Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program - Traditional & Flex Pathways
One accredited program with two delivery pathways to meet diverse student needs.
Program Overview
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Oklahoma City Community College is a single, accredited program offered through two pathways: the Traditional Pathway and the Flex Pathway. Both pathways follow the same curriculum, course sequence, academic standards, and clinical requirements, leading to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The primary difference between pathways is the method and timing of course delivery, allowing students to choose the option that best fits their scheduling needs while maintaining rigorous preparation for entry-level occupational therapy assistant practice.
All information on this website applies to both pathways unless otherwise specified.
Traditional Pathway – What to Expect
The Traditional Pathway is a full-time, in-person program that begins each Fall semester.
Students in the Traditional Pathway can expect:
- On-campus lectures, labs, and hands-on skill development
- Face-to-face instruction and direct faculty interaction
- Structured weekday, daytime schedules
- Progressive lab experiences and integrated fieldwork preparation
This pathway is ideal for students who prefer a traditional classroom learning environment and are available for regular on-campus attendance.
Flex Pathway – What to Expect
The Flex Pathway is a hybrid delivery option that begins each Spring semester and is designed for students who need greater scheduling flexibility.
Students in the Flex Pathway can expect:
- Didactic coursework delivered primarily online
- Regular virtual meetings, scheduled check-ins, synchronous learning activities, and collaborative group work
- Required on-campus lab residencies for hands-on skills, competencies, and check-offs
- Active engagement with peers to complete assigned group learning activities and projects
- The same academic expectations, skills mastery, and fieldwork preparation as the Traditional Pathway
While much of the coursework is asynchronous, some synchronous participation is required to support interaction, professional communication, and skill development.
OTA Program Pathways at a Glance
| Program Feature | Traditional Pathway | Flex Pathway |
| Program Structure | One OTA Program | One OTA Program |
| Degree Awarded | AAS – Occupational Therapy Assistant | AAS – Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Curriculum & Sequence | Identical | Identical |
| Academic & Clinical Standards | Same standards | Same standards |
| Program Start Term | Fall semester | Spring semester |
| Program Length | Five consecutive semesters: 22 months | Six consecutive semesters: 24 months |
| Delivery Method | Fully in-person | Hybrid (online didactic + on-campus labs and) |
| Lecture Format | On-campus classroom instruction | Primarily online, asynchronous with required synchronous activity requirements |
| Lab & Skills Instruction | On-campus labs during scheduled class times | Required on-campus lab residencies (select Fridays & Saturdays) |
| Faculty Interaction | In-person during classes and labs | Regular virtual meetings, check-ins, synchronous activities, and on-campus lab instruction |
| Group Work & Collaboration | In-class collaborative activities | Required collaborative group work with peers |
Schedule Structure | Weekday, daytime | Designed for students with daytime responsibilities |
Fieldwork Preparation | Integrated throughout program | Integrated throughout program |
Fieldwork I & II | Same requirements | Same requirements |
Progression & Competency Standards | Identical skill check-offs and progression requirements | Identical skill checkoffs and progression requirements |
Degree Information
Associate in Applies Science (AAS)
Minimum of 60 credit hours
