St. Kate’s Occupational Therapy Programs in Dallas, TX
Texas is a great place to work in healthcare. St. Catherine University’s occupational therapy programs in Dallas, TX, can help you launch a rewarding career in a growing field.
With St. Kate’s OTA program you could earn an associate degree to become an occupational therapy assistant in as few as 16 months.
If you are an OTA with a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience, you could be eligible for our Occupational Therapy Bridge Program, which grants a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT). The program can be completed in as few as 20 months and prepares students to be occupational therapists.
As an alternative path to the MAOT, OTAs who need to complete a bachelor’s degree can participate in the Health Science – Pre OT – Bridge Track. This can be completed in seven semesters.
Both the OTA and OT Bridge Programs are predominantly online but include in-person skills labs and field work in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Plano area.
Why Choose Dallas for Your Occupational Therapy Education?
Dallas is a large city that ranks high for job growth, educational opportunities, technology and business. It features all the amenities you would expect, from robust public transit to parks to professional sports teams to cultural events. This puts St. Kate’s OTA and OT Bridge and programs in Dallas, TX, in the middle of a robust industry.
Dallas-Fort Worth Area Snapshot
Since 2020, the population of the Dallas metropolitan area has grown 10.6%, nearing 8.5 million people. This includes the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving and Grapevine.
The cost of living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is lower than the national average, according to Payscale.
The area boasts a large healthcare industry. A recent study by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council found that hospitals in North Texas have an economic impact of $47 billion and employ nearly 400,000 people. That number continues to grow.
Major healthcare systems include:
- AccentCare
- Addus HomeCare
- Children’s Health
- CHRISTUS Health
- Community Hospital corp.
- JPS Health Network
- Medical City Healthcare
- Methodist Health
- Parkland Health
- UT Southwestern
With more than 4,000 OT professionals employed in the area, this indicates that they have plenty of opportunities for training and to grow their careers.
High Demand for OTs and OTAs Nationwide
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for occupational therapy assistants is predicted to grow by 19% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 9,500 jobs over the decade. The demand for occupational therapists is also expected to grow 14% during that period.
Earnings Potential
Occupational therapy professionals also can earn a competitive salary. The median annual wage for OTAs in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area is $79,970, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OTs, meanwhile, earn an annual median wage of $102,140.
OT professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are positioned to develop their careers along with the region.
Points of Interest in the Dallas, Texas, Area
The Dallas metro area boasts a rich history and a diverse range of activities and attractions.
Dallas
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Dallas World Aquarium
- Fair Park
- Reunion Tower
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- White Rock Lake
Ft. Worth
- Fort Worth Stockyards
- Fort Worth Water Gardens
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Kimbell Art Museum
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
- Texas Motor Speedway
Arlington
- Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium)
- Lake Arlington
- National Medal of Honor Museum
- Six Flags Over Texas
- Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field)
- UTA Planetarium
Grapevine
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Meow Wolf Grapevine
- SEA LIFE Grapevine Museum
- Urban Wine Trail
Plano
- Crayola Experience Plano
- Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
- Interurban Railway Museum
- Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
Frequently Asked Questions
Which St. Kate occupational therapy programs are available in Dallas, TX?
St. Kate’s offers two programs in Dallas: Associate of Applied Sciences in OTA and the OT Bridge Program, which grants a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT).
What is an OTA-to-OT Bridge program and who is it for?
The Occupational Therapy Bridge Program is designed for current occupational therapy assistants who want to become occupational therapists. It allows certified OTAs with a bachelor’s degree to build upon their education and earn a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy in as few as 20 months. OTAs who want to earn their MAOT but do not have a bachelor’s degree could be eligible for the Health Science – Pre OT – Bridge Track, which can be completed in as few as seven semesters.
What is the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioner careers in Dallas, Texas?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in OTA employment from 2024 to 203 nationwide. OT employment is expected to grow 14%. In the Dallas area specifically, there are about 3,160 employed occupational therapists and 1,160 occupational therapy assistants.
How long does it take to complete an OTA program in Dallas?
St. Kate’s Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Program can be completed in as few as 16 months.
What are the benefits of studying occupational therapy in Dallas?
Students benefit from hands-on skills labs in the Dallas area, a large healthcare network, diverse clinical settings, and the opportunity to build professional connections during training.
Does St. Kate’s help with fieldwork placements in the Dallas area?
Yes, St. Kate’s works with healthcare partners to help students secure placements in the Dallas area that meet program requirements and support career readiness.
Why choose St. Kate’s for occupational therapy programs in Dallas?
St. Catherine University has been a leader in OT education for more than 80 years. Our accredited programs offer a flexible curriculum with small cohorts, personalized support and a proven track record of preparing students for certification and licensure.
What prerequisites are required for OTA programs in Dallas?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and complete required prerequisite coursework, including anatomy and physiology, introduction to sociology or psychology, growth and development, and medical terminology.
Can I advance from an OTA to an OT in Dallas, Texas?
Yes. The Occupational Therapy Bridge Program allows certified OTAs with a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of work experience to earn a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy through a structured, hybrid pathway. St. Kate’s also offers the Health Science – Pre OT – Bridge Track as an alternate pathway for OTAs who need to complete their bachelor’s degrees before earning the MAOT.
What types of settings do occupational therapy students train in around Dallas?
Students gain experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools and community-based healthcare environments.
Occupational Therapy Programs in Dallas
If you are considering occupational therapy schools in Dallas, TX, contact St. Kate’s today.