Western New England University (WNE) has recently launched an innovative distance pathway for its Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. This new offering provides students with the flexibility of an online format while mirroring the quality and rigor of the on-campus curriculum. The OTD Distance Pathway is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE through 2026. The first distance learning cohort of nine students began their studies in the fall of 2024.
"Distance learning in occupational therapy opens up new opportunities for students to pursue a top-quality education without the need to relocate, making the program accessible to a broader, more diverse pool of future practitioners,” said Department Chair Professor Brittany Adams, OT, OTD, MS, OTR and OTD program director. “By expanding accessibility, we are helping to prepare a new generation of occupational therapists who are ready to serve communities nationwide."
The distance pathway allows students from across the country to receive the same excellence in occupational therapy education as those attending classes on campus. Through a carefully structured online curriculum, students gain access to high-quality courses and hands-on learning opportunities aligned with the in-person program. Classes are held synchronously online, where distance learners join on-campus students in real-time via Zoom and simulation platforms from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. The current class of students hails from around New England as well as New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.
A key component of WNE's distance OTD program is the Level I Fieldwork experience. Conducted one day per week for six to eight weeks each semester, this fieldwork provides students with hands-on opportunities in real-world settings close to their homes. These field experiences reflect the course content, ensuring that students can directly apply what they’ve learned in practical environments.
In addition to online coursework and fieldwork, the program requires students to attend campus-based immersive sessions at WNE. These sessions include a one-week orientation at the program’s outset, followed by three- to six-day hands-on learning sessions at the midpoint and end of most semesters.
The distance pathway is ideal for self-motivated and disciplined students who possess effective time management skills and can communicate effectively through writing. WNE provides a self-assessment tool to help prospective students determine if the online pathway aligns with their learning style and goals.
With this new offering, WNE reaffirms its commitment to accessible, high-quality education that prepares occupational therapy professionals to meet the needs of a diverse and changing world.
“This approach meets the growing demand in the healthcare market by allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional obligations, while still receiving the hands-on training and real-world experience that are essential for success in occupational therapy,” said Professor Erin Wells, OT Distance Pathway Coordinator.
