Top OT Programs in the United States with Clinical Rotations & Hybrid Online Options

Occupational therapy is growing fast, and for good reason. As demand increases across hospitals, schools, home health, and rehab centers, more students are turning to top OT programs that offer strong clinical training, flexible schedules, and a clear path to licensure. These programs prepare future therapists to help individuals build strength, mobility, and independence in everyday life.

Many of today’s top OT programs now include hybrid online options, allowing students to complete academic coursework remotely while gaining real-world experience through in-person fieldwork. Whether you’re changing careers, balancing work and family, or looking for a more flexible route into the profession, there are options that align with your goals and your schedule. The right program can help you get there.

How to Spot a High-Quality Hybrid OT/OTD Program

Top OT programs combine the flexibility of online coursework with the rigor of hands-on clinical practice. As you look for a program that balances remote learning with real-world training, certain features distinguish programs that truly deliver. The best ones support your growth into a skilled, confident occupational therapist while giving you flexibility in how and where you learn.

Hybrid OT/OTD programs work because they integrate theory and practice. You can complete didactic modules online—through lectures, discussions, assignments—and still engage in immersive labs, supervised clinical rotations, and mentorship that bridges virtual and in-person learning.

Clinical Components to Prioritize

• Structured clinical rotations with exposure to different patient populations
• Real-world settings (hospitals, outpatient clinics, school systems—not just on-campus labs)
• Options for placements near your home region
• Mentorship, tracking of progress, real-time feedback from supervisors

Clinical rotations are where your learning solidifies. You’ll apply theory, hone your evaluation and intervention skills, and learn to collaborate with other health professionals. The best hybrid OT programs ensure these rotations are planned, supervised, and aligned with accreditation standards and certification expectations.

Because clinical training is critical, the program should support you in securing meaningful placements. That includes a network of partner sites, flexibility in location, and coordination so you don’t spend weeks searching for a quality clinic. Your mentors and faculty should check in regularly, and provide feedback, helping you refine your patient approach, documentation, and professional growth.

Accreditation is non-negotiable. The program should be accredited by ACOTE, which ensures your education meets national standards. The curriculum should prepare you for the NBCOT exam, weave capstone or applied research projects into your experience, and integrate ethics, health equity, and real-world practice into each module.

Top 6 OT Programs with Clinical Rotations & Hybrid Online Options

Occupational therapy is evolving and many leading programs are embracing hybrid models that let you complete coursework remotely while gaining real clinical experience in person.

1. Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS) – Flexible, Accelerated, & Clinic-Focused

At SCUHS, we’ve built our hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program to meet students where they are—academically, professionally, and personally. You can enter our program with 90+ undergraduate credits, and if you qualify, you’ll have the opportunity to earn both your bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at the same time. 

Our full-time program runs for just over two years. In the first year, you’ll participate in live online coursework with in-person clinical labs at the end of each term. In the second year, you’ll complete a personalized capstone project and take part in clinical rotations, either near your home or in another U.S. location based on availability.

Program highlights:

• Start with 90+ college credits (no bachelor’s or GRE required)
• Earn your BS in Health Sciences and OTD in the same timeline
• Accredited by ACOTE; NBCOT exam-eligible
• Fixed tuition guarantee, plus federal financial aid and scholarships

We’re here to help you take the next step toward your OT career with a program that’s built for flexibility, support, and impact. Request more information or apply today.

2. Boston University – Online OTD

Boston University’s Online OTD program offers a mostly remote curriculum combined with in-person clinical experiences. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and public health across its curriculum. Students complete their didactic work online, while clinical placements are arranged through BU’s network of rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and community agencies. The capstone focuses on systems-level change and advocacy in OT practice.

3. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS)

USAHS offers a flexible “Flex OTD” track that blends online coursework with weekend lab intensives and regional practicums. This format is especially well-suited for working professionals or those juggling multiple commitments. Their national clinical partner network helps place students in supervised rotations across specialties.

4. Thomas Jefferson University – Philadelphia

Thomas Jefferson University’s hybrid OTD provides early exposure to fieldwork while retaining strong research components. Students can choose specialization tracks like neurology, pediatrics, or mental health. The program includes international placement options and supports a rich capstone or thesis-based project.

5. Bay Path University – Massachusetts

Bay Path offers a bridge from OTA to OTD in a hybrid format (approximately 80% online with 2-week on-campus intensives). The program is ACOTE-accredited and maintains a robust clinical placement network throughout the eastern U.S. Students benefit from structured advising and integrated wellness modules.

6. Belmont University – Tennessee

Belmont’s hybrid OTD program blends online theory with structured in-person labs and embedded clinical rotations across four semesters. The school emphasizes geriatrics and community rehabilitation and supports both local and out-of-state placement options, giving students flexibility in where they train.

How Do Clinical Rotations Work in a Hybrid OTD Program?

If you’re exploring a hybrid OT or OTD program, one of the most important elements to understand is how clinical rotations are structured. These experiences connect what you learn in the classroom to the hands-on realities of patient care. For students balancing life, work, and academics, flexibility in clinical placements can be a game-changer. A well-structured rotation program prepares you to work with diverse populations, across various settings, and under the guidance of skilled supervisors.

Common Models of Clinical Placement

Depending on your program, clinical placements might follow one or more of these models:

• Local placements arranged by the school (based on where you live)
• Student-initiated placements, where you help identify a site and the school approves it
• National placement networks maintained by the university with established partner sites

These models offer flexibility while ensuring accreditation standards are met and you gain the depth of experience needed for licensure.

What to Expect During Clinical Rotations

Your clinical experience will vary by site and rotation type, but several elements are consistent. Most programs schedule full-time rotations (usually 8–12 weeks), though some may include part-time fieldwork during earlier phases. Supervision is provided by licensed OTs at each site, who guide your development and track progress. You can expect to rotate through settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), pediatric clinics, schools, and community-based programs. This diversity ensures you’re ready to work across a wide spectrum of practice areas and patient populations.

Entering Without a Bachelor’s: Fast-Track Options for OTAs & Career Changers

Many doctoral-level OT programs ask for a completed bachelor’s degree and GRE scores before you can even apply. We’ve built a more direct path. At SCUHS, students with 90 or more qualifying college credits can begin working toward their Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) right away. You don’t need to pause for an additional degree—we’ve integrated that into the process.

Through our embedded bachelor’s-to-doctorate track, you can earn both your Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy on a unified timeline. The coursework is structured so that select classes fulfill requirements for both degrees, which means you stay on track and graduate faster, often in just over two years.

• Entry with 90+ college credits—no GRE required
• Complete your BSHS and OTD at the same time
• Saves 1–2 years in time and tuition
• Structured for working professionals and transfer students
• Strong fit for licensed OTAs ready to move forward
• Supportive online-hybrid format with immersive, hands-on learning

This path is designed for career changers, returning students, and OTAs looking to grow into advanced roles in clinical care, leadership, or education. 

Building a Career with an OTD: Diverse Roles, Real Impact

Many OTD graduates go on to lead clinical programs, work in specialized therapy settings, or transition into academic, administrative, or community-based roles. The degree builds both clinical and leadership capacity, helping professionals adapt to different healthcare settings and career stages over time.

Whether you’re seeking hands-on patient impact, a role in systems design, or future teaching and policy opportunities, the OTD equips you with the tools and flexibility to pursue your goals in a wide range of environments.

• Clinical Practice – Acute care, neurorehabilitation, outpatient, pediatrics, schools, hand therapy, home health
• Program Development & Leadership – Designing and managing therapy programs, supervising teams, innovating care models
• Teaching & Academia – Faculty roles in OT education programs, mentoring the next generation of therapists
• Research & Evidence-Based Practice – Contributing to clinical research, implementation science, or quality improvement
• Advocacy & Policy – Influencing disability policy, healthcare reform, and access initiatives
• Community Health & Outreach – Creating interventions for underserved populations or designing inclusive environments

OTDs bring value wherever there’s a need for strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and meaningful support for individuals’ function and independence.

An OTD gives you the kind of depth and flexibility that supports a career across multiple settings—and over multiple decades.

Your Future in Occupational Therapy Starts Here

Occupational therapy is a profession built on empathy, science, and impact. The top OT programs prepare you to lead with purpose, deliver care with depth, and innovate in a world that needs inclusive, functional solutions. Whether you’re drawn to clinical care, advocacy, or leadership, the right program will give you both the skills and confidence to move forward.

If you’re looking for a flexible, clinically immersive, and career-aligned OT pathway, we invite you to explore our program. Start your journey with SCUHS—request more information or apply today to take the first step.

 FAQs

What should I look for when comparing top OT programs?

Look for ACOTE accreditation, strong clinical rotation networks, flexible learning formats (especially if you’re working or a caregiver), NBCOT board prep integration, and faculty who bring both clinical and teaching experience. The top OT programs also offer personalized advising, diverse practicum settings, and support beyond graduation, including job placement and licensure guidance.

Can I complete an OT program online or in a hybrid format?

Yes—many programs now offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. These are ideal if you’re balancing work, family, or returning to school. Just make sure the program is ACOTE-accredited and includes structured, hands-on experiences that prepare you for patient care and board certification.

What types of clinical placements are included in OT programs?

Clinical placements often include a variety of settings like hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and community health programs. The goal is to give you experience with diverse populations across the lifespan. Programs with national clinical networks offer more flexibility in where you complete your hours.

Can I start the SCUHS OT program without a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can begin our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program with just 90+ undergraduate credits. We offer an embedded bachelor’s-to-doctorate track that lets you complete both degrees in one streamlined program—saving time, tuition, and helping you enter the field faster.

Is your OT program accredited?

Yes, our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This ensures that our curriculum meets national standards and that graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification exam and apply for licensure.