St. Kate's Online OTA Program
in Virginia

Are you looking for a program that allows you to earn your occupational therapy assistant degree in as few as 16 months? St. Kate’s sets the standard by allowing students to earn their OTA degree in less than a year and a half. The program also offers three start dates per year: January, May, and September, at our two convenient sites around the state. It requires as few as four prerequisites for enrollment, meaning you can accelerate your education and enter the profession sooner.

While based in Virginia, you don’t have to live there to enroll in the program. However, you must travel to the Fairfax or Norfolk areas to complete 12 skills labs over 6 weekends. These labs will cover the six core OTA practice areas to prepare students for the fieldwork portion of their curriculum.

Regarding the program’s fieldwork requirements, we have opportunities available in Virginia and several other states. During fieldwork, students gain real-life practice as they learn about diverse practice settings and work with various patient populations.

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This accredited associate degree program, which features 80% online and 20% onsite curriculum, reflects decades of experience teaching countless students about the OTA profession. Online coursework allows students to learn and review materials at their own pace, while the on-site curriculum gives them the necessary practical skills.

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Online Courses and Labs in Virginia

Our OTA program in Virginia 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.

OT students in classroom sitting at desk with computers
student studying outside on bench

Why Choose Virginia for your OTA Education?

Virginia is an excellent location to start your career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) due to the opportunities available for new graduates. While St. Kate’s sites are based in Norfolk and Fairfax, Virginia, ranks as the third highest-paying city for OTA positions in the nation.

The state’s median hourly OTA salary is $34.57, above the national median hourly wage of $32.22, making Virginia an ideal place to build a rewarding and financially stable career.

Exceptional Healthcare Connections

During the on-site skills labs portion of your OTA education, you’ll have the opportunity to work with skilled and respected professionals. While receiving personalized instructions with a 12-to-1 faculty ratio, you’ll be able to connect with staff and build a professional network before your OTA career has officially begun.

High Demand for OTAs

Choosing to practice as an OTA in Virginia provides many employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for OTAs is expected to grow so much that overall OTA employment is expected to grow by 21% from 2023 to 2033. As a result, about 7,800 new employment opportunities are projected to open annually.

Why Come to Norfolk or Fairfax

While St. Kate’s OTA program does not require students to live near your chosen skills labs site, it simplifies your education to remain close to the on-site portions of the curriculum. Fortunately, our Virginia locations have much to offer beyond their OTA opportunities.

Local Attractions

Each location has charm and amenities in a historic state like Virginia. With Norfolk’s seaside entertainment and Fairfax’s colonial roots, OTA students have plenty to explore when not participating in their studies. From art to sailing, and watching a sports match to exploring the downtown, there is something for everyone.

Norfolk

Arts and Culture:

Sports:

  • Norfolk Tides
  • The Norfolk Admirals

Shopping:

  • Norfolk Premium Outlets
  • MacArthur Center Mall
  • Selden Market
  • Prince Ink
  • Kitsch

Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:

  • The Elizabeth River Trail
  • Norfolk’s Cannonball Trail
  • Norfolk Kayak Rentals
  • Sail Nauticus
  • Elizabeth City River Cruise

Fairfax

Arts and Culture:

  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon
  • Workhouse Arts Center
  • Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
  • Frederick Douglass Historical Site
  • Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sports:

  • The St. James
  • Patriot Park North

Shopping:

  • The Shops at Fairfax Square
  • Mosaic
  • Fairfax Corner
  • Fairfield Town Center
  • Mount Vernon Farmer’s Market

Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities:

  • Belle Haven Marina
  • Great Falls Park
  • Bull Run Regional Park Campground
  • Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
  • Colonial Trail Riders
Great Falls Park, Virginia

Local Flavors

Each location offers dining unique to its region and population demographics. In Fairfax, you can find diverse cuisines available, settled in historic buildings with stunning scenes. Norfolk, on the other hand, takes advantage of its coastal settlement to provide plenty of seafood and oceanside dining.

Norfolk

  • Norfolk Seafood Co. & Big Easy Oyster Bar
  • Cork and Kettle Wine and Tea Bar
  • Franco’s By the Bay
  • Freemason Abbey
  • Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant

Fairfax

  • The Winery at Bull Run
  • 29th Parallel Coffee and Tea
  • A&J Restaurant
  • Coastal Flats
  • L’Auberge Chez Francois

Frequently Asked Questions

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 on your own when shouldering the costs. You may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid to help cover the cost.

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.

Do you need to complete every prerequisite prior to admission?

St. Kate’s offers two curriculum options for students, depending on their previous education. Option one: Students who have completed all the prerequisite courses can complete the program in as few as 16 months. Option two: Students with incomplete eligibility requirements can take all their LAS courses before beginning the OTA coursework. It is a longer path but provides a lighter course load.

Start Our OTA Program in Virginia

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.

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