Occupational Therapy Online Programs: A Flexible Path to Your OTD

You want to become an occupational therapist, but life is busy. Work, family, and other commitments make attending a traditional, on-campus program feel impossible. So, can you earn your OT degree online? Yes, but with a catch. Fully online OT programs don’t exist—and for good reason. Occupational therapy is hands-on, and learning the skills to help patients regain independence requires real-world practice.

That’s where occupational therapy hybrid programs come in. Universities like SCUHS now offer online-blended formats, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while still gaining the clinical training and in-person experience required. This balance of flexibility and hands-on learning makes it possible to pursue an OT degree without putting your life on hold. So, what should you expect from an online OT program? Let’s dive in.

How Online OT Programs Work (And What to Expect)

While many healthcare fields offer fully remote degrees, OT is different—it requires hands-on training, real-world clinical experience, and direct patient care.

So, what does ‘online’ really mean in OT education? Most programs use a hybrid or blended model, combining remote coursework with in-person labs and fieldwork. This format gives students flexibility while ensuring they meet the accreditation and licensure requirements needed to become a practicing OT. Let’s break down how it works.

The Truth: No Fully Online OT Programs Exist

There’s no way around it—you can’t become an OT without hands-on training. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and state licensure boards require students to gain real clinical experience before practicing.

Here’s what that means:

• Online OT programs aren’t 100% online—they follow a hybrid format.
• You’ll still need to complete clinical rotations at real healthcare facilities.
• Hands-on labs and practical skill-building are required before earning your degree.

OT isn’t just about taking tests and writing papers—it’s about working with real people, problem-solving in live settings, and applying what you’ve learned in real-world environments.

How Online-Blended OT Programs Work

While you can’t earn your degree fully online, hybrid programs make OT education more flexible by allowing students to complete coursework remotely. Here’s what to expect:

• Virtual coursework: Attend lectures, submit assignments, and engage in case studies and labs—all from home.
• Hands-on labs: Some programs require periodic on-campus visits to practice essential skills like splinting, patient training, equipment and assistive technology use.
• Fieldwork placements: Supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, rehab centers, and schools provide the real-world experience needed for licensure.

The online component offers convenience, while in-person training ensures you’re fully prepared for the profession.

If you’re considering an online OT program, know that while much of the coursework can be completed remotely, hands-on training is non-negotiable. A hybrid model blends flexibility with real-world experience, allowing students to earn their OT degree without sacrificing the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

Is an Online OT Program Right for You? Let’s Find Out

So, who benefits most from an online OT program? Whether you’re balancing work, already in the OT field, or need the freedom to study from anywhere, this path could be the perfect fit. Let’s break it down.

Working Professionals & Career Changers

If you’re already working or managing family responsibilities, a traditional on-campus OT program might feel impossible. Online OT programs offer flexibility, letting you complete coursework on your schedule while still getting the clinical experience needed to succeed.

For career changers—especially those coming from healthcare, education, or kinesiology—online OT programs offer a structured path into a high-demand field. While many programs are full-time and require a significant weekly commitment, the virtual classroom format means you can attend from home, removing the need to relocate or commute.

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) Looking to Advance

Already working in OT? Some programs allow licensed OTAs to fast-track their doctorate—skipping the bachelor’s degree requirement and moving straight into an OTD program.

This means:

• Less time spent in school compared to traditional OT pathways.
• A direct route to higher salaries and leadership roles.
• Staying in the field while advancing your career.

For OTAs who want to move up without stepping away from work completely, an online-blended program makes that possible.

Students Seeking Geographic Flexibility

Relocating for school isn’t an option for everyone. Online OT programs let students complete coursework remotely while arranging fieldwork placements near their home—removing the need to move across the country just to earn a degree.

This setup is ideal for:

• Students in areas with limited local OT programs.
• Those who want to keep their job while earning their degree.
• Anyone who prefers the freedom to learn from anywhere without uprooting their life.

An online OT program offers more than just flexibility; it opens doors for students who require adaptability while still delivering the hands-on experience essential for a successful OT career.

OTD Training That Works for You: The SCU Advantage

Earning your Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) shouldn’t mean putting your life on hold. That’s why we designed our OTD program to give students the flexibility of remote learning without sacrificing the hands-on training and real-world experience needed to become a skilled, confident OT.

With an innovative hybrid format, cutting-edge learning tools, and a direct-entry pathway that lets students enroll without a bachelor’s degree, we’re making it easier—and smarter—to earn your doctorate. Here’s what sets our program apart.

Enter Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Most OTD programs require a bachelor’s degree just to apply, but we do things differently. At SCU, you can start with just 90+ college credits, saving you time, money, and extra years of school.

This is a game-changer for:

• Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) looking to fast-track their doctorate.
• Students who want a direct path without a traditional bachelor’s degree.
• Career changers ready to dive into OT without unnecessary coursework.

If you’re serious about becoming an OT, we make sure you get there faster.

Flexible Learning: 80% Online, 20% On Campus

We know our students have busy lives. That’s why 80% of coursework is online, so you can study from anywhere without disrupting your personal commitments. Our online OT program at SCU brings the classroom to you, delivering a rich and interactive learning experience through live sessions with distinguished faculty and collaborative peers. Through dynamic discussions and personalized guidance, you’ll stay engaged and connected, enjoying a learning environment that’s just as vibrant as an on-campus experience.

But OT is hands-on, and we don’t cut corners on clinical training. Our program includes four short in-person training sessions (just three weeks per term) for:

• Hands-on labs

• Clinical skill-building

• Face-to-face mentorship with expert faculty

This format keeps you connected to real-world learning while giving you the flexibility to learn on your own schedule.

Licensure & Career Readiness

An OTD isn’t just a degree—it’s the key to becoming a licensed occupational therapist. Our program is fully accredited, ensuring graduates meet all the requirements to sit for the NBCOT exam and secure licensure.

Beyond that, we focus on real-world preparation:

• High-quality fieldwork placements that match students with experienced OTs.
• A capstone project that lets students dive deep into a specialized area of OT.
• Career guidance and support to help graduates transition into the workforce with confidence.

At SCU California campus, you’ll be guided by a team of pioneering Occupational Therapy faculty, led by the esteemed Dr. Heather Thomas, who bring cutting-edge expertise and real-world insight to the classroom. Through one-on-one support and mentorship, you’ll receive tailored guidance from instructors who are invested in your success, helping you unlock your full potential as a future OT professional.

Fixed Tuition Guarantee

Higher education can be unpredictable, but your tuition shouldn’t be. We offer a fixed tuition guarantee, meaning you’ll know exactly what you’re paying from day one—no hidden fees, no surprise tuition hikes.

This makes planning for your future easier, so you can focus on learning, growing, and launching your OT career without financial guesswork.

At SCU, we’ve built an OTD program that works for real students with real lives. Our hybrid format, cutting-edge training, and accelerated pathway mean you don’t have to choose between flexibility and top-tier clinical experience—you get both.

The Future of OT is Here—Are You Ready?

Earning your degree shouldn’t mean putting your life on hold. That’s why occupational therapy online programs like ours are changing the game—giving students the flexibility of remote coursework with the in-person clinical training needed to become skilled, confident OTs. With an innovative hybrid format, advanced learning tools, and a streamlined path to your doctorate, SCU makes it possible to reach your goals faster.

If you’re serious about launching your OT career, you need a program designed for today’s world—one that’s flexible, forward-thinking, and career-focused. So, why wait? Take a look at our admission requirements and apply today. 

FAQs

Can I become an occupational therapist through an online program?

Yes, but no fully online OT programs exist. Accredited programs that offer an online component follow a hybrid model, where some coursework is completed online, but hands-on labs and clinical fieldwork must be done in person to meet degree requirements.

Are occupational therapy online programs accredited?

Not all are, so always check! Only ACOTE-accredited programs qualify graduates to sit for the NBCOT exam, which is required for licensure. If a program claims to be fully online, it likely isn’t accredited.

Do I have to relocate for an online OT program?

It depends. Many hybrid programs let you complete coursework remotely and secure clinical fieldwork placements near your home. However, some require short, on-campus sessions for hands-on labs.

Who should consider an occupational therapy online program?

Anyone who needs flexibility while earning their degree! These programs are great for OTAs looking to advance, and students who don’t want to relocate for school.

How does SCU’s program handle clinical fieldwork?

We help students secure clinical placements near their location, ensuring they get real-world, hands-on training in hospitals, rehab centers, and community clinics before graduating.

How do I apply to SCU’s online-blended OTD program?

It’s easy! Check our admission requirements, submit your transcripts, and complete an online application. If you’ve got questions, our team is here to guide you through the process.