Complete Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in California
If you want a rewarding career in a growing healthcare field, our occupational therapy assistant program in California allows you to earn an associate degree in occupational therapy in as few as 16 months.
St. Kate’s ACOTE-accredited online occupational therapy assistant program features a blend of 80% online and 20% onsite instruction. The online coursework can be completed from anywhere, in case you don’t live in California. However, you would need to commute to complete your in-person education.
Students will complete and submit assignments, communicate with instructors and fellow students, and take quizzes online. Our mixed media coursework has been designed to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Our online curriculum will provide the foundational knowledge you’ll need to be competent in occupational therapy. The hands-on portion of our program will challenge you to put that knowledge into action and help you gain the skills to enter the healthcare industry as a confident and skilled OTA.
The OTA curriculum’s on-site portion consists of two in-person components: Level I and Level II fieldwork opportunities and 12 skills labs. During fieldwork, students gain real-life practice as they learn about diverse practice settings and work with various patient populations.
To prepare for this firsthand patient care experience, first, students must practice the skills they’ll need. Throughout their skills labs, students work through the six core OTA practice areas under expert guidance and receive personalized instruction with our 12-to-1 faculty ratio.
Why Choose California for your OTA Education?
U.S. News and World Report ranks California as the best state for OTAs, and ranks the OTA career field seventh among the best healthcare support jobs. California is ranked at the top for this field with its high OTA salaries. Each of the top five highest-paying cities for OTA work are located in the state, including San Diego and San Jose.
Relocating to California for your OTA education places you in an ideal position to make a comfortable living after graduation.
Exceptional Healthcare Connections
Going to one of the best states for OTA work can only benefit your future career, and St. Kate’s enables that career boost. In your fieldwork and skills labs, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and receive guidance from some of the best OTA practitioners in the state. Not only does this allow you to build a professional network early on in your career, but you are also gathering a team of OTAs who can vouch for your competency and skills.
High Demand for OTAs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is one of the top OTA employers in the country, trailing only Texas and Florida in the total number of OTAs working in the state. The BLS also predicts a 23% growth in the profession from 2022 to 2032, resulting in about 8,600 new job openings annually.
This growth is attributed to the aging population who, as their health declines, may be more prone to accidents and illnesses requiring OT rehabilitation.
Why Come to Southern California
Known as the Sunshine State, southern California is famous for its beaches and chill vibes, and as a hub for Latin American culture, there is plenty for students to explore outside of their studies. California is also a hub of industry; whether it’s the celebrities in Hollywood or the tech junkies of Silicon Valley, California is the place to be for those who are dedicated to their careers.
Local Attractions
St. Kate’s OTA program places you in the heart of two vibrant cities. From museums and galleries to shopping and hiking, there is something for everyone here.
Let’s take a look at what these cities have to offer.
San Jose
Arts and Culture:
- Japanese American Museum of San Jose
- City Lights Theater Company
- Mission San Jose
Shopping:
- Downtown Farmers Market
- Santana Row
- Downtown Willow Glen
Sports:
- San Jose Sharks
- San Jose Earthquakes
- San Jose Giants
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- Calero Reservoir County Park
- Castle Rock State Park
- Sierra Azul Preserve
San Diego
Arts and Culture:
- USS Midway Museum
- La Jolla Playhouse
- Whaley House Museum
Sports:
- San Diego Legion Rugby
- San Diego Wave FC
- San Diego Padres
Shopping:
- Seaport Village
- Little Italy
- The Headquarters at Seaport
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- Bike and Kayak Tours Inc. La Jolla
- Newport Landing Whale Watching
- San Diego Trail Company
Local Eats
Southern California also offers a celebrated food scene, with offerings as diverse as its population. Whether you’re searching for something to grab and go between classes or a sit-down with friends or family, you can find a restaurant everyone will love.
San Diego
- Barefoot Bar and Grill
- Avant – Rancho Bernardo Inn
- Lumi
San Jose
- Pho Kim Long
- The Farmers Union
- Olla Cocina
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for St. Kate’s OTA program?
For your application to be considered eligible, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
1) A high school diploma or passing GED® exam score
2) A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5, or
3) College credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, if applicable
What exactly is an OTA?
OTAs work with people experiencing functional impairments to help them improve or recover the skills needed for daily living. Learn everything you need to know about OTAs and their work in our free downloadable guide.
Who is this program for?
While St. Kate’s OTA program welcomes students with a prior college education, it is not required. We are happy to accept candidates with varying education levels to help them earn their OTA degrees.
Join Our OTA Program in California
When it comes to your OTA career, St. Catherine University is a great place to start your journey. Contact an admissions counselor to begin your application.