The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) Program is an entry level, 120 credit-hour degree program with a minor in Health Services Administration (HSA), which trains and qualifies graduates to work in the occupational therapy field. This is the first program in Florida for a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) to obtain Candidacy status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). It is also the only OTA program in the United States that has a minor in Health Services Administration (HSA).
The Program admits two cohorts every year: one in the fall and a second one in the spring. As students complete the foundational courses, they need to decide which cohort will best fit their educational goals and timelines.
Occupational therapy practitioners help people participate in meaningful activities and enjoy life to its fullest. As an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), you will make a difference in the lives of people of all ages. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities participate in school and social situations, helping people recover from injuries to regain skills, and providing support to older adults that experience physical and cognitive changes.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics recently published that the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners will continue to improve steadily. It is expected that jobs for occupational therapy practitioners will increase by 27% or more by 2029.
Under the supervision of an occupational therapist (OT), occupational therapy assistants (OTA) contribute with the evaluation, implementation of treatment, and documentation of progress towards treatment goals of individuals who are experiencing difficulties engaging in their daily activities due to emotional, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. Occupations (meaningful and purposeful activities) are used as a means of preventing, reducing or overcoming physical, social, and emotional disabilities. The OTA modifies and adapts the environment, and/or occupations to maximize independent functioning for clients of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. The Webber graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant will be prepared to assist with the managerial aspects of the OT practice and assume leadership roles within the profession.
For more information about occupational therapy, go to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website.
The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) Program is a four-year entry-level program with a total of 120-credit-hours:
The program accepts two classes each year: one in the fall and one in the spring. Qualified candidates can apply to the BSOTA program after July.
Candidates are required to complete specific criteria prior to applying to the BSOTA program.
Explore the affordable pathway to your future in healthcare with our detailed guide on the program costs for the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
The BSOTA program application is located at the Occupational Therapy Assistants Centralized Application Services (OTACAS) website. The application cycle opens late July and closes beginning of June of each year.
Step 1: Students need to create an OTACAS account at www.otacas.org. Minimal fee required.
Step 2: Once the OTACAS account is created, students can log in and complete the information and required forms.
Webber International University’s baccalaureate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652- 6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for 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). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete all graduation, fieldwork, and baccalaureate project requirements in a timely manner. Students are required to complete 16 weeks of Level II fieldwork and the baccalaureate project within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.