Online OTA Program Overview
Our online associate degree occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program applies a blended learning model comprising an 80% online and 20% 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.
As you complete the program, you’ll receive the support you need to become a certified OTA with the help of experienced instructors, a solid curriculum and your cohort of peers in the program.
The online aspect is a big value for me. I also value the connection I had with my small cohort, even though it was just a few of us going to lab. We still keep in contact, and our professor has been amazing since I started, so I would say she’s been our biggest supporter as well.”
—Liliana Garcia-Reyes, Class of December 2019
The length of our program depends on your previous level of educational experience and what credits you hold that may be able to be applied to the online OTA program. Our admissions team will review your previous transcripts and help you determine what requirements and prerequisites you may need to complete to be eligible to enroll.
The curriculum option you choose may also affect the length of the program—so be sure to ask our admissions team about how to customize the curriculum to fit your needs.
How the OTA Program Works
- Online courses let you learn at times and in locations that best suit your needs, but they must still be completed within a set timeframe
- 12 skills labs let you apply your knowledge in the six core OT practice areas. These occur once every 3–4 weeks in California, Minnesota, Texas or Virginia.
My first fieldwork was at a skilled nursing facility, and my instructor was very helpful. My fieldwork instructor gave me the ability to have confidence in myself to take on a session. Fieldwork was very important to me because it allowed my cohort to learn from our experiences.
Liliana Garcia-Reyes, Class of December 2019
Did You Know?
You don’t have to live in California, Minnesota, Texas or Virginia to participate in our OTA program. You just have to be willing to travel to our skills lab locations within one of these states on eight occasions during the program.
- Supervised fieldwork experience to help you practice your coursework in a real-world setting
- A 7-week study plan through our unique NBCOT Prep Coaching Program helps prepare you to sit for the exam and become certified after graduation
While you can expect to put a lot of time and energy into the program, our small student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll receive personalized attention and support every step of the way.
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.
