Frequently Asked Questions for Baylor’s Entry-level OTD Program

Our hybrid Entry-level OTD program blends the flexibility of online learning with the engagement of in-person lab experiences to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education.  

In year one of the program, students learn through a combination of pre-recorded lectures, interactive online modules, and regular, online class sessions with faculty and peers. These online classes foster collaboration, discussion, and real-time learning. Students also participate in hands-on lab immersions held in Waco, where they develop and refine clinical skills in a supportive, faculty-guided environment.  

In year two of the program, students engage in supervised fieldwork experiences and complete a culminating doctoral capstone project, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and contribute to the profession.  

The academic rigor of our hybrid program is equivalent to that of traditional, campus-based programs—carefully designed to prepare students for excellence in occupational therapy practice.   

The Baylor Entry-level OTD program is the first two-year hybrid OTD program in the country. Our format allows you to complete your degree faster than most traditional programs, including Master’s degree programs, getting you into the workforce sooner, while continuing to live and learn in your own community.  

What truly sets Baylor apart is the integration of academic excellence with our Christian mission. We are committed to preparing practice scholars who lead with purpose, compassion, and a servant's heart. You’ll benefit from a program designed to develop leaders in the field, supported by Baylor’s strong alumni network and exceptional university resources.  

You can explore more about the unique features of our hybrid program by joining us for a live information webinar where you will meet program faculty and learn more about the advantages of Baylor’s two-year OTD program. Register here.

Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. You will have an opportunity to connect with other students in your cohort during orientation, before starting the program, so you can share accommodations and travel arrangements.

As a student in our OTD program, you are provided with a dynamic blend of online learning experiences designed to promote flexibility, engagement, and professional growth. Faculty use Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS), to organize and deliver course content, which includes both asynchronous and synchronous learning components.  

Asynchronous activities—such as recorded lectures, interactive modules, assigned readings, and independent assignments—allow you to manage your weekly schedule while progressing through course content at your own pace.  

Synchronous class sessions are held weekly via Zoom, providing an opportunity to connect in real time with faculty and peers. These live sessions are highly interactive and may include case discussions, clinical demonstrations, small group work, and collaborative problem-solving designed to strengthen your clinical reasoning and professional communication skills.  

Our approach to online learning is rooted in best practices for graduate education and reflects our commitment to preparing students for excellence in occupational therapy practice. 

Students are required to maintain an overall 3.00 GPA to successfully complete the program.

As a student in our hybrid OTD program, you will participate in fieldwork experiences designed to reflect the breadth and diversity of contemporary OT practice. These experiences are carefully selected to align with your academic preparation and to expose you to a variety of clinical populations and service delivery models.  

Fieldwork settings may include:  

• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers (acute care, inpatient, and outpatient services)  

• Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities  

• Pediatric clinics and school-based programs  

• Community-based mental health and behavioral health centers  

• Home health and community wellness programs  

• Emerging practice areas such as Trauma-informed Care, Aging in Place with emphasis on Home Design and Community Development, and Tele-therapy.  

Through both Level I and Level II fieldwork placements, you will have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop hands-on skills, and cultivate professional behaviors under the guidance of experienced OT practitioners. Our fieldwork team works closely with you to identify placements that support your growth and align with your career interests. 

We understand the importance of location and strive to place students in fieldwork sites near their home whenever possible. At the same time, our top priority is to ensure that each placement supports your clinical growth and aligns with your professional goals.  

Fieldwork assignments are carefully determined by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC), who partners with each student to consider site availability, specialty areas of interest, and individual circumstances. While local placements are often possible, flexibility may be needed to ensure the most enriching and high-quality learning experience. Our goal is to match you with placements that challenge you, support your development, and prepare you for success as an occupational therapist. 

Some students may consider part-time work during the program but due to the intensity and pace of the program, employment during enrollment is discouraged. While our hybrid format offers some flexibility, it’s important to know that the Entry-level OTD program is a full-time commitment including real-time online classes. Students enroll in 16 to 17 credit hours per trimester, with a combination of online coursework, on-site lab immersions, and fieldwork education.  

Because of these demands, most students find it challenging to maintain regular employment. Some have managed limited, flexible work hours, especially during lighter academic periods—but we encourage careful planning and open discussion with your faculty advisor to ensure your academic success remains the top priority. 

Please join us for one of our upcoming informational webinars. Click here to complete the online registration. For more information about the admissions process please visit the program’s Admissions website.