St. Kate's Online OT and OTA Programs in Texas
If you want a rewarding career in occupational therapy, St. Kate’s offers two degree programs in Texas:
- Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT)
- Associate of Applied Sciences in OTA
Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
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 over six weekends, 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.
Occupational Therapy Bridge Program
St. Kate’s OT-bridge program offers two admission pathways (direct-entry or pre OT-bridge) that enable you to earn a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT):
- Direct Entry Pathway: designed for OTAs who hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree; graduate in as few as 20 months.
- Health Science – Pre OT – Bridge Track: for OTAs who need to complete a bachelor’s degree; graduate in as few as seven semesters.
Like the online OTA program, our OT-bridge program is delivered primarily online, with skills labs and fieldwork held only in Texas.
Why Choose Texas for your Occupational Therapy Education?
Texas is a large state with plenty of opportunities in the OT field and competitive wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) as $68,340, while Texas’s median annual OTA wage is higher at $77,910.
This trend continues with reported OT salaries. The BLS lists the median annual wage for occupational therapists nationally as $98,340. The median annual OT wage in Texas, however, is slightly higher at $101,760.
This makes Texas an excellent location for OTAs and OTs beginning their careers. The state’s robust healthcare system offers diverse employment opportunities, and with a growing demand for healthcare services, OT professionals in Texas can join a strong workforce.
Exceptional Healthcare Connections
By placing students in the heart of some of the country's most bustling cities, 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 OT practitioners who can vouch for their competency and practical abilities.
High Demand for OTAs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for OTAs is predicted to grow by 19% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 9,500 jobs over the decade.
The BLS predicts similar growth for occupational therapists, with a projected 14% increase from 2024 to 2034.
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 OT 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.
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
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
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.
Dallas-Fort Worth
- Joe T Garcia’s
- Sister Restaurant
- Panther City BBQ
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
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 do St. Kate’s OT programs cost?
Take a look at our tuition and fees page for a breakdown of the costs for our OTA and OT bridge programs. Your occupational therapy 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 and OT bridge program start dates?
St. Kate’s offers multiple start dates per year, so students can begin their education as soon as possible:
- OTA program: spring, summer and fall
- Pre OT – Bridge Track: spring, summer and fall
- Direct Entry Pathway: spring and fall
Start Your Occupational Therapy Education in Texas
With three start dates per year, you can begin your OT education as soon as you’re ready. Contact an admissions counselor to begin your application.