10 Best Hybrid Occupational Therapy Programs for 2025

Occupational therapy (OT) degrees prepare students for careers as occupational therapists in healthcare settings, schools, nursing homes, and beyond. When enrolled in these programs, learners grow their knowledge of the field via didactic coursework and real-world field training.

If you want to enroll in an OT program but prefer to learn virtually, consider the many schools nationwide that offer hybrid occupational therapy programs with blended online and in-person learning experiences. Read on to discover some of the best hybrid degree programs for aspiring occupational therapists.

What Is a Hybrid Occupational Therapy Program?

Hybrid occupational therapy degrees are similar to their traditional counterparts. Students gain hands-on experience through on-campus lab immersions and fieldwork completed in real-world settings. They also take didactic classes teaching key concepts in occupational therapy. So, what makes them different? Instead of commuting to campus for these classes, students access coursework from anywhere with an internet connection.

Most accredited hybrid programs, whether leading to a master's or doctoral degree, prepare learners to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After graduating and passing this exam, students can obtain state licensure, which is required to practice as an occupational therapist, registered (OTR).

Top 10 Hybrid OT Programs

Schools nationwide offer occupational therapy programs for students who enjoy a blend of online and on-site learning. Explore the list below to discover schools with top hybrid OT degrees.

1. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

At Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, students can choose from three hybrid/online OT programs. The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is a five-semester hybrid bridge program for certified occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) looking to earn a master's degree and occupational therapist licensure.

In the eight-semester, hybrid entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, students seeking doctoral-level training get online and hands-on experience as they prepare for OT licensure. The 16-month online post-professional OTD (pOTD) clinical doctorate program is designed for current OT practitioners who want leadership roles or aim to educate future OTs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $897 per credit hour (MOT and OTD-entry level); $984 per credit hour (pOTD post-professional)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

2. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers hybrid flex and immersion OTD programs that teach leadership, advocacy, and policymaking in OT for students seeking practical and administrative healthcare roles. A capstone project is included, which enables learners to explore a specific OT area of interest.

The school's hybrid flex and immersion MOT programs teach students seeking OT licensure to design and apply treatments that help patients engage in everyday activities. The university also offers a hybrid OTA to MOT bridge program for learners without a bachelor's degree who want to earn a master's degree and an OT license.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36,417 to $59,404 per year (hybrid MOT); $54,947 per year (hybrid OTD)
• Accreditation: ACOTE

3. Bay Path University

The MOT at Bay Path University prepares learners for OT careers through its hybrid learning format, which requires students to complete a combination of weekly online coursework and on-campus visits (four weekends per semester during the spring and fall).

Courses explore the foundations of neuroscience, integrated anatomy, mental and behavioral health, and therapeutic modalities. The program also arranges supervised Level II Fieldwork in approved organizations, care settings, and clinical programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85,050 total
• Accreditation: ACOTE

4. George Washington University

George Washington University's entry-level eOTD is a full-time hybrid degree designed for students seeking flexible scheduling and the ability to complete coursework and hands-on training while maintaining other life commitments. Courses span six to eight on-campus residency days per month (these days include collaborative and experiential activities) and two fully remote weeks with asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

This program's curriculum focuses on concepts such as human occupation, neuroscience for rehabilitation, and health in social and population contexts. Fieldwork experiences with variable time commitments are required each semester.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,475 per semester
• Accreditation: ACOTE

5. Belmont University

Belmont University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is a hybrid bridge program for learners seeking flexible scheduling and a quick pathway to career advancement. In addition to coursework exploring neuroscience, research methods, and mental health in OT, students complete 24 weeks of full-time level II fieldwork in a location close to home.

A bachelor's degree isn't required to enroll in this program; however, students need at least 90 semester credit hours. After completing this degree and taking the NBCOT exam, graduates will be qualified to practice as an OTR.

• Estimated tuition cost: $50,850 total
• Accreditation: ACOTE

6. Hanover College

The hybrid, accelerated OTD program at Hanover College prepares students for OT careers in just two years via an online evidence-based curriculum teaching neurological foundations, health and wellness, technological interventions, and more. The program also includes lab immersions completed on campus and in a dedicated lab space, fieldwork, and a capstone experience.

To gain admission, learners must complete a baccalaureate degree and prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. A virtual interview and 30 hours of OT observation are also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46,000 per year
• Accreditation: ACOTE

7. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University offers a hybrid MOT that combines online learning with on-campus classes in Chicago's west suburbs. In this two-year program, students complete rigorous coursework, practical training, and collaborative research on campus.

Courses explore the fundamentals of contemporary practice, research methods, functional anatomy, and more. Level II fieldwork, a full-time 12-week practicum experience under the supervision of an OTR, is also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $69,000 total
• Accreditation: ACOTE

8. Baylor University

Students interested in a hybrid entry-level OT program can pursue Baylor University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and complete their studies in 24 months. Enrollees gain the academic and clinical skills to become OT practitioners through online instruction, hands-on laboratory sessions, and fieldwork/capstone experiences.

Baylor also offers a post-professional OTD for learners seeking advanced OT roles in clinical practice, advocacy, education, and leadership. This 100% online, 16-month program is designed for licensed occupational therapists who already hold a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,350 per trimester (entry level); $1,080 per credit hour (post professional)
• Accreditation: ACOTE

9. Thomas Jefferson University

The MSOT at Thomas Jefferson University is a 74-credit, year-round, hybrid degree that students typically complete in two and a half years. Concepts explored in this full-time program include functional anatomy, evidence-based practice, assessment and intervention, and innovative practice in OT.

Designed for students who work part-time or lead otherwise busy lives, this degree provides weekend classes for greater convenience. The three-year graduation rate for this MSOT program is an impressive 92%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $98,824 total
• Accreditation: ACOTE

10. Medical University of South Carolina

The Medical University of South Carolina is home to a flexible, hybrid entry-level OTD that blends virtual synchronous and asynchronous courses with immersive, hands-on lab activities. Didactic coursework (level I fieldwork) teaches pediatrics, evidence-based practice, neurorehabilitation, clinical pathophysiology, and beyond.

For the clinical practicum (level II fieldwork), students complete two semesters of full-time fieldwork experiences at facilities throughout the U.S. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and completion of 20 hours of prerequisite coursework. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is strongly preferred.

• Estimated tuition cost: $103,720 total
• Accreditation: ACOTE

FAQs About Hybrid OT Programs

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career as an occupational therapist? Explore the FAQs below to learn more about hybrid OT programs before getting started.

What Is the Highest Paid OT Job?

The median annual wage for occupational therapists is $98,340, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Here are the top salaries for this role, based on work setting:

• Nursing care facilities: $103,210
• Home healthcare services: $103,010
• Hospitals (state, local, and private): $100,770
• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists: $96,380
• Educational services (state, local, and private): $83,890

Is Occupational Therapy Being Phased Out?

There is no indication that the field of occupational therapy is being phased out. In fact, data from the BLS shows an ongoing increase in jobs. The employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow much faster than average, at 11% through 2033. About 9,800 job openings are expected each year, on average, over this period.

How Do Hybrid OT Programs Combine Online and In-Person Learning?

In most hybrid programs, students take didactic (lecture) courses online with coursework delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. The in-person portion of the hybrid program usually includes lab immersions or residencies completed on campus. Students also participate in fieldwork experiences in approved community settings.

What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in a Hybrid OT Program?

Pursuing an OT degree in a hybrid format offers the option to complete a portion of your program requirements online. But that's just one benefit. These programs are often flexible and accelerated, designed for students leading busy lives who want to graduate as quickly as possible.

Many schools ensure their hybrid programs provide the same quality academic experiences as campus-based programs. Institutions nationwide offer hybrid degrees with high graduation rates and accreditation from organizations like the ACOTE.

Find a Hybrid Occupational Therapy Program

Start an exciting journey toward a career as an occupational therapist by exploring the degree programs and scholarship options on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to learn ways they can help you reach your career goals.