Admission Process

The Admissions requirements are detailed in the An admissions checklist is also included in the information packet for your reference.​​

To apply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, please​​ send an email to AskSOHS@DallasCollege.edu with the subject line “OTA application.” In the email, please include your full name, Dallas College student ID and the email address where you would like to have the application sent (if different from the one used to request the application).

For assistance completing the application, please contact our Success Coaching (Advising) Center .

Other Considerations for Admission

In addition to completing the above requirements and application, the student should consider the rigorous physical and mental demands of an occupational therapy career which are needed in order to accomplish the objectives of the OTA program. The OTA applicant must possess:

1. A valid Social Security number.
2. Visual acuity with or without corrective lenses. This is needed for, but is not limited to, patient intervention, assessments, reading small print, visualizing and interpreting monitors and equipment calibrations.
3. Hearing ability, with or without auditory aids, to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker's face.  This is needed for, but is not limited to, hearing monitor alarms, emergency signals, and call bells from patients, and stethoscopic sounds originating from the patient's blood vessels, heart, lungs and abdomen. 
4. Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods of time and a reasonable ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. This is needed for, but is not limited to, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, safely lifting patients, moving from room to room, maneuvering in small spaces and completing eight-hour shifts.
5. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in written form. This is needed for, but is not limited to, the ability to speak clearly to members of a health care team, patients and families. The student must possess the ability to write legibly and professionally in the patient's chart or legal documentation and have the ability to use effective listening skills.
6.   Manual dexterity, strength and fine motor skills. This is needed for performing other OTA procedures and/or skills.
7. Reliable personal transportation and the ability to attend all classroom and clinical experiences, both on and off campus.
8. A normal level of health and immunity. Has the ability to tolerate immunizations and to work with a wide variety of potentially contagious patients.
9. Eligibility to meet the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners Requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, passing a criminal background check and drug and alcohol screening. (Please be aware that some criminal history or psychiatric illnesses may preclude an individual from licensure eligibility.) Some clinical sites or health care facilities may have more stringent rules regarding citizenship, which may preclude non-citizens from completing those clinical experiences.
10. Ability to function safely and professionally under various stressful conditions.
11. A solid understanding of medical terminology.