health admission info

Occupational Therapy Assistant Admission Information

Are you ready to apply to San Jacinto College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program? Our program is competitive, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Use these resources to help you showcase your strengths and ensure you submit a strong application.

Submit your application

Ready to apply? Click the button below. Please use your San Jac login network access login information used to claim your SOS account. 

If you have questions about what's needed to apply, keep reading. 

Apply to the OTA Program

OTA Quick Guide

 
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Limits & Deadlines

We accept 12 to 14 students into the OTA program, which begins each fall.

You can find all the information you need right here to get you started quickly and easily. 

  • Regular Submission: Jan. 13 - March 28, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student

Admission Requirements

To meet the minimal requirements for admission, at the time of application you must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Be a high school graduate or have your GED
  • Be currently enrolled in no more than two of the prerequisite courses within the admission cycle semester (SPRING) 
  • Have 3 recommendation forms 
  • Observation hours are strongly recommended and must be completed with a licensed OT or OTA.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in your prerequisite courses
  • Have a C or better in your prerequisite classes
OTA student

Admission Documents

You can find the information on this page, plus all the admissions documents listed in the application packet.
Just need one document? Download individual documents below.

Documents updated May 2024

 

4 Steps to Accepted

  1. Apply to San Jac

    If you’re not a current San Jac student, you need to first apply to the College. You can apply online through the ApplyTexas website. Or visit our admissions page for more information.

  2. Review Admission Requirements

    Download and review the admission packet before applying to the OTA program. Then attend an information session for more information.

  3. Apply to the OTA Program

    Fill out the OTA application. Be sure to submit all supporting documents to the department. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  4. Interview

    We invite the top 50 candidates to interview for the program. You’ll be asked questions in a panel format to determine your understanding of the OTA profession. You will also be required to write an essay. You can find out more about this part of the admissions process during one of the information sessions.

Understanding the Admissions Requirements

We use the admissions rubric to determine our top 50 candidates. You can download the rubric to gain a comprehensive understanding of what we’re looking for. Overall, the rubric grades you on:
  • Completion of prerequisites
  • Prerequisite grades and overall GPA
  • Recommendation forms
  • Additional degrees and certificates
  • Related healthcare experience
  • Information session attendance
  • Observations hours 
  • A panel interview
  • An OTA essay 

We offer information sessions via Zoom or in person on South Campus. While these sessions are not mandatory, they are highly recommended.

The location for in-person sessions are listed below. You can register for a virtual session using the form below. Once you register for a virtual information session, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

Upcoming Information Sessions
In-person sessions take place on the South Campus.

Date:

October 9, 2024

November 6, 2024

Time:

12 p.m.

12 p.m.

Location:

S-1.246

S-1.146

 

We offer information sessions via Zoom or in person on South Campus. While these sessions are not mandatory, they are highly recommended.

The location for in-person sessions are listed below. You can register for a virtual session using the form below. Once you register for a virtual information session, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

Upcoming Information Sessions
In-person sessions take place on the South Campus.

Date:

October 9, 2024

November 6, 2024

Time:

12 p.m.

12 p.m.

Location:

S-1.246

S-1.146

 

  • Complete all prerequisites before applying. - Learn more about why this is important under the Prerequisites tab.
  • Attend an information session (see dates above). Information sessions will help you understand the program and help you prepare overall for the application process.
  • Include a transcript evaluation with your application - This clarifies any courses that were taken at another college or university.

    Admissions Rubric

We require three recommendation forms for each application. Letters of recommendation are not allowed, you must submit recommendation forms. Points are awarded based on each form of recommendation. The maximum point allocated from each form is 40 points. We will take the sum of the three recommendation forms to identify your score for the admissions rubric. Recommendation forms should be filled out by employers, professors, or OT/OTAs you’ve been observing. Family and friends can not fill out your recommendation forms.

Recommendation Form

All applicants must complete their prerequisite courses before the start of the program should they be accepted. A student in the program cannot complete perquisites during the program. It's important to note:

  • Anatomy & Physiology I and II with the lab should be taken within the last five years. An exception can be made for those applicants who have worked in the healthcare industry. Verification of employment will be needed from the employer to consider the waiver. The program director will make the final decision regarding the exemption.
  • There are no other time limits on other prerequisite course time frames.
  • Applicants will receive one point for each course in progress during the application cycle. Courses taken in the Summer will be considered not taken therefore zero points are awarded on the admission rubric.

Prerequisites

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

ENGL 1301

Composition I

3 credit hours

MATH 1314

College Algebra

3 credit hours

BIOL 2301

Anatomy & Physiology I (lecture)

3 credit hours

BIOL 2101

Anatomy & Physiology I (lab)

1 credit hour

BIOL2302

Anatomy & Physiology II (lecture)

3 credit hours

BIOL 2102

Anatomy & Physiology II (lab)

1 credit hour

PYSC 2301

General Psychology

3 credit hours

PHIL 2306

Ethics

3 credit hours

 

Total Credit Hours 

20

We use CastleBranch to document and track immunization records, drug screenings, and more. If you are accepted into the OTA program, you will need to upload proof of immunizations to CastleBranch before you are placed in field work. It is also a good idea to obtain hard copies of your immunizations for your own records. Please create an account with CastleBranch and upload documentation for:

  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Hepatitis B series 
  • TB skin test (expires each year and has to be renewed) 
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDaP) 
  • Influenza (flu shot) 
  • CPR certification – Must be completed by your first semester and must be renewed prior to your fifth semester
  • Health insurance 
  • COVID-19 Vaccine (required by clinical site placements) 

As part of the OTA program, you will be studying in facilities outside of the College. During these times, you will be required to comply with the immunization policies of each facility to be able to participate. This includes COVID-19 vaccinations. These requirements are implemented by the outside facilities and are not mandated by San Jac. Failure to meet the immunization requirements may limit your ability to complete the program. It may also delay your graduation date. San Jac does not process exemptions. You must address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the external learning site.

Immunization Requirements

Contact Us

Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Call: 281-998-6350  ext. 3141
Email: OTAProgram@sjcd.edu