Occupational Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist holding patient's arm in cast

Degree Overview

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

OTA students learning in classroom setting — Compassionate Care: Occupational Therapy Assistant Overview at South University

South University’s Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students to pursue entry-level careers* as a rehab professional. Those who work as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) act as part of a patient’s recovery process, working with people of all ages who have physical, psychological, or developmental conditions to promote health, well-being, and their ability to participate in the important activities in their life. This includes taking care of themselves and their families, working, volunteering, and going to school, among many others. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program further seeks to lead the profession and community through its contributions in educational leadership, community and professional service, learning, and scholarship.

*South University’s OTA program meets the requirements for state licensure in Florida and Virginia. Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.

NBCOT Certification Exam Program performance data on the NBCOT certification examination is available for public viewing by state and program level: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.

REQUEST INFO

Available Locations

Tampa, FL

REQUEST INFO

What's New

Latest News and Blogs

dark haired man in a white polo looking at a tablet in a server room

Dec 17, 2025

IT Alumni Spotlight: Growing a Career at Toyota

Find out how IT program graduate and current MBA student DaMarcus Sullivan is applying what he learned at South University to his career at Toyota.

a man and a woman both in white shirts sitting together at a desk looking at a tablet screen together

Nov 18, 2025

MBA vs MPA: What’s Better for You?

Learn the differences between the MBA and MPA degree programs and figure out which degree helps you pursue your goals.

man wearing scrubs and a stethoscope and woman in a suit having a discussion in a hallway

Oct 08, 2025

Business Alumni Spotlight: A Leader in Senior Care

DBA graduate B. Christian Randolph holds four degrees from South University that have helped her launch and grow her senior care business.

bearded man holding a backpack and book standing in front of a building

Aug 26, 2025

How to Know if It’s Time for a Career Change

If you're thinking of changing careers, here are some tips to see if the time is right to make a switch.

Rose Gordon posing for a photo in a green jacket and black skirt

May 29, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: MBA Grad Becomes Fashion Leader

Discover how Alumni Rose Gordon has made a name for herself in the fashion industry.

3 men and 2 women sitting at at table discussing items on their paperwork

Mar 26, 2024

How to Create and Lead a Strong Team

Learn tips for building and maintaining a team and fostering healthy collaboration and success.

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

Your Location of Interest

Your Program of Interest

First Name First Name

Last Name Last Name

Your Email Address Your Email Address

Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

Address Address

City City

Zip Code Zip Code

State

High School Grad Year

Country of Citizenship

How did you hear about us

Student Visa?

Yes No

By clicking the button below as my official signature, I consent to representatives of South University contacting me about EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES via email, text or phone including my mobile phone if provided above, using an automatic dialer. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I consent to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws.

Province

Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!

In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.

If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at (888) 444-3404.

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

Success Stories

We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our healthcare graduates have to say.

Elizabeth Tran

Class of '22

Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science – South University, Savannah

“South University definitely challenged me in the clinical setting and the classroom. At first, you learn everything in the classroom. Then you get to apply those things in the clinical setting.”

Demitrius Archie

Class of '20

Master of Healthcare Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I was the first in my family to go into the military, and the first person of my siblings to graduate with a degree.”

Helen Ramirez

Class of '19

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, South University, Richmond

“One thing I love about the PA program here is that it's small and really intimate. You know all of your professors and classmates extremely well. You spend a lot of time together throughout the 27 months you're in the program.”

Jason Miller

Class of '17

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant

“South University pushed me hard - to the limits of my mental capacity - and that brought out the best in me.”

Allyson Obluck

Class of '17

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant-South University, Tampa

“I wanted to make a difference and I knew occupational therapy was a hands-on way to improve quality of life for many people. My professors always made the effort to ensure that I understood the material and were constantly encouraging me to be better and do better. All of my experiences throughout my clinical rotations challenged me to think outside the box and to trust my instincts.”