Online Occupational Therapy Programs for Aspiring OTs

A decade ago, becoming an occupational therapist often meant uprooting your life, relocating to a new city, and spending a small fortune on tuition, housing, and travel. Today, online occupational therapy programs have made learning more accessible. Whether you’re an aspiring OT, or looking to advance your career as an Occupational Therapist Assistant, online programs make it possible to learn on your terms.

But not all online OT programs are created equal. In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose a program that sets you up for long-term success.

Can You Become an Occupational Therapist Online? 

The short answer: Yes—but there’s more to it. No accredited OT program is 100% online, and for good reason. Occupational therapy requires hands-on skills—students need direct experience and practical training to develop the essential skills required for this profession. When a program is advertised as “online,” it typically follows a hybrid or blended format.

A Smarter Way to Earn Your OTD

Synchronous, Virtual Coursework: Dive into expert-led lectures, interactive assignments, and live online discussions—all designed for remote delivery. At SCU California campus, 80% of your curriculum is completed online, you can advance your education from anywhere without sacrificing quality or engagement.

Immersive On-Campus Intensives: At SCU, students join us on campus for a three-week intensive headed by some of the leading voices in Occupational Therapy. These sessions are focused, deeply collaborative, and tech-forward. You’ll work in small groups, refine your clinical skills, and train with cutting-edge tools like VR therapy, driving simulators, and 3D printing—preparing you for the future of occupational therapy.

In-Person Clinical Training: Fieldwork placements take you beyond the screen and into real healthcare environments. You’ll apply your knowledge at clinical sites across the country—hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and more—gaining the supervised, hands-on experience you need to succeed.

How to Evaluate an OT Program

Not all online occupational therapy programs deliver the same quality education, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and career opportunities. The best programs combine flexibility with top-tier training—so how do you find one that checks all the right boxes?

A strong OT program goes beyond online lectures. Accreditation, hands-on training, and clinical placements all play a huge role in preparing you for a successful career. Let’s break down what really matters when choosing an online OT program.

Accreditation? Non-Negotiable

If the program isn’t accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), it’s a hard no. Without ACOTE accreditation, you won’t be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam—meaning you won’t be able to practice as an OT. Always check accreditation before applying.

Hybrid vs. Fully Online: What’s the Format?

Some programs advertise as “online,” but they’re actually hybrid models—a mix of virtual coursework and in-person training. Before committing, find out:

• How much of the program is online vs. in-person?
• How often do you need to be on campus?
• Where will you complete hands-on training?

These questions mark a world of difference between OTD programs.

Online Learning Doesn’t Have to Mean Passive Learning

At SCU, online doesn’t mean hands-off. At SCU, our online-blended format Doctor of Occupational Therapy program blends live, faculty-led virtual classes with immersive, hands-on training powered by the latest technology. You’ll attend live, synchronous virtual classes where you can interact with faculty and peers in real time, ask questions, and collaborate on clinical scenarios.

Our faculty are accessible and invested—offering one-on-one support, mentorship, and feedback throughout the program. Hands-on learning takes place through immersive, three-week on-campus intensives each term, where students refine skills in small-group labs using advanced tools like virtual reality, 3D printing, and simulated patient interactions.

You’ll also complete supervised fieldwork near your home or chosen city, so you gain essential clinical experience without needing to relocate. It’s flexible, rigorous, and built for the future of OT.

Plus, our technology-enhanced learning tools take things further:

• Clinical Driving Simulator Practice retraining clients with simulated real-world driving scenarios.
• 3D Printer Design and create custom splints and adaptive devices.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Create immersive experiences that boost patient engagement, allowing for precise therapy in a controlled yet flexible environment, and driving more successful treatment results.
• Complete Anatomy Dig deep into anatomy using a dynamic, layered digital platform.
• Draw It to Know It (DITKI) Learn through drawing-based anatomy tutorials, videos, and quizzes.

At SCU, our format gives you the flexibility of online learning without sacrificing the engagement, hands-on training, and expert interaction that make an occupational therapy education truly meaningful.

Clinical Rotations & Fieldwork

Occupational therapy is hands-on work, and your education should reflect that. Occupational therapy requires direct interaction with patients, environments, and therapeutic tools, making hands-on experience a crucial part of your training that’s why practical, in-person learning plays a vital role in occupational therapy education. A strong program will help arrange clinical placements in your area, ensuring you get diverse, high-quality fieldwork experience. Before enrolling, ask:

• Does the program assist with clinical placements, or are you responsible for finding your own?
• What types of clinical settings will you be exposed to?
• How many hours of hands-on training are required?

The best programs don’t just check a box for clinical hours—they make sure you get meaningful, career-building experience.

Flexibility & Time Commitment: What Works for You?

Full-time programs can vary widely. Some include scheduled breaks and allow time for work or personal responsibilities. Others, especially accelerated formats, are highly intensive and may require you to put everything else on hold to keep up with the pace.

Part-time options, while appealing for their balance, are much less common in occupational therapy programs. If flexibility is important to you, be sure to ask whether the program truly offers a slower pace or just a lighter full-time structure.

As you evaluate programs, ask yourself:

• Can you realistically manage a standard or accelerated full-time schedule?

• Does the structure support your personal and professional responsibilities?

• Will the pace help you stay motivated without burning out?

The right program should align with your life—not just your academic goals.

Choosing the right OT program isn’t just about convenience—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Accreditation, hands-on training, and a format that fits your life are all must-haves. Take the time to research, ask questions, and find a program that truly prepares you for a thriving career in occupational therapy.

Flexible, Hands-On, and Future-Ready: SCU’s OTD Program Explained

At SCU, we’ve spent over a century pushing healthcare education forward. Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is built for students who want more than a degree—they want an education that’s hands-on and designed for real-world success.

From our blended learning format to our unmatched clinical training, we make it possible to earn your doctorate without putting life on hold. Whether you’re a licensed OTA or making a career change, our program is structured to get you where you want to go—faster, smarter, and with the support you need.

Fixed Tuition Guarantee

We believe in transparency. Our fixed tuition guarantee means no hidden fees, no surprise increases—just one clear, upfront cost so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Accredited & Designed for Real-World Success

Our OTD program is fully accredited and designed to prepare you for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. That means you’ll graduate ready to:

• Earn your OT license and begin practicing.
• Step into leadership roles or specialized fields.
• Make an immediate impact in a growing, in-demand profession.

A strong OT career starts with the right education. And at SCU, we’ve built an OTD program that works for real students with real lives, providing the flexibility, training, and support you need to thrive. You’ll learn from a faculty of trailblazing experts who are leaders in their field, helmed by Program Director Dr. Heather Thomas,and receive direct support and mentorship to help you build a successful OT career.

Your OT Career is Waiting—Let’s Get Started

Online occupational therapy programs have made it possible to earn an advanced degree without putting life on pause. But not all programs offer the same level of real-world training, flexibility, and career preparation. At SCU, we’ve designed an OTD program that blends online learning with top-tier clinical experience, ensuring you graduate ready to lead, specialize, and make an impact.

Your future in OT starts with the right education, and we’re here to help you take that next step. Check out our admission requirements and apply today!

FAQs

Can I become an occupational therapist through online occupational therapy programs?

Yes, but no program is 100% online. OT requires hands-on training, so accredited programs use a hybrid model—online coursework combined with in-person clinical experiences. This ensures you develop the practical skills needed for real-world patient care.

How much hands-on training will I get in an online OT program?

A lot. Even in hybrid formats, you’ll complete clinical rotations, in-person lab work, and supervised fieldwork to develop critical hands-on skills. The best programs ensure you get diverse, real-world experience in different healthcare settings.

Do online OT programs require campus visits?

Most do. Hybrid OT programs include on-campus intensives for skills labs, assessments, and specialized training. These short, focused visits give you hands-on experience while still allowing you to complete most coursework remotely.

How much of SCU’s OTD program is online?

About 80% of coursework is online, giving students flexibility. At SCU, our online classes are interactive and immersive, featuring live, synchronous sessions that bring you face-to-face with expert faculty and peers in real-time. You’ll enjoy engaging, fast-paced discussions in small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. 

The remaining 20% is in-person clinical training, where our students come to campus for three weeks at the end of each term for hands-on learning experiences.

Is tuition for SCU’s OTD program fixed?

Yes! We offer a fixed tuition guarantee, so what you see upfront is what you pay. No surprise increases, no hidden fees—just a clear cost structure to help you plan your investment in your future.