The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at St. Catherine University is designed to prepare you for a career as an OTA practitioner, who helps people of all ages participate in the activities of everyday life.

Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, you will receive the title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Benefiting from small class sizes, you’ll work closely with faculty, engage in discussions and role-playing, build your confidence, and enhance your communication and teamwork skills.

You’ll enrich your OTA education with 700 hours of extensive, supervised fieldwork experience in a variety of healthcare and community settings.

If you are applying to the OTA associate degree program, you’ll first enroll as a pre-OTA student and take the prerequisites and LIFE core curriculum courses required for your degree. Enrollment as a “pre-student” does not guarantee progression into OTA courses.

We also offer various student support services, including career counseling, internship opportunities, and financial aid.

Ready to learn more about becoming an OTA?