Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first step to apply?

First, you must be enrolled at ACC. Please see this page for information about how to get started.

Are bonus points awarded in the selection process?

Bonus points for co-requisites are no longer provided, however the GPA from any co-requisite courses taken will be calculated into the weighted GPA admission score.  The GPA for co-requisites will not be used in calculation of minimum GPA required to apply to the program.

Does the OTA Program schedule Information Sessions for prospective students?

Yes. The OTA program requires attendance at an Information Session as part of the application process. There are regularly scheduled Information Sessions during the Fall and Spring semesters. While a face-to-face Information Session is recommended, students have the option of completing the OTA Information Session online.

Is a waiting list maintained for the OTA Program?

Based on the past five years (2017-2022), the average number of applicants was 50 of which we accepted 14-20. The program does not maintain waiting lists. Students that applied and did not gain admission into the program and want consideration for admission the following year must submit a new application. No additional consideration is given to the number of times an applicant has applied to the program.

How much time is recommended for study purposes?

Students in the OTA course of study should expect to spend at least 12-18 hours per week for study time in addition to class time.

What is the class schedule like?

First Year

  • Fall Semester: M-Th morning, afternoon, and late afternoon classes
  • Spring Semester: M-Th all day including 80 hour level 1 fieldwork
  • Summer Semester: M-Th all day including 48 hour level 1 fieldwork

Second Year

  • Fall Semester: M-Th morning and afternoon classes, including 80 hour level 1 fieldwork
  • Spring Semester: M-Th afternoon during the first half of semester, 8 week courses; clinical 320 hours beginning after spring break, M-F for 8 weeks
  • Summer Semester: M-F clinical 320 hours and an online course

Class schedules may change without notice because of our reliance on adjunct faculty and clinicians with expertise in specific patient care areas.

Where are the clinical education sites located?

All students must successfully complete clinical rotations as part of the requirement for graduation from the OTA Program. All students complete these rotations within the ACC service district. All students are expected to arrange their own transportation to the clinics as assigned.

Is there a required uniform for clinicals?

OTA students are required to wear khaki pants, a solid colored polo shirt, and closed toed shoes when in clinics. Other facilities, such as hospitals, may require specific-colored scrubs. ID badges will be obtained through the college. Additional ID badges may be required per facility.

Are tattoos or facial piercing allowed?

No facial piercings are allowed and all tattoos must be covered during lab check-offs and practicums. No facial piercings and all tattoos must also be covered for all fieldwork and community experiential learning activities.

Will jobs be available when I graduate?

While we cannot predict the job market with 100% accuracy, sources indicate considerable growth in OTA jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,300 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What is the salary for an OTA?

Generally speaking, OTAs earn 75-80% of what a OT earns. The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $61,730 in May 2021. Please keep in mind that pay scales vary depending on the setting, and because Austin is a favorable place to live, salaries are generally lower than in other parts of Texas. Graduates who are willing to relocate can expect higher starting salaries. Salaries for Texas OTAs can be found on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Page.

Is there a licensure exam required to practice when I graduate?

Licensure is required in the State of Texas under the provisions of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act and must be obtained through successful completion of a national exam before the candidate may practice Occupational Therapy. The procedure for obtaining licensure as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in Texas will be distributed during the last semester of enrollment. Licensure requirements vary in other states and students should speak with the program faculty for assistance with this information.

What are the OTA Program's graduate statistics?

Our program’s statistics and outcomes can be found on the OTA home page.

What is a competitive TEAS Score and GPA?

The program does not require a minimum TEAS score. Your score is only compared to your applicant pool so the higher the score, the better. The following table gives the average TEAS scores for the past two classes.

  • 2022 TEAS Average: 77%
  • 2021 TEAS Average: 80%

The minimum GPA of prerequisite courses required to apply is a 2.5, however, a higher GPA improves your chances of acceptance into the program. The following table gives the average GPA for the past two classes.

  • 2022 GPA Average: 3.8
  • 2021 GPA Average: 3.9

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