Tampa has two schools offering accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant programs: South University and Keiser University.
Both schools offer an Associate of Science degree and provide the classroom, laboratory, and fieldwork training needed to prepare for entry-level OTA practice.
For students who want additional options outside Tampa, programs are also available in Winter Haven and Bradenton.
Tampa OTA Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Format | Tampa Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| South University | Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Hybrid with in-person labs and fieldwork | 4401 N. Himes Avenue |
| Keiser University | Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Campus-based | 5002 W. Waters Avenue |
Both Tampa programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Graduates of accredited OTA programs can pursue the NBCOT certification examination and Florida licensure.
South University Tampa OTA Program
Location: 4401 North Himes Avenue, Suite 175, Tampa, FL 33614
South University offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Tampa campus.
The program uses a hybrid format that combines scheduled online instruction with in-person laboratory work and clinical fieldwork. This can make South University appealing to students who want some flexibility while still receiving hands-on OTA training.
After completing the required general education courses, the professional portion of the OTA program takes approximately 15 months.
Students study topics such as:
- occupational analysis
- mental health
- human movement
- adult and geriatric occupational therapy
- community practice
- professional issues
- therapeutic interventions
The curriculum also includes Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences in professional healthcare settings.
Admission into the professional phase is competitive. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework and meet South University’s academic requirements, including a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA in the required coursework.
South University’s Tampa OTA program is accredited by ACOTE.
Read our complete South University OTA program profile.
Visit the official South University Tampa OTA program page.
Keiser University Tampa OTA Program
Location: 5002 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634
Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at its Tampa campus.
The program prepares students to work under the supervision of occupational therapists and assist clients with activities related to independent living, work, self-care, and leisure.
The curriculum includes 89 credit hours, with 65 credits devoted to the OTA major and 24 credits of general education.
OTA coursework includes:
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Human Development Across the Lifespan
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Neurological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Psychiatric Occupational Therapy
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Therapeutic Media
- Aging and Performance Skills
- Level I and Level II Fieldwork
Students must earn at least a C in required courses and meet a 3.0 cumulative GPA requirement before progressing into the major coursework.
Keiser University’s Tampa OTA program is fully accredited by ACOTE.
Read our complete Keiser University OTA program profile.
Visit the official Keiser University OTA program page.
South University vs. Keiser University
Both Tampa schools lead to an Associate of Science degree and include supervised fieldwork, but their program structures differ.
South University may be a better fit for students who want:
- a hybrid combination of online and in-person instruction
- a professional OTA sequence that can be completed in about 15 months after general education requirements
- scheduled online classes combined with campus labs and clinical training
Keiser University may be a better fit for students who want:
- a more traditional campus-based program
- a structured sequence of OTA courses
- an OTA program offered through a university with several Florida campuses
Cost, financial aid, transfer credits, schedules, and admission requirements can change. Students should confirm current information directly with each school before applying.
OTA Programs Near Tampa
Students who live in the greater Tampa Bay area also have options outside the city.
Polk State College
Polk State College offers an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program in Winter Haven.
The program is limited access and includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical fieldwork. Polk State received a new 10-year ACOTE accreditation term in 2025.
Winter Haven may be a practical option for students living east of Tampa, particularly in areas such as Lakeland and Plant City.
State College of Florida
The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota offers its Occupational Therapy Assistant program at the West Bradenton campus.
The program is full-time and in person. Students complete academic coursework and supervised clinical experiences designed to prepare them for entry-level OTA practice.
Bradenton may be worth considering for students who live in southern Hillsborough County or the southern Tampa Bay area.
Choosing an OTA Program in Tampa
For most Tampa-area students, the decision starts with South University and Keiser University.
Compare each program based on:
- total tuition and fees
- program length
- class schedule
- online versus campus instruction
- prerequisite requirements
- admission GPA
- fieldwork requirements
- commuting distance
- financial aid availability
Accreditation should also be confirmed before enrolling because graduation from an ACOTE-accredited program is an important part of the certification and licensure process.
Students who want to compare Tampa with programs throughout the state can visit our complete guide to Occupational Therapy Assistant programs in Florida.