OTD Distance Pathway

Learn more about the requirements and deadlines for admission into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Distance program.

The OTD Distance Pathway is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The OTD program at WNE is fully accredited through 2026, and the components of our distance learning cohort curriculum closely align with our in-person curriculum.

Accreditation

Learn more about the tuition and fees for the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Distance Learning Cohort.

Cost and Aid

The online curriculum of the distance pathway mirrors that of the campus-based program, including our Level I Fieldwork experiences which take place in semesters one through five. Students can expect the same quality, content, and rigor regardless of pathway.

Courses are offered online and synchronously (at the same time as on-campus students) through a blended learning model during which distance students and on-campus students simultaneously engage in face-to-face learning. Our blended learning model utilizes Zoom and simulation platforms and is scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. Level I Fieldwork takes place one day per week for six to eight weeks during each semester and is an opportunity for students to interact with clients in a variety of settings that mirror the content they are learning in their coursework. Distance students will engage in Level I Fieldwork on-site at locations close to their own home. 

Additionally, campus-based immersive sessions will be required during the program. A one-week immersive session for orientation will occur at the beginning of the program. At the midpoint and final week of most semesters, there will be three to five days of hands-on learning and assessment.

Hands-on content delivery will take place via several blended learning best practices in addition to the in-person campus sessions each semester.

Student effort and time to complete the distance pathway will be similar to the campus pathway. Students should expect between 15-20 hours of class sessions weekly, and three to four hours weekly of Level I Fieldwork when in session.

Program-Issued Laptop

Students in the DLC program receive a brand-new tablet/laptop administered by OIT and loaded with all the software needed to be successful in the OTD program. Upon graduation, ownership of the device is transferred to each student at no additional cost.

Mobile Device

A mobile device is required for the two-step authentication to access University technology platforms. Android and Apple products are acceptable and must have mobile broadband capabilities to provide an internet connection when a local wireless network is not available.

Internet Access & Capabilities

Students must have regular and reliable access to a broadband (DSL, cable, or satellite) internet connection. We recommend a minimum 15 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload speed. A dial-up modem will not be able to handle the multimedia format of an online course.

The OTD program employs an administrative and faculty team who hold doctoral degrees. Our experienced clinicians in occupational therapy practice are scholars who are adding to the growing body of disciplinary knowledge. The faculty at Western New England University is known for its commitment to individualized student learning and availability to support the learning process.

Faculty

Graduates of the OTD program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, most states have licensure laws requiring OTs and OTAs to be licensed in order to practice (a few have certification or registration by state agencies). However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

While the laws and procedures are similar in each state, they are not identical. The process for obtaining a license in the state or states in which an individual may wish to work can be found through the state occupational therapy regulatory agency. More information about the state boards can be found on the AOTA website. In order to obtain a license, individuals must:

• Graduate from an accredited educational program
• Complete the required fieldwork
• Apply for and pass the NBCOT exam
• Apply for a state license and pay a fee for each state/jurisdiction in which the individual wishes to practice or be licensed

For additional state-specific licensure disclosure information, please refer to the WNE Licensure and Certification Disclosures webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the OTD Distance Pathway include common queries related to the program, admissions requirements, curriculum, and the diverse roles that OTD graduates play in enhancing individuals' quality of life through occupational therapy.

FAQ