How to Apply for the OTA Program

Three OTA students practicing rehab on a dummy patient

​Each semester has its own application period.  Please check back for the dates as they become available.  For questions regarding the application process, please attend an information session.  Completed applications will be accepted in the following format:

SPRING - a randomization selection process (lottery).

FALL - an Associate's degree in OTA to a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies (OS).  Students will earn both degrees.  The selection for this program will be criterion base.  This program is for applicants without a Bachelor's degree awarded from another college/university. 

Apply to Santa Ana College​ to o​btain a student identification number.

 Download and complete the OTA application.  Incomplete application will not be reviewed and will be returned. 

Obtain official high school transcripts (for applicants without an AA/AS or BA/BS degree awarded from an accredited United States Institution). 

Ensure satisfactory completion of all prerequisite courses, or their equivalents, with a grade of "C" or better.  A letter grade of "C-" is not acceptable.  Applicants must have completed all prerequisite courses and the grades must be posted to their official transcript before submitting an application.

  • Applicants with AP Exams taken in lieu of a prerequisite course must     have a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test.  Submit a copy of the official AP Score Report (in an official sealed envelope) from the College Board with the application.

Obtain official college transcripts from every college​ attended​ and include them in the application packet. DO NOT send the transcripts directly to Admissions & Records and DO NOT submit unofficial transcripts in your packet.  Transcripts must be in sealed envelope from the college.  ​

Mail the application materials in one sealed envelope (9 " x 12") to the OTA program by the deadline.

Mailing ​​Address:
Santa Ana College 
ATTN: Dawn McKenna-Sallade; OTA Program Application 
1530 West 17th Street 
Santa Ana, CA 92706

This is only for students who have been selected to begin the enrollment process. Once selected, students will be sent information asking them to complete the following requirements by the given due date:

  • Background check via CastleBranch
  • Provide CPR (BLS for Healthcare Providers) certification from American Heart Association
  • Obtain professional liability insurance
  • Provide documentation of various medical immunizations:
    Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
    Varicella (Chicken Pox)​
    Hepatitis B
    TB Skin Test (1 Step)
    Completed DTP Series or Tdap Booster
    Influenza Shot
    COVID-19 Vaccination & Booster
  • Report of Medical Screening

Failure to complete obtain final clearance by the completion date will render the student not eligible to begin the OTA Program.

In order to take online courses, students will need to have a computer with access to the internet and a working email address. Students will need to have basic skills in internet access and word processing. There are student tutorials on the Santa Ana College Canvas Student Resources website to guide the student in use of the system​.