MUSC Occupational Therapy Doctorate program receives ACOTE approval for new hybrid format

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program has received approval from the Accreditation Council on Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for the substantiative change request to add a hybrid format. This milestone underscores the University’s commitment to advancing occupational therapy education.

The Hybrid OTD program combines the flexibility of online learning with the essential hands-on experience of in-person clinical training. The approach is designed to make health professions education more accessible for a wide range of students who otherwise may not be able to attend.

Key features of the eight-semester Hybrid OTD program include:

• Accessible learning: Online didactic coursework complemented by scheduled on-campus immersive labs for practical experience.
• Interprofessional curriculum: Beyond the core curriculum of advanced clinical skills, research methodologies and leadership training, students engage with health professionals and students across disciplines.
• Clinical Competence: In addition to in-person lab experiences, fieldwork placements and the capstone project experience ensure students are well-prepared for real-world practice.

The new hybrid format builds on the esteemed reputation of MUSC’s existing residential OTD program, which has long been recognized for its excellence. The program is consistently ranked among the top 10% of programs, according to U.S. News & World Report, due to its robust curriculum, award-winning faculty and graduate success rate. MUSC is known for producing graduates who excel in diverse occupational therapy settings and make significant contributions to the field.

“We are thrilled to receive ACOTE approval for our Hybrid OTD program,” said Twylla Kirchen, Ph.D., OT, Hybrid OTD director at MUSC. “Our residential program has set a high standard for quality and success, and we are excited to extend this same level of excellence in our hybrid offerings. This program will provide accessible, high-quality education options for a new generation of occupational therapists.”

The approval of the Hybrid OTD program by ACOTE reflects MUSC’s ongoing dedication to providing top-tier educational opportunities. Applications are currently open for the inaugural cohort of the hybrid program, which is set to begin in fall 2025.

For more information about the Hybrid OTD program, including admission requirements and application deadlines, please visit chp.musc.edu/otd.