Polk State OTA Program

Program Overview

Polk State College offers a 74-credit-hour Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting. The program prepares students to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, helping individuals with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities improve their daily living and work-related skills.

Students learn to adapt environments and use therapeutic techniques to enhance independent functioning.

Program Duration and Structure

The OTA program is designed for full-time students and takes approximately two years to complete.

Coursework is conducted on-campus at the Winter Haven location, with a mix of in-person and online-assisted classes. Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., typically two to four days per week.

Accreditation and Certification

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants (NBCOT), a requirement for state licensure. Over the past three years, Polk State’s graduates have achieved a board pass rate of 87.6%.

Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

Polk State College admits 24 students per year through a competitive selection process. To apply, students must have:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• 11 prerequisite credits, including ENC 1101, PSY 2012, and BSC 2085C
• 20 hours of observation or volunteer work in an occupational therapy setting
• A resume and statement of readiness
• A background check, drug screening, and immunization records upon acceptance

The college reserves two seats for veterans and two seats for students from Hillsborough Community College or Pasco-Hernando State College through a linkage program.

Curriculum

The program combines classroom instruction, lab training, and hands-on fieldwork.

Courses include:

OTH 1001C – Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Lab
Covers the history, philosophy, and ethics of occupational therapy, along with certification and licensure requirements. Introduces the roles of OTRs and COTAs, occupation-based interventions, communication skills, and patient-care techniques such as infection control and mobility assistance. Includes hands-on lab practice to prepare for Level I Fieldwork.

OTH 1520C – Pediatric Principles and Interventions, and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Capstone Project
Focuses on occupational therapy in pediatric settings, including developmental stages, motor skills, pediatric neurology, and assistive technologies. Covers evaluation tools, treatment approaches, and therapeutic communication. Includes a capstone project where students develop and document a pediatric intervention.

OTH 2300C – Psychosocial Occupational Therapy and Lab
Explores occupational therapy approaches for individuals with psychiatric conditions. Covers mental health diagnoses, evaluation tools, treatment techniques, and therapeutic communication. Students practice group dynamics, documentation, and psychosocial interventions in a lab setting.

OTH 1800 – Level I Fieldwork
Provides four weeks (160 hours) of supervised clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Students apply assessment and treatment techniques to support patients with psychological and social challenges, while developing professional communication and patient-care skills.

BSC 2086C – Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Covers the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, along with cellular metabolism and genetics. Includes laboratory exercises in dissection, microscopy, and physiological experimentation.

OTH 1014C – Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology I and Lab I
Introduces biomechanics and kinesiology principles related to human movement and occupational performance. Covers osteology, myology, and neurology of the lower body and trunk. Includes manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises, and gait analysis.

OTH 2420C – Physical Dysfunction Interventions and Principles in Occupational Therapy
Covers assessment and treatment for adults with medical, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. Includes evaluation tools, therapeutic techniques, adaptive devices, and splinting skills. Emphasizes geriatric care and rehabilitation approaches.

HSC 2554 – Basic Principles of Disease
Explores human diseases, including their causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies. Provides a comprehensive understanding of pathology across body systems.

OTH 1019C – Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology II and Lab
Focuses on the myology and neurology of the upper body, head, and neck. Includes manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises, and neuroanatomy applications. Emphasizes the role of movement in occupational performance.

OTH 2125C – Therapeutic Modalities and Lab
Provides an overview of neurophysiological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular rehabilitation techniques. Covers physical agent modalities (PAMs) such as heat, electrical stimulation, and exercise protocols used in occupational therapy.

OTH 2131C – Activity Analysis and Capstone
Teaches students how to analyze, adapt, and grade functional tasks for various patient populations. Includes a capstone component requiring intervention planning, implementation, and a practical skills assessment before course completion.

OTH 2840 – Level II Fieldwork: Physical Dysfunction
Provides 320 hours of hands-on clinical training under the supervision of an OTR or COTA. Focuses on evaluation, treatment planning, interventions, and professional communication with patients and healthcare teams.

OTH 2841 – Level II Fieldwork: Psychosocial
Provides 320 hours of supervised fieldwork in a mental health or psychosocial setting. Students apply occupational therapy techniques, documentation methods, and communication strategies to support individuals with psychiatric or psychosocial challenges.

More information about the curriculum here.

Fieldwork Requirements

Students must complete two fieldwork experiences (Level I and Level II) at clinical sites, requiring full-time participation (40 hours per week).

Tuition and Additional Costs

The estimated total cost of the program is $10,573, which includes:

• Tuition: $8,304.28
• Books & Lab Fees: $929.94
• Background Check & Drug Screening: $260
• Uniform, CPR & HIV Certification: $309
• NBCOT Exam & Florida Licensure Fee: $720

Financial aid, scholarships, and veteran benefits may be available for eligible students.

Career Outlook and Job Placement

Graduates of the OTA program can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health agencies, and schools. In Polk County, OTAs earn an average of $22 per hour.

The program does not guarantee job placement, but Polk State provides career services and job assistance to help students connect with employers.

Other Programs Offered

Polk State College offers other health sciences programs, including Physical Therapy Assistant, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care.

Online Availability

The OTA program is not fully online. Some courses offer online-assisted learning, but hands-on lab work and field experiences require in-person attendance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, transfer credits for General Education courses may be accepted pending review by the Polk State College Registrar. Some occupational therapy courses may be eligible for transfer if they align with Polk State’s curriculum and are less than two years old.

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

Students complete lab-based coursework in anatomy, therapeutic modalities, functional anatomy, and kinesiology. They also participate in two required fieldwork rotations, where they gain real-world experience working with patients under supervision.

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

The acceptance rate is competitive, with only 24 students admitted per year. To improve your chances:

• Maintain a strong GPA (2.5 or higher)
• Complete all prerequisites before applying
• Gain additional volunteer or observation hours
• Submit a well-prepared resume and statement of readiness

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

While the program does not offer direct job placement, students can access Polk State College’s career services, which provide resume help, interview preparation, and job listings.

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

Students must complete Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools, and mental health agencies. Fieldwork is full-time (40 hours per week) and may require travel up to 60 miles from campus.

For application details, visit Polk State College OTA Program.