Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at multiple campuses across Florida. The 83-credit program takes approximately 24 months to complete and includes OTA coursework, general education courses, laboratory training, and clinical fieldwork.
Graduates of an accredited Keiser OTA program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and pursue Florida licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Keiser University OTA Program at a Glance
| Degree | Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Program Length | Approximately 24 months |
| Credits | 83 |
| Format | On campus |
| Fieldwork | Level I fieldwork + two 8-week Level II rotations |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 for admission to the OTA major |
| Accreditation | ACOTE |
| Florida Locations | 9 campuses |
| Transfer Credits | Up to 12 credits may be accepted |
| Tuition | Contact Keiser for current program costs |
Visit the Keiser University OTA Program Page
Program Overview
Keiser’s OTA program prepares students to work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. Students learn how to help clients improve or regain skills needed for daily living, work, and leisure activities.
The curriculum covers physical, neurological, developmental, and psychiatric conditions. Students also learn how to adapt activities and environments to help clients function more independently.
The program requires 83 credit hours, including 57 credits of OTA major coursework and 26 credits of general education.
Florida Campus Locations
Keiser offers the OTA program at nine Florida campuses:
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Myers
- Jacksonville
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Pembroke Pines
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach
The Fort Lauderdale OTA program is not enrolling new students.
Admissions Requirements
Students must complete the general education requirements before entering the OTA major.
Requirements include:
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A grade of C or better in required general education courses
- Completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Completion of Intermediate Algebra
- Completion of Introduction to Psychology
- A minimum score of 18 on the University Entrance Exam
- A satisfactory background check and drug screening
- A satisfactory background check and drug screening
Students can review the complete program requirements in the Keiser University Undergraduate Catalog.
Curriculum
The OTA major includes 57 credit hours of occupational therapy coursework.
Courses include:
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Human Occupation and Development Across the Lifespan
- Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Musculoskeletal Disorders, Assessment and Intervention Strategies
- Neurological Disorders, Assessment and Intervention Strategies
- Psychiatric Disorders, Assessment and Intervention Strategies
- Therapeutic Interventions for Individuals, Groups and Populations
- Fieldwork I
- Occupational Therapy for the Physically Disabled
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Aging and Performance Skills
- OT Pre-clinical Practicum
- Fieldwork II
Students also complete 26 credits of general education in areas such as psychology, communication, English, mathematics, computers, humanities, and anatomy and physiology.
Fieldwork and Hands-On Training
Clinical training is built into the program.
Students complete Level I fieldwork as well as Level II fieldwork after finishing their academic coursework. Level II fieldwork consists of two eight-week rotations under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapy practitioner.
Clinical experiences may take place in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community agencies, and other healthcare settings.
Keiser states that Level II fieldwork must be completed within 12 months after completing the academic portion of the program.
Accreditation and NBCOT Eligibility
Keiser University’s OTA programs at the Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami, Pembroke Pines, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates are eligible to take the NBCOT certification examination. Students who pass the exam earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential and can pursue state licensure.
Students should review Keiser’s current accreditation information for their specific campus before enrolling.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Keiser does not currently publish a single OTA program price on its program page. Tuition and total costs can vary based on enrollment, transfer credits, financial aid, and individual circumstances.
Keiser offers grants, scholarships, military and veteran education benefits, and other financial aid options to students who qualify.
Students should request a current program-specific cost estimate from Keiser before enrolling rather than relying on a general university cost-of-attendance estimate.
View Keiser University Tuition and Financial Services
FAQs
Can You Complete the Keiser OTA Program Online?
No. The OTA program requires on-campus attendance for its hands-on laboratory and professional coursework.
Some general education courses may be available online depending on the campus, but clinical courses and Level II fieldwork must be completed in person.
How Long Does the Keiser OTA Program Take?
Keiser lists the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant as an approximately 24-month program.
The actual completion time can vary for students who transfer previous college credits. Keiser states that students may be able to transfer up to 12 credits.
What Happens After Graduation?
Graduates must pass the NBCOT certification exam before becoming Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.
COTAs can work in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Schools
- Pediatric clinics
- Mental health facilities
- Home health
- Community-based programs
Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain state licensure before practicing.