Miami Dade College OTA Program

Program Overview

Miami Dade College offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy Associate in Arts (A.A.) pathway designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution. This program provides foundational coursework in human anatomy and physiology, human behavior, and growth and development, ensuring a strong academic base for occupational therapy studies.

Graduates of the A.A. program can transition seamlessly to a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field at a public university in Florida.

Program Duration and Credits

The program requires 60 credit hours and is typically completed in two years of full-time study. It includes general education requirements and elective courses aligned with occupational therapy prerequisites.

Accreditation and Transfer Opportunities

As an Associate of Arts (A.A.) pathway, this program follows the standards set by Miami Dade College’s accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Completing the A.A. guarantees admission to a Florida public university, allowing students to continue their occupational therapy education.

Curriculum

The course list includes:

• ENC 1101 English Composition I
• MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra 3
• MAT 1033L Intermediate Algebra Recitation Hall 0 Corequisite: MAT 1033
• SLS 1106 First Year Experience Seminar 1
• Social Science AMH 2010, AMH 2020, or POS 2041 3
• Computer Competency Computer Skills Placement (CSP)
• ENC 1102 English Composition II
• MAC 1105 College Algebra 3
• CHM 1025 Introductory Chemistry 3
• CHM 1045 General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis 3
• CHM 1045L General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis
• BSC 2085 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 3
• BSC 2085L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 1
• CHM 1046 General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis 3
• CHM 1046L General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysi
• BSC 2086 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• BSC 2086L Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
• MAC 1114 Trigonometry 3
• Humanities ARH 1000, HUM 1020, LIT 2000 (W),
• MUL 1010, PHI 2010 (W), THE 2000 (W)
• PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology 3
• STA 2023 Statistical Methods 3
• PHI 2600 Introduction to Ethics 3
• BSC 2010 Principles of Biology I
• BSC 2010L Principles of Biology I Lab 2

More information about the curriculum here.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites include meeting the developmental education requirements in math, reading, and writing.

Tuition

The estimated tuition cost for the program is $7,093.20 for in-state students.

Miami Dade College offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students cover tuition costs. Over 90% of MDC graduates complete their education without student debt.

Hands-On Training and Lab Facilities

Students gain foundational knowledge in lab-based courses such as Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Chemistry, and Biology. These courses include hands-on lab experiences that prepare students for the clinical aspects of occupational therapy education.

Career Pathways and Outcomes

Graduates of this program typically transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Upon completing advanced studies, occupational therapists can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, community mental health centers, and private clinics.

Other Programs Offered

Miami Dade College also offers pathways for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) and Occupational Therapy Aides, providing alternative career routes for students interested in occupational therapy fields.

Online Availability

The Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. pathway is not available fully online, as it includes lab-based science courses that require in-person attendance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. at Miami Dade College allows transfer credits, but students should consult with an advisor to determine eligibility. Course equivalency and accreditation status of the previous institution will be evaluated.

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

Students participate in laboratory courses for Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Chemistry, and Biology. These labs provide hands-on experience essential for understanding body systems, physical functions, and clinical applications in occupational therapy.

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

The A.A. pathway does not have a selective admission process, as it is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

However, maintaining a high GPA and completing all prerequisite courses will strengthen a student’s application for future occupational therapy programs.

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

While the Pre-Occupational Therapy A.A. does not lead directly to employment, Miami Dade College provides career services, academic advising, and transfer support to help students transition into bachelor’s and master’s programs in occupational therapy.

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

Since this is a pre-professional program, it does not include clinical rotations. However, students will complete lab-based coursework that prepares them for hands-on training in future occupational therapy programs at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

For more details or to start the application process, visit Miami Dade College’s Occupational Therapy Pathway Page.