An online OTA program teaches most material online, but some skills must be learned in person. St. Kate’s program consists of online coursework, skills labs, and fieldwork experiences. This mode of learning allows students to move at their own pace, diversify their perspectives, and benefit from a comprehensive curriculum.
In the modern age of technology, most people have seen the benefits of online learning. According to a 2025 report published by BestColleges on online education trends, 76% of surveyed students agreed that online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
St. Catherine University offers an Online Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program to help dedicated students transition into this rewarding field on an accelerated timeline, regardless of location or lifestyle. With four learning center locations across the U.S. and three start dates per year—January, May, and August—you can earn your OTA degree in as few as 16 months.
Let’s explore the benefits of online OTA programs and what you can expect from this framework.
What to Expect in an Online Occupational Therapy Program
When you decide to tackle our occupational therapy assistant online degree, you will see that the program’s structure differs from your previous online learning experiences.
While our university has worked hard to ensure that our program is accessible to as many students as possible, some material must be taught in person to ensure graduates are prepared for an OTA career. That’s why St. Kate’s curriculum is divided into three components:
- Online Coursework: In their online coursework, students navigate our virtual Canva portal to access learning materials, engage with professors and peers in discussion forums, and submit assignments.
- Skills Labs: Students will take the concepts and ideas they encountered in their coursework and learn how to apply them in OTA practice. Skills labs are completed in person over six weekends at one of our learning centers.
- Fieldwork Experiences: Fieldwork is part of the critical transition from OTA student to practitioner. These experiences involve observing practitioners in your area before eventually getting more hands-on practice later in the program.
St. Kate’s also offers two curriculum options to accommodate candidates’ varying educational backgrounds and preferred pacing. In option one, students complete their LIFE general education core curriculum and OTA courses simultaneously, allowing them to graduate in as little as 16 months.
In option two, students complete some or all of their LIFE Core courses before beginning the OTA coursework. This option is ideal for those who prefer a lighter load.
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Benefits of Online OTA Programs
St. Kate’s has designed our online OTA program to best suit the needs of our students, but the benefits of online learning go even further.
Self-Paced Learning
When you begin St. Kate’s Online OTA program, you receive the benefits of online learning modules that guide you through your education. Through our intuitive online learning platform, you’ll broaden your understanding of the material by engaging with your instructors and peers in discussion boards and live chats. You’ll also have the control to revisit materials and set the pace for your coursework within the confines of deadlines set by your instructors.
Additionally, online learning enables you to learn from wherever is most convenient. Students do not need to live in the state where their skills labs are located because St. Kate’s OTA program is 80% online and 20% onsite. They just need to be able to travel to complete labs with an instructor and their classmates in person.
Faculty at St. Catherine University also benefit from online education because they can make positive and meaningful connections with students outside of the classroom and across state boundaries.
Build a Broader Perspective
In an online program, you will connect with peers and faculty from all regions of the U.S. and even other countries. Each person brings unique life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
A global perspective is an essential skill to carry into your OTA role. Occupational therapy is a holistic practice that considers all aspects of a person’s life when creating and implementing treatment plans.
A Comprehensive Curriculum
You will finish a total of 71 credit hours as an online Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) associate degree student at St. Kate’s. Phase 1 of the curriculum will consist of one to three semesters of liberal arts and sciences courses, followed by a 4-semester OTA professional course program (Phase 2). Hands-on education fills out your curriculum through labs and fieldwork. You’ll get a well-rounded education that will prepare you to acquire an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in OTA degree and take the NBCOT® exam, which is required to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).
Not sure if OT is for you? Uncover the history of Occupational Therapy and what it is today.
Common Online Learning Misconceptions Debunked
Despite the popularity of online learning, several misconceptions about this mode of teaching continue to spread. Here’s why these myths don’t apply to St. Kate’s online OTA program:
Myth 1: Lower Quality of Education
St. Kate’s OTA online program is adapted from their on-campus program in Minnesota, so the curriculum is nearly identical. The OTA program also incorporates hands-on components, where students practice procedures in a lab setting and earn real-world experience during fieldwork. Students who complete the online OTA program will be just as prepared by their education as students who completed the on-campus program.
Myth 2: Online Education is Easier, Therefore Not as Valuable
Online programs are often based on the same curriculum as a traditional, on-campus program, so they are not easier. Online students also must be disciplined in their studies because they are accountable to learn the material. Like a traditional track, however, online students still have deadlines to meet and exams to take.
Myth 3: Employers Won’t Accept Online Degrees
Employers aren’t concerned about how you earned your OTA degree. Instead, they pay attention to the institution’s reputation, the program’s accreditation status, and your NBCOT certification. St. Catherine University was established in 1905 and has offered its on-campus OTA program since 1964. So, the university has a long reputation for turning out certified occupational therapy assistants. St. Kate’s on-campus program is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the online OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Tips to Help You Succeed in an Online OTA Program
Now that you know more about the benefits of online OTA programs, your next step is to learn how to prepare for success.
1. Utilize Your Resources
Online learning is different from a traditional education. Remember that you’re not without assistance. At St. Kate’s, our administration and faculty value the success of our students. Your professors are always there to answer questions and clear up any confusion with the coursework. Beyond that, our university offers several student resources, including tutoring, writing assistance, career development, and NBCOT prep coaching, to support students throughout their OTA degree and into their careers.
2. Establish a Routine
Having your schedule align with your online education is vital to your success as an OTA student. This can help you avoid missed deadlines and calm any worries you may have regarding online learning. Set aside time daily to complete the course readings or activities and monitor upcoming deadlines. Eventually, your routine will become second nature, and your confidence will grow.
3. Treat Online Coursework Like a Full-Time Job
Achieving your Associate of Applied Sciences degree in OTA should not be taken lightly. Outside of skills lab and fieldwork, you can expect to spend up to 40 hours weekly on online coursework. Staying organized and engaged will help you become a successful OTA student, and it’s a skill you can tout in future job interviews. If you are concerned about financing your education, take some time to explore St. Kate’s financial aid resources page and connect with one of our financial aid advisors.
Take the First Step Toward OTA Excellence at St. Catherine University
Before applying to our program, you should ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and know which curriculum option you wish to pursue. After expressing an interest, one of our dedicated admissions advisors will help you through every step of the admissions process. Keep in mind that St. Kate’s processes on a rolling basis, so the sooner you get started, the sooner you can secure your spot in this high-demand program.
Contact an admissions advisor today to start your application to St. Kate’s online OTA program.
