How long is the program?
The program is a 2-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program. This includes one semester of pre-requisite courses, four on-campus semesters, and 16 weeks of Fieldwork (clinicals) at the end of the program.
When does the program begin and what is the application deadline?
The program starts a new class each January (Spring semester) and ends in August of the following year. Applications are accepted on the first work day of June through the last work day of August.
Are any courses offered at night or weekend?
No. The courses are daytime, year-round classes; each class is offered only once a year. During the program, time is allowed to take the co-requisite general education courses.
What are the pre-requisite courses?
A letter grade of "C+" (2.5 GPA) is required for the following courses
- BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- PSYC 2301 General Psychology
- ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric
What if there is a problem with my background check?
Area facilities are now requiring all health care students to have a background check and possibly a drug screen prior to clinical rotations. Students cannot begin or continue their studies until the background check process is satisfactorily cleared. The student is responsible for working with the background check company to clear up any reporting discrepancies prior to enrolling in the program.
- NOTE: A felony (or certain misdemeanors) conviction may affect your ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or get a state license to practice as an OTA. A graduate who is not allowed by NBCOT to take the certification exam because of a felony conviction will probably not be able to get a Texas license as an OTA. Assistance with a conviction can be obtained through NBCOT and or ECPTOTE at:
- https://www.nbcot.org/exam/character
- www.ptot.texas.gov/faq
- If you have any criminal convictions, you are advised to contact the program director for further advising.
If you have disciplinary actions in your past, be they felonies or misdemeanors, you should address those issues with the state licensing board beforehand. Waiting until you report such on your application may cause a delay in issuing. Access the Criminal History Evaluation Letter from the ECPTOT home page https://ptot.texas.gov/ for further information regarding addressing this as soon as possible. It is recommended that students use this review before applying to or attending an OT or OTA program.