St. Kate's Online OTA Program
in Texas
If you want a rewarding career in occupational therapy, our online OTA program in Texas makes it possible to become an occupational therapy assistant in as few as 16 months. The program also allows you to enter the profession sooner by requiring only four prerequisites for enrollment.
Our ACOTE-accredited associate degree program in occupational therapy comprises an 80% online and 20% onsite curriculum, reflecting decades of experience teaching students about OTA. This hybrid curriculum combines the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the hands-on experience you need.
To enroll, you must be able to travel to Texas to complete 12 skills labs which take place at designated rehab facilities in accessible metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Houston or San Antonio.
Skills labs allow students to master the techniques of the six core OTA practice areas under expert guidance and receive personalized instruction with our 12-to-1 faculty ratio. This practice is needed before students move on to fieldwork, where they’ll work with various patient populations in a controlled capacity.
Why Choose Texas for your OTA Education?
As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes OTA salaries. St. Kate’s offers on-site skills labs and fieldwork at sites in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, and each of those locations is listed in the top 25 highest-paying cities for occupational therapy assistants in 2023, as compiled by Brookline College.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national annual median wage for OTAs as $67,010, while Texas's annual medium OTA wage is almost 10% higher at $75,000, making Texas a great location for OTAs just starting their careers.
Exceptional Healthcare Connections
By placing students in the heart of some of the country's most bustling metropolises, with some of the best OTA salaries to boot, St. Kate’s sets its students up for success post-graduation. By completing skills labs and fieldwork in these cities, students can begin creating their professional networks before they’ve even received licensing. Not only that, but they are developing their skills with some of the best OTAs in the state, who can vouch for their competency and practical abilities.
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 Come to Texas
Texas is one of the country’s largest, most diverse states, filled with history and pride. Here, you can explore the bustling cities, varied landscapes and unique charm each location offers.
When students aren’t engaged in their studies, they can immerse themselves in the southern hospitality and the traces of Latin American cultures that can be found across the state.
Local Attractions
Earning your OTA education in such interesting and diverse cities provides students with many opportunities to explore. Every student will surely find something to excite and entertain, from parks and museums to shopping districts and sports.
Houston
Arts and Culture:
- Battleship Texas
- Space Center Houston
- Visit The Woodlands
Shopping:
- The Historic Strand District
- Houston Farmers Market
- League City Historic District
Sports:
- Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park)
- Houston Rockets (Toyota Center)
- Houston Texans (NRG Stadium)
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- Armand Bayou Nature Center
- Galveston Island State Park
- Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
San Antonio
Arts and Culture:
- The Alamo
- La Villita Historic Arts Village
- The Witte Museum
Sports:
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
- San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
- UTSA Roadrunner Football Team
Shopping:
- The Shops at La Cantera
- The Shops at Rivercenter
- Historic Market Square
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- GO RIO River Cruises
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- San Antonio Botanical Garden
Dallas-Fort Worth
Arts and Culture:
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Stockyards National Historic District
- Kimbell Art Museum
Sports:
- Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field)
- Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium)
- Dallas Stars (American Airlines Center)
Shopping:
- Sundance Square
- Galleria Dallas
- Knox-Henderson Shops
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden
- Katy Trail
- Dallas Zoo
Local Tastes
Known for its Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisines, it is easy to find a delicious meal anywhere you’re situated. While Texas isn’t known for its light fare, the quality and savoriness of the meals make up for it and are sure to satisfy.
Houston
- Agora
- Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou
- Loro – Asian Smokehouse and Bar
San Antonio
- Biga on the Banks
- Carriqui
- Little Em’s Oyster Bar
Dallas-Fort Worth
- Joe T Garcia’s
- Sister Restaurant
- Panther City BBQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How much does the program cost?
Take a look at our tuition and fees page to see a breakdown of our program’s costs. Your OTA education is an investment in your future, but you are not alone when shouldering the costs. You may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid to help cover the cost.
When are St. Kate’s OTA program start dates?
Our program offers three start dates per year: spring, summer and fall, so students can begin their education as soon as possible.
Start Our OTA Program
in Texas
With three start dates per year, you can begin your OTA education as soon as you’re ready. Contact an admissions counselor to begin your application.