Webber International University Celebrates First BSOTA Graduate to Pass National Board Exam

Babson Park, FL (February 5, 2026)– Webber International University proudly celebrates Samantha Wilson, a recent graduate from its Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) program.  Samantha is the program’s first graduate to pass the National Board of Occupational Therapy Exam.

Samantha stated, “I chose to major in Occupational Therapy Assistant after gaining early exposure to working with individuals with special needs during high school.”

At the time she participated in events such as the Special Olympics, where she supported Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. That experience sparked a lasting passion for helping neurodivergent individuals develop independence, build confidence, and engage in activities that are meaningful to them. It ultimately inspired Samantha to pursue a career in occupational therapy, where she can support individuals in achieving their personal goals and full potential.

The program’s Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Edward Barreto Acosta, praised Samantha’s exceptional achievements, stating “she is one of three students in the state of Florida to obtain a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy assistant and one of three students in the nation to graduate with a BSOTA degree with a minor in Health Services Administration. All of this while competing as a quarterback for the flag football team.”

As a student-athlete, Samantha had the opportunity to play, start, and serve as a captain on the flag football team, which helped her develop leadership, teamwork, and discipline.

On her experience at Webber, Samantha reflected “Webber was extremely rewarding both athletically and academically from an academic standpoint, the faculty and staff were tremendously supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help me succeed.”

Program Director, Dr. Anita Abuathareh, fully recognizes the extensive vision, dedication, and effort required to develop such a distinctive and innovative program, as well as the determination, resilience, and grit necessary to successfully complete it.

Dr. Abuathareh expressed her sincere congratulations to Samantha on her success, stating, “This is an extraordinary accomplishment and a historic milestone. Her achievement serves as an inspiring example for future students and represents a significant advancement in Occupational Therapy Assistant educational programs.”

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 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).

Webber achieved initial accreditation for its ACOTE in the spring of 2025.
 
For more information about the program, please contact BSOTA@webber.edu or call 863-638-2925.
 
About Webber International University
 
Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida's then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as America's second school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.