State College of Florida OTA Program

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at State College of Florida is a 21-month Associate in Science (A.S.) degree designed to prepare students for careers as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).

The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical fieldwork to develop skills in evaluating and assisting patients in gaining independence. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a requirement for most state licensure processes.

Program Duration and Structure

The OTA program spans five semesters (including a summer session) and requires 74 credit hours for completion. The curriculum includes general education courses, core OTA courses, and clinical fieldwork experiences.

Accreditation and Certification

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), ensuring graduates meet national certification and state licensure standards. Upon passing the NBCOT exam, graduates earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential.

Curriculum Overview

The program provides a mix of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience.

Topics include:

OTH 1001C – Introduction to Occupational Therapy
This course introduces students to occupational therapy, covering its history, philosophy, theories, and practice frameworks. It includes instruction in medical terminology, infection control, body mechanics, patient handling, and communication skills. Students will develop observational and reporting abilities while exploring ethical and professional responsibilities.

OTH 1001L – Introduction to Occupational Therapy Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 1001C.

OTH 1012C – Understanding Screening & Assessment in OT Practice
Students learn to conduct screenings and evaluations under occupational therapist supervision. The course covers outcome measures, assessment tools, and documentation to track client progress across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on culturally relevant and evidence-based assessment methods.

OTH 1014C – Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology
This course examines human movement through biomechanics, kinesiology, and applied anatomy. Students practice manual muscle testing and goniometry while analyzing movement’s role in occupational therapy. A problem-solving approach is used to link anatomy to therapeutic interventions.

OTH 1014L – Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 1014C.

OTH 1114C – Occupational Therapy Skills and Techniques I
Focusing on occupational therapy interventions for children and adolescents, this course explores activity analysis, motor skills, behavioral techniques, orthotics, and adaptive equipment. Students apply theoretical concepts through hands-on laboratory practice.

OTH 1114L – Occupational Therapy Skills and Techniques I Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 1114C.

OTH 1410 – Introduction to Human Disease
An overview of pathophysiology, covering medical, surgical, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. The course emphasizes the etiology, symptoms, and rehabilitation principles of common diseases, reinforcing medical terminology relevant to occupational therapy.

OTH 1520C – Occupational Therapy During Growth Years
Students explore common pediatric disabilities and develop treatment plans for children from birth to 20 years. The course focuses on occupational therapy techniques for pediatric settings, including interventions for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges.

OTH 1520L – Occupational Therapy During Growth Years Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 1520C.

OTH 2261C – Occupational Therapy Skills and Techniques II
This course expands on occupational therapy interventions for individuals with physical and psychosocial dysfunctions. Students apply problem-solving skills, activity analysis, and communication techniques while engaging in hands-on learning experiences.

OTH 2261L – Occupational Therapy Skills and Techniques II Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 2261C.

OTH 2300C – Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
Students examine mental health conditions, occupational therapy models, and treatment strategies. The course covers evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and professional roles in mental health settings, emphasizing therapeutic use of self and evidence-based practice.

OTH 2300L – Occupational Therapy Mental Health Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 2300C.

OTH 2420C – Occupational Therapy for the Physically Disabled
This course focuses on physical disabilities in adults, covering evaluation methods, treatment planning, and interventions. Students learn how to support client participation in daily activities through various occupational therapy strategies.

OTH 2420L – Occupational Therapy for the Physically Disabled Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 2420C.

OTH 2802L – Occupational Therapy Practicum
Students gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, observing and assisting with occupational therapy treatments for adults. A fieldwork seminar helps develop clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and interprofessional collaboration skills.

OTH 2840L – Supervised Clinical Practice I
This full-time, supervised fieldwork experience allows students to provide direct occupational therapy services in one practice area, such as physical disabilities, psychosocial dysfunction, or pediatrics. It emphasizes problem-solving, professionalism, and ethical practice.

OTH 2841L – Supervised Clinical Practice II
A continuation of Clinical Practice I, this fieldwork experience takes place in a different occupational therapy setting. Students refine clinical reasoning and therapeutic skills in preparation for entry-level practice as occupational therapy assistants.

OTH 2933C – Seminar for Clinical Practice
This course prepares students for the transition from student to practitioner. Topics include ethics, supervision, job search strategies, licensing requirements, and preparation for the national certification exam. Discussions enhance critical thinking and clinical skills.

OTH 2933L – Seminar for Clinical Practice Laboratory
This is a mandatory laboratory component for OTH 2933C.

Students also complete Level I and Level II Fieldwork placements in diverse healthcare settings.

More information about the curriculum here.

Fieldwork and Clinical Experience

Students complete 160 hours of Level I Fieldwork in various community-based and healthcare settings. In the final semester, they complete two Level II Fieldwork rotations, each 320 hours, providing direct patient care under supervision.

Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rate

Admission is highly competitive, with applicants required to:

• Have a minimum 2.75 GPA in general education courses
• Complete prerequisite courses with at least a grade “C”
• Submit transcripts, placement test scores, and an application
• Participate in an interview process

The program acceptance rate varies annually based on available seats and applicant qualifications.

Tuition and Fees

• In-State Tuition: Approximately $11,008
• Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $33,060
• Additional Fees: Covers uniforms, books, background checks, certification exams, and lab materials.

More info about the tuition here.

Other Nursing and Healthcare Programs Offered

State College of Florida also offers Nursing, Radiography, and Physical Therapy Assistant programs.

Online Availability

The OTA program is not offered fully online. Some general education courses may be available in an online format, but all core OTA courses require in-person participation.

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FAQs

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

Yes, the program accepts transfer credits for general education courses after review by the Registrar. OTA coursework is only transferable for the first semester and must be reviewed by the Program Director.

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

The program includes multiple lab courses where students practice manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises, and patient-care techniques. Students also participate in fieldwork experiences in real clinical settings under professional supervision.

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

The program is highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on GPA, prerequisite completion, interview performance, and professional behaviors. To improve your chances, maintain a high GPA, complete as many general education courses as possible before applying, and prepare for the interview.

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

Yes, State College of Florida provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities through its career services department.

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

Students complete Level I Fieldwork in pediatric and psychosocial settings and Level II Fieldwork in physical rehabilitation and mental health facilities. Sites may include hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and assisted living facilities.