St. Kate's OTA Program in Minnesota
If you want a rewarding career in occupational therapy, our online OTA program in Minnesota makes it possible to become an occupational therapy assistant in as few as 16 months. Enter the profession sooner with three start dates per year in January, May, and September and only four prerequisites for enrollment qualification.
While based in Minnesota, you don’t have to live here to enroll. The only location-based requirement is that you must travel to St. Paul, MN, to complete 12 skills labs, which take place at designated rehab facilities.
Our ACOTE-accredited associate degree program in occupational therapy comprises an 80% online and 20% onsite curriculum, reflecting decades of experience teaching students about occupational therapy. St. Catherine University was the first to offer an OTA program.
Learn more about St. Catherine University’s Online OTA program in Minnesota.
Online and On-site Curriculum
Our OTA program in Minnesota delivers a curriculum which blends the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the hands-on experience you need.
Online Coursework
Students 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, from the auditory to the kinesthetic.
Skills Labs
Attend in-person labs at one of our sites in California, Minnesota, Texas or Virginia. Master essential OT skills under expert guidance and receive personalized instruction with our 12-to-1 faculty ratio.
You will need to complete twelve labs at the same regional facility, and the content will cover the six core areas of occupational therapy practice. The personalized guidance from certified, highly experienced instructors will thoroughly prepare you for your real-world practice.
Fieldwork
Students gain real-life practice as they learn about diverse practice settings and work with various patient populations.
In this portion of the curriculum, students get to put the knowledge they learned during their coursework and skills labs into practice. Divided into two levels, Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II, students will enter real-world rehabilitation settings to observe the correct standards of practice and participate in a controlled capacity.
Why Choose St. Paul for your OTA Education?
Cities are hubs of professional opportunity, especially within the healthcare industry. By enrolling in an OTA program and networking with professionals in leading area healthcare facilities, you can build a bright future for your career. St. Kate’s OTA program in Minnesota brings students into the St. Paul-Minneapolis metroplex's top medical facilities and allows them to build connections where the demand is highest.
High Demand for OTAs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the highest number of occupational therapy assistants employed in the country, with over 6,000. The BLS also predicts a 23% growth in the profession from 2022 to 2032, resulting in about 8,600 new job openings annually.
This new growth is anticipated due to the aging U.S. population, resulting in more injuries or illnesses requiring OT rehabilitation. As such, the nation will require more well-educated OTAs to help meet the need.
Why Relocate to St. Paul
St. Paul is a great city to move to because it has all the amenities of a large city without the exorbitant costs. Residents of St. Paul spend less on basic living expenses like food, transportation and utilities, enjoying a cost of living that’s almost 3% cheaper than the rest of the nation.
Local Attractions
Independent of its twin, St. Paul has a life of its own. In a city where over 100 languages are spoken and people celebrate the diversity of its residents, there are plenty of events and activities to participate in. Regardless of your choice to relocate, it’s worth checking out the sights and attractions of the local scene between your schooling and skills labs.
Arts and Culture:
- Game Show Studio
- Minnesota Museum of American Art
- Penumbra Theatre
- Laugh Camp Comedy Club
- Minnesota Music Café
Sports:
- St. Paul Saints
- Minnesota Vikings
- Minnesota Roller Derby
- Xcel Energy Center
- Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Shopping:
- Grand Avenue
- Keg and Case Market
- Saint Paul Farmers’ Market
- Mosaic on a Stick
- Mall of America
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- Afton Alps
- Wheel Fun Rentals – Como Lake
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Lower Landing Park
- Changsha China Friendship Garden
Local Flavors
St. Paul places a variety of diverse food options within your reach. Known for its unique cultural offerings, come ready to explore and try new flavors. Each of the local neighborhoods has something to offer, but here are a few recommendations:
- Yoerg Brewing Company
- Hmongtown Marketplace
- Trivia Mafia
- Afro Deli
- Golden Thyme Cafe
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
How can I prepare my application for submission?
Our dedicated admissions counselors are available to help you through every step of the admissions process. They can help you gather all the documents you need before applying, ensure you’ve met all the eligibility requirements and answer any questions you may have.
Can I work while earning my OTA degree?
Our OTA curriculum offers some flexibility, but a fast-paced program requires serious dedication. We recommend treating your education like a full-time job. If you must work during your time in the program, it’s best to find a role that can accommodate the schedule of an OTA student.
Get Ready for Our OTA Program in Minnesota
Contact an admissions counselor to take the
first step in your OTA education.