role of occupational therapy in medical, educational, and community-based settings, along with legal, ethical, and advocacy considerations.

OTAP2720 Fieldwork Level II Clinical A
Students apply classroom knowledge in a supervised clinical setting, working with diverse patient populations and gradually increasing responsibilities.

OTAP2730 Fieldwork Level II Clinical B
A continuation of Fieldwork IIA, placing students in a new clinical setting to further develop occupational therapy skills and professional independence.

More information about the curriculum here.

Hands-On Training

Students complete 360 lab hours in on-campus facilities and 760 clinical hours in healthcare settings, ensuring real-world application of skills.

Tuition

The total tuition and fees for the OTA program is $47,078.

Review the Miramar tuition page here: https://miramar-catalogs.concorde.edu/program-costs-miramar

Fieldwork and Clinical Rotations

Students participate in off-site clinical rotations, gaining experience in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. The program includes Level I and Level II clinical fieldwork, requiring full-time commitment for eight weeks per rotation.

Online Availability

The program is delivered in a blended format, with some general education courses available online. However, OTA-specific coursework and clinical training require in-person attendance.

Other Programs Offered

Concorde Career Institute offers additional healthcare-related programs, including Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Medical Assisting, and Radiologic Technology.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I transfer credits from other schools into the OTA program?

Yes, general education courses may be transferred, and students with degrees in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or Health Sciences may be eligible for block transfer credits, reducing the number of required courses.

What hands-on experiences or lab facilities does the program provide for skill development?

Students complete 360 lab hours on-campus, practicing therapeutic interventions, assistive device usage, and patient care techniques. Additionally, 760 clinical hours provide real-world experience in healthcare settings.

How competitive is the application process, and what can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?

The acceptance rate is not specified, but admission is competitive. To improve your chances:

• Maintain a strong GPA in prerequisite courses.
• Gain volunteer or work experience in occupational therapy settings.
• Ensure all application materials are submitted on time.

Does the program offer job placement assistance or career services after graduation?

Yes, Concorde provides career services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance. While job placement is not guaranteed, many graduates find employment quickly due to the high demand for OTAs.

What types of fieldwork or clinical rotations are required, and where do they take place?

The program includes Level I and Level II fieldwork, with off-site clinical rotations in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient facilities. These hands-on experiences prepare students for real-world occupational therapy practice.