About Our Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, available at our Orlando campus, provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on training you need for a successful career in helping individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives. We'll prepare you to support patients across their lifespan, instilling resilience and the ability to find joy in making a tangible difference every day.
As an occupational therapy assistant student, you’ll be challenged by experienced instructors, applying lessons you learn in the classroom to actual clinics.
In Occupational Therapy, Dedication Pays Off
Occupational therapy assistants have a remarkable commitment to patients, dedicating countless hours to learning the foundation of therapy and earning credentials as exceptional caregivers.
An occupational therapy assistant degree can lead to a wide range of patient settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and emerging practices, such as rehabilitation centers focusing on behavioral health.
At AdventHealth University, we’ve designed a comprehensive OTA program featuring specialized occupational therapy assistant classes, where you’ll focus on four core areas: adults with disabilities, geriatrics, pediatrics, and psychosocial aspects.
Our OTA degree program will teach you to combine clinical expertise with an uncommon compassion for patients. Classroom teachings will inform your care as you participate in hands-on clinical experiences designed to provide the foundation for your patient care.
Our Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE, www.acoteonline.org) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, Call301-652-6611, Call301-652-AOTA. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the national certification examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. The State of Florida requires licensure to practice as an occupational therapy assistant. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Program Outcomes
| Graduation Year* | Students Entering | Students who withdrew, or did not graduate with the entering cohort, for reasons other than academic performance | Students Graduating within 150% of the expected time | Graduation Rate^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 9 | * | * |
| 2024 | 17 | 3 | 12 | 86% |
| 2023 | 12 | 1 | 7 | 64% |
| 2022 | 16 | 3 | 12 | 92% |
| Total (2022-2024 only) | 45 | 7 | 31 | 82% |
* Unable to calculate 2025 Graduation Rate due to students in progress towards 150% of published length of the program per 2023 ACOTE Standard A.6.5.
^ Graduation rate determined by (Students graduating on time + students graduating within 150%)/(Students entering – nonacademic withdrawals)
NBCOT - Test Score Pass Rates Report
Your Dream. Your Journey. Your Move.
We believe it’s a privilege to help patients recover from some of their most trying days. And we’ll teach you the steps to becoming an occupational therapy assistant. Through our curriculum, you’ll be guided on how to put that passion into practice and bring your unique experiences to each patient you meet. Start your journey with us.