Have questions about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Distance Learning Cohort (DLC)? Check out our list of frequently asked questions to learn more about the program at Western New England University. If you have additional questions, contact OTD admissions at 413-796-2073 or OTDadmissions@wne.edu.
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.
We enrolled our first distance learning cohort in fall 2024.
A distance pathway allows students to receive the same excellence in education without the need to relocate, as well as a more flexible, hybrid schedule to allow students to learn when it best meets their life schedule.
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 six days of hands-on learning and assessment.
It is important for students to understand that taking courses online does not mean they will be any less demanding than campus-based learning. The distance pathway encompasses the same curriculum and delivers the same excellent education as the campus-based pathway. It will require the same educational commitment but with some added day-to-day flexibility. Successful distance students can communicate well through writing, be self-motivated and disciplined, be willing to ask for help when needed, use effective time management skills, and have basic technical skills. To help determine if an online program will be a good fit for you, take a quick self-assessment.
Interested students can apply by submitting a free application on our website or by submitting their application through OTCAS. Additional information can be found on the application information page.
Distance learning cohort (DLC) students are expected on campus during the following immersive sessions:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
On-campus housing with a meal plan included will be available during these immersive sessions. A list of economical hotels in the area is available for students who might prefer off-campus housing. All transportation costs and meal costs will be incurred by the student.
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.
Yes! Students in the DLC are encouraged to take part in our student organizations, including as members of the executive board. All meetings will be held via a hybrid format, and many program events will take place during immersive sessions when DLC students are on campus. All OTD students will take part in our student-run OT clinic, the BEAR PAW Center. Beginning in 2024, the BEAR PAW Center will begin offering telehealth services, which will allow DLC students to engage clinically with children and adults beginning in semester one of the programs.
State-of-the-art tablet devices will be provided to all students. All required applications and software will be installed on the devices and fully supported. Upon program completion, ownership of the tablets will be transferred to the student for $1. Technical support is available via phone, email, or virtually to assist students.
Level I Fieldwork takes place one day per week for six to eight weeks during semesters 1 through 5 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. Level II fieldwork is completed in semesters 6 and 7. Level II Fieldwork consists of two separate 12-week full-time assignments in a practice area within a geographical location chosen by the OTD student. Currently, WNE has established partnerships with over 1,000 programs nationally, which offer vast opportunities for OTD students to explore fieldwork assignment options across the United States.
Students may be able to transfer (one time) from one pathway to the other for extenuating circumstances.
Yes, 3+3 students are eligible for the Distance Pathway. At the point of transition into the program, students elect to apply for either the on-campus or the distance learning cohort (DLC).
The tuition and fees for the distance pathway are the same as for the on-campus program. Additional details can be found on our Cost & Aid page.
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