Miami Dade College offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy Associate in Arts (A.A.) for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year institution.
This is not an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree and does not prepare graduates to take the NBCOT certification exam for occupational therapy assistants. Instead, the program provides general education and science coursework that can serve as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and preparation for later occupational therapy study.
The 60-credit curriculum includes coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology, human behavior, growth and development, mathematics, natural sciences, and general education.
Program Length and Credits
Students complete 60 credits, which Miami Dade College estimates can be completed in approximately two years of full-time study.
The A.A. degree includes:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 36 |
| Pathway Electives | 24 |
| Total | 60 |
Students should work with an academic advisor when choosing pathway electives. Course selection can depend on the requirements of the university and degree program where the student plans to transfer.
Curriculum
The Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway combines general education requirements with electives that support continued study in occupational therapy and related health fields.
Course options include subjects such as:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- College Algebra and Statistics
- English Composition
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
Students also must meet Miami Dade College requirements for foreign language competency, computer competency, and civic literacy.
Because transfer requirements vary by university, students should select courses with help from an MDC advisor and confirm prerequisites with their intended transfer institution.
Tuition and Fees
Miami Dade College lists the estimated tuition for the 60-credit Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. at $7,093.20 for Florida residents.
For the current academic year, associate-level college credit courses cost $118.22 per credit for Florida residents.
| Student | Cost Per Credit | Approx. 60-Credit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Resident | $118.22 | $7,093.20 |
| Non-Resident | $402.51 | $24,150.60 |
These figures cover tuition and standard college fees. Individual courses may have additional lab, online, materials, or supply fees.
Miami Dade College also offers federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other forms of student assistance.
Transfer Pathway
The Miami Dade program is built for transfer rather than immediate entry into the OTA workforce.
Students who earn an A.A. from Miami Dade College are guaranteed admission to one of Florida’s public universities, although admission to a specific university or occupational therapy program is not guaranteed.
Students interested in becoming occupational therapists will need additional education after completing the A.A. degree. Requirements depend on the bachelor’s and graduate occupational therapy programs they choose.
Is Miami Dade College an OTA Program?
No. Miami Dade College’s Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. is an academic transfer pathway rather than an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.
Students specifically looking to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) should choose an ACOTE-accredited OTA program that includes professional OTA coursework and fieldwork and prepares graduates for the NBCOT certification examination.
Miami Dade’s program is a better fit for students who want to begin their college education at MDC and later transfer to continue their education toward becoming an occupational therapist (OT).
Career Path
The A.A. degree does not qualify graduates to work as occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.
Instead, students typically transfer to continue their education. Miami Dade College reports strong demand for occupational therapy professionals in South Florida, including occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
Students should understand that these careers have different education and certification requirements. The Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. serves as a starting point for further education rather than a professional OTA credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami Dade College’s Pre-Occupational Therapy program an OTA degree?
No. It is a Pre-Occupational Therapy Associate in Arts transfer pathway. It does not lead directly to certification as an occupational therapy assistant.
How long does the Miami Dade Pre-Occupational Therapy program take?
Miami Dade College estimates that students can complete the 60-credit A.A. in two years of full-time study.
How much does the program cost?
MDC lists an estimated tuition cost of $7,093.20 for Florida residents. The current resident rate for associate-level college credit programs is $118.22 per credit.
Can I transfer after completing the A.A.?
Yes. The program is specifically structured for transfer. Earning an A.A. from Miami Dade College guarantees admission to one of Florida’s public universities, although it does not guarantee admission to a specific school or occupational therapy program.
Does the program include OTA clinical fieldwork?
No. This is a pre-occupational therapy transfer program rather than a professional OTA program. Students complete academic coursework instead of the Level I and Level II fieldwork required in an accredited OTA degree.
Is the program available online?
Miami Dade College offers courses in several formats, but students should not assume the entire Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway can be completed online. Science and other required courses may have in-person or laboratory components. Students should check the current course schedule when planning each semester.