Online OTA Program Overview
Our online occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program educates first-degree-seeking students, preparing them to earn their Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in OTA and embark on a successful career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
The online OTA program applies a hybrid learning model combining online coursework and on-site curriculum. Through this blended approach, you can expect a well-rounded education that provides the knowledge, skills, and job readiness to sit for the NBCOT® Examination for OTA certification.
Our online OTA program has three start dates per year in Winter, Summer, and Fall at four locations throughout the country: California, Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia. The length of our program depends on your academic history and the curriculum option you choose — so be sure to ask our admissions team how to customize the curriculum to fit your needs.
How the OTA Program Works
Our online OTA program’s hybrid model is 80% online and 20% in-person and is designed to provide you with the building blocks necessary for an OTA career. Online coursework establishes the foundational knowledge, which you further develop through skills labs and hands-on fieldwork.
- Online courses let you learn at times and in locations that best suit your needs but must be completed within a set timeframe.
- Skills labs let you apply your knowledge gained from online coursework by practicing OTA skills using the trade’s latest tools and technology.
- Fieldwork allows you to gain valuable, hands-on OTA experience under the guidance of industry professionals in various areas of occupational therapy.
Our OTA program offers a high-quality, comprehensive education that requires self-discipline and hard work, helping you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career. Upon earning your AAS in OTA, you will be prepared to take the NBCOT® Examination with confidence and earn your OTA certification.
Customizable Curriculum
Your counselor will help you understand our two curriculum options, which affect how long it takes to complete the program.
Option One
Complete the entire program in as few as 16 months of study by taking your LAS and OTA courses simultaneously. Choose this option if you’ve already successfully completed the prerequisite courses.
Option Two
Complete some or all of your LAS courses before beginning the OTA coursework. This more extended option is ideal for students who:
- Need to complete prerequisites
- Do not currently meet the minimum GPA required to start OTA courses
- Want to ease into online learning
- Need additional schedule flexibility
With this option, the program will take longer than 16 months, but you will have a lighter course load each semester.
START YOUR OTA JOURNEY TODAY
Contact us to learn more about our associate degree in occupational therapy.
My first fieldwork was at a skilled nursing facility, and my instructor was very helpful. My fieldwork instructor gave me the ability to have confidence in myself to take on a session. Fieldwork was very important to me because it allowed my cohort to learn from our experiences.
- Liliana Garcia-Reyes, Class of December 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the online OTA program?
It can take as few as 16 months if you have already completed all your prerequisites. It will take longer if you plan to complete some or all your prerequisite courses with St. Kate’s. On average, most of our students take 16–24 months to complete the program.
How can I become a Certified OTA (COTA) after graduation?
All graduates of our Online OTA program must take the NBCOT® Exam to become certified OTAs (COTAs). We are dedicated to your success by supporting you during and after the program. Our NBCOT Prep Coaching Program provides graduates with a study plan and one-on-one coaching that helps prepare them to sit for the NBCOT® Exam.
What are the areas of practice for OTAs?
Six areas of practice for OTAs will be covered in your education. These practice areas include children and youth, productive aging, health and wellness, mental health, rehabilitation and disability, and work and industry.
The Ultimate Guide to Occupational Therapy and OTA
Get answers to your questions about the field, about the OTA career path, and about St. Catherine University’s Online OTA program.
