The OTD Program and all its pathways are 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 OTDx curriculum mirror our full-time in-person and distance learning curriculum.
We will enroll our first OTD Extended pathway cohort in fall 2025.
The extended pathway allows students to receive the same excellence in education without the intensity of a full-time doctoral curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to choose their delivery model through in-person or hybrid online education which allows students to choose the pathway that best suits them, while also balancing school, life, and work.
The extended OTD pathway (OTDx) is offered in two formats: traditional on-campus or hybrid online. Both formats mirror the full-time programs that are offered in the same formats. This includes Level I Fieldwork experiences which take place across semesters one through eight in the OTDx pathway. Students can expect the same quality, content, and rigor regardless of pathway.
Students in the OTDx pathway can expect a decreased workload each semester that supports those who are balancing school, work, and life. The hybrid distance format (DLC) includes live online instruction and hands-on, in-person experiential learning through three-to-five-day immersive sessions that occur at midterm and final of most semesters. All OTD courses are offered synchronously (live) 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. Students enrolled in the OTDx program can expect to take online courses just two-three days per week (varies by semester). All OTD students engage in Level I Fieldwork on Tuesdays. For OTDx students, this will take place for six to eight weeks during semesters 3, 4, 5, and 8 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 engage in Level I Fieldwork on-site at locations close to their own home while on-campus students complete Level I Fieldwork in the Greater Springfield Area.
Students in the OTDx should expect between 8-11 hours of class sessions weekly, and three to four hours weekly of Level I Fieldwork when in session.
For those who choose to pursue the OTDx in an online hybrid capacity through the Distance Learning Cohort (DLC), it is important 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 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.
Students who pursue the online hybrid model of the OTDx pathway are expected on campus during the following immersive sessions:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Year Four
On-campus housing with 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.
Yes! Students in the OTDx 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 Distance Learning Cohort (DLC) students are on-campus. All OTD students will take part in our student-run OT clinic, the BEAR PAW Center. The BEAR PAW Center offers telehealth services which allows DLC students to engage clinically with children and adults beginning in semester one of the program.
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 3, 4, 5, and 8 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 9 and 10. 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 offers vast opportunities for OTD students to explore fieldwork assignment options across the United States.
The tuition for the extended pathway are the same as the on-campus and hybrid distance programs, just spread over three additional semesters. OTDx students will incur additional fee charges and out-of-pocket expenses for immersive sessions due to the additional three semesters. Additional details can be found on our Cost & Aid page.
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