OTA Online Programs Overview
Our online occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program prepares students to earn their Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in OTA and embark on a successful career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Our online OTA program applies a hybrid learning model combining online coursework and on-site curriculum. Through this blended approach, you can expect a well-rounded education that provides the knowledge, skills, and job readiness to sit for the NBCOT® Examination for OTA certification.
It has three start dates per year in January, May, and August, with lab locations throughout the country in California, Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia. The length of our program depends on your academic history and the curriculum option you choose, so ask our admissions team how to customize the curriculum to fit your needs.
How the OTA Program Works
Our online OTA program’s hybrid model is 80% online and 20% in-person and is designed to provide you with the building blocks necessary for an OTA career. Online coursework establishes the foundational knowledge, which you further develop through skills labs and hands-on fieldwork.
Learn at times and in locations that best suit your needs while meeting deadlines.
Apply the knowledge gained from coursework by practicing the hands-on skills needed as an OTA.
Gain valuable real-world experience under the guidance of industry professionals in various practice settings.
Our OTA program offers a high-quality, comprehensive education that requires self-discipline and hard work, helping you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career. Upon earning your AAS in OTA, you will be prepared to take the NBCOT® Examination with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the online OTA program?
The OTA Professional Sequence can be completed in as few as 16 months and a maximum of 24 months. However, it will take longer if you plan to complete some or all your prerequisite courses with St. Kate’s.
How can I become a Certified OTA (COTA) after graduation?
All graduates of our Online OTA program must take the NBCOT® Exam to become certified OTAs (COTAs). We are dedicated to your success by supporting you during and after the program. Our NBCOT Prep Coaching Program provides graduates with a study plan and one-on-one coaching that helps prepare them to sit for the NBCOT® Exam.
What are the areas of practice for OTAs?
Six areas of practice for OTAs will be covered in your education. These practice areas include children and youth, productive aging, health and wellness, mental health, rehabilitation and disability, and work and industry.
Is the OTA program entirely online?
While the program is referred to as St. Kate’s Online OTA program, only the coursework component is online. Skills labs and fieldwork are held in person at our learning centers or in an approved professional setting.
What is the difference between an occupational therapist (OT) and an occupational therapy assistant (OTA)?
The primary difference between an occupational therapist and an occupational therapy assistant lies in their roles in patient treatment. When a new patient enters an OT practice, the OT will evaluate and develop a treatment plan, which the OTA will implement with the patient and record progress updates.
In what settings can occupational therapy assistants work after graduation?
Occupational therapy assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health agencies. Some also find opportunities in community health programs or specialty practice areas, depending on their interests and experience.
Why does accreditation matter?
Accreditation helps ensure a higher education program meets established educational standards. Graduating from an accredited program is typically required to sit for the national certification exam and pursue state licensure, making it an essential step toward becoming a practicing OT or OTA.
What are OTA fieldwork experiences like?
Fieldwork gives OTA students the opportunity to apply their coursework knowledge in real healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced occupational therapy professionals. During these hands-on experiences, students develop clinical skills, build confidence, and learn how to work with patients across a variety of practice settings.
What are the admission requirements for the OTA program?
For entrance into St. Kate’s OTA program, candidates must meet the following academic requirements:
- An overall institutional GPA of 2.5
- A cumulative prerequisite GPA of 2.5
- No more than two LIFE Core courses remaining to be completed with OTA coursework
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
What can you expect to learn in an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant program?
Occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs combine foundational science courses with hands-on training in patient care, therapeutic interventions, and clinical reasoning. Students also learn how to help people improve their ability to perform meaningful daily activities while gaining the communication and professional skills needed for a successful career.
START YOUR OTA JOURNEY TODAY
Contact us to learn more about our associate degree in occupational therapy.
The Ultimate Guide to Occupational Therapy and OTA
Get answers to your questions about the field, about the OTA career path, and about St. Catherine University’s Online OTA program.
