Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
City: Tampa
Length: 24 months
Tuition: $56,090
Website: https://www.southuniversity.edu/tampa/occupational-therapy-assistant-as
South University’s Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program prepares students for entry-level careers as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).
The program blends online and in-person coursework, accommodating students with work or family obligations. Clinical components must be completed in person. Graduates must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and obtain state licensure to practice.
Program Duration
The OTA program requires 109 credit hours and takes approximately two years to complete.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes general education, foundation courses, and professional OTA coursework.
The program also includes two Level I fieldwork experiences and two Level II clinical rotations, which provide hands-on training in real-world settings.
Courses include:
OTA1011 Medical Conditions
This course explores the causes and symptoms of various clinical conditions relevant to occupational therapy. Topics include trauma, diseases, and congenital conditions that impact human function. Safety procedures and precautions for clients and caregivers are also covered.
OTA1020 Occupational Analysis I
Students learn to analyze and assess work, self-care, and leisure activities across the lifespan. The course emphasizes activity analysis, teaching and learning principles, and the professional language of occupational therapy.
OTA1031 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
This course covers the occupational therapy process for individuals with psychosocial conditions. Topics include historical and theoretical foundations, clinical characteristics, medical management, assessments, interventions, and evidence-based practice.
OTA1039 Level I Fieldwork in Mental Health
Students complete 30 hours of fieldwork in a psychosocial setting. They observe client assessments and interventions, gaining hands-on experience with mental health occupational therapy. This is a Pass/Fail course.
OTA1045 Professional Documentation
Students develop skills in clinical documentation, record-keeping, and professional communication. Topics include daily note writing, treatment planning, home programs, discharge planning, insurance documentation, and legal/ethical considerations.
OTA2020 Occupational Analysis II
This course expands on occupational analysis skills, focusing on modifying self-care, work, and leisure activities. It covers group assessment, assistive technology, standardized assessments, and low-vision adaptations.
OTA2031 Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Students examine typical and atypical development from birth through adolescence. The course covers occupational therapy interventions, theoretical models, evidence-based practice, and the role of the OT and OTA in pediatric settings.
OTA2039 Level I Fieldwork for Children and Adolescents
Students complete 30 hours of fieldwork observing and assisting in pediatric settings. They gain experience in client assessments, interventions, and occupational therapy practices for children and adolescents. This is a Pass/Fail course.
OTA2041 Movement for Human Occupation
This course covers human movement and biomechanics in occupational therapy. Students learn muscle origins and insertions, range of motion assessments, posture, balance, and the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.
OTA2051 Occupational Therapy for Adults and the Elderly
Students explore occupational performance in adulthood and aging. The course focuses on rehabilitation, evidence-based interventions, and the role of the OT and OTA in physical therapy settings.
OTA2059 Level I Fieldwork for Adults and the Elderly
Students complete 30 hours of fieldwork in adult and elderly care settings. They observe client assessments, interventions, and therapeutic techniques. This is a Pass/Fail course.
OTA2060 Occupational Therapy Management
This course covers management skills for OTAs, including ethical and legal responsibilities, regulatory agencies, funding and reimbursement systems, and healthcare policies. Students also engage in program development projects.
OTA2071 Community Practice
Students explore occupational therapy in community-based settings. Topics include health literacy, wellness, prevention, caregiver education, and advocacy. The course also covers home and community-based therapy programs.
OTA2080 Professional Issues
This course examines ethical and professional standards in occupational therapy. Topics include role delineation between OT and OTA, supervision requirements, advocacy, and regulatory agencies. Students develop skills in conflict resolution and evidence-based decision-making.
OTA2380 Level II Fieldwork A
Students complete an eight-week, full-time clinical rotation in an approved OT setting. Under supervision, they apply academic knowledge and develop entry-level competencies in occupational therapy. This is a Pass/Fail course.
OTA2385 Fieldwork Seminar A
Students refine clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills through case studies and discussions. Topics include ethics, confidentiality, and evidence-based practice in preparation for professional practice.
OTA2390 Level II Fieldwork B
Students complete a second eight-week, full-time clinical rotation in a different OT setting. They gain diverse clinical experiences while applying occupational therapy skills under supervision. This is a Pass/Fail course.
OTA2395 Fieldwork Seminar B
Using real-world clinical cases, students develop ethical reasoning, clinical problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making skills related to their Level II Fieldwork experiences.
More information about the curriculum here.
Accreditation and Licensure
The OTA program at South University, Tampa, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification exam, which is required for state licensure. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to obtain certification and licensure.
Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Admission to the professional phase of the OTA program is competitive. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 in prerequisite courses and earn at least a ‘B’ in Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Transfer credits may be accepted for general education courses, but OTA-specific coursework must be completed at South University.
Fieldwork and Hands-On Training
Students complete supervised fieldwork experiences in diverse settings, including pediatric, mental health, and physical rehabilitation environments.
The program offers on-campus lab facilities where students develop skills in adaptive equipment use, patient care techniques, and therapeutic interventions before working with real clients.
Tuition and Financial Considerations
Tuition is $475 per credit hour, with an estimated total program cost of $56,090, including fees and digital textbooks.
Additional expenses may include certification exam fees and state licensing costs. Financial aid options are available for eligible students.
Career Support and Job Placement
South University provides career services, including resume assistance, job search support, and networking opportunities. While the school does not guarantee employment, graduates have access to career counseling and employer partnerships to help secure OTA positions.
Other Programs Offered
In addition to the OTA program, South University offers various healthcare-related degrees, including Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Medical Assisting programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer credits from other schools into the OTA program?
Yes, general education and prerequisite courses may be transferred if approved by the registrar. However, OTA-specific courses (with an OTA prefix) must be completed at South University.
What hands-on experiences or lab facilities does the program provide for skill development?
Students gain hands-on experience through on-campus labs and clinical fieldwork placements. Labs include adaptive equipment training, manual therapy techniques, and patient care simulations. Clinical fieldwork occurs in pediatric, mental health, and rehabilitation settings.
How competitive is the application process, and what can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?
The OTA program is highly competitive. To improve your chances, maintain a strong GPA (2.85 or higher), achieve at least a ‘B’ in Introduction to Occupational Therapy Assistant, and submit a complete application packet on time.
Does the program offer job placement assistance or career services after graduation?
Yes, South University provides career services, including resume help, job search assistance, and employer networking. However, employment is not guaranteed.
What types of fieldwork or clinical rotations are required, and where do they take place?
Students complete two Level I fieldwork experiences (mental health, pediatric, or adult care) and two Level II full-time clinical rotations in professional settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics.