Doctor of Occupational Therapy - Hybrid

Faculty Coaching

The hybrid OTD program uses a unique coaching model to support student success and learning. Starting from the moment a student secures their seat, they are paired with a faculty coach who will provide an intimate, supportive, and collaborative community throughout the program. The matching process is intentional, not only creating a personal relationship between the student and their faculty coach but also with fellow students who are paired with the same faculty coach. Faculty coaches meet with their students individually and in groups, formally and informally, throughout the program.

This coaching model is an essential part of the program as it ensures that our students feel connected and have a sense of belonging with their faculty and peers. Students are encouraged to be open with their faculty coaches, not just to celebrate successes, but to overcome challenges – both personal and academic.

Learning Online

Using our cutting-edge learning platform, our passionate professors engage students in lively discussions through interactive presentations, videos and real-world case studies, fostering a collaborative learning environment despite the physical distance. With real-time interaction and small group activities, students will feel connected to their faculty and classmates, making the most of every learning opportunity.

Beyond the classroom, we encourage students to engage in extracurricular and community outreach initiatives within their local communities. Whether students volunteer at local clinics, participate in faculty-led research projects, or participate in advocacy efforts, they'll have ample opportunities to enrich their educational experience and make a meaningful impact.

The Hybrid Campus

As the semesters progress, students will seamlessly transition between virtual and in-person components of the program, leveraging the flexibility of our hybrid model to balance academic rigor with personal commitments. For the first two years, students travel to Charleston, SC, twice a semester for 6-10 days (depending on the courses that semester) for an immersive learning experience. During these engaging onsite clinical immersive lab experiences, under the guidance of our expert faculty and skilled lab instructors, you'll dive into hands-on activities, practicing assessment techniques, learning therapeutic exercises and honing your problem-solving skills through simulated cases and patient encounters. Our clinical hybrid lab space is over 21,000 square feet, designed to accommodate hybrid students, providing a spacious, beautiful and conducive learning environment.

Our state-of-the-art clinical lab spaces enhance lab activities. Students also benefit from access to three modern buildings, equipped with classrooms, clinical skill laboratories, an anatomy lab and a simulation center within the library, enrich the educational experience at MUSC. The college’s research facilities include biomechanics/motion analysis labs, an exercise physiology lab, a neuromuscular performance lab and a transcranial stimulation lab.

The hybrid-lab campus is in downtown Charleston. MUSC provides an ideal setting for academic medical education and personal growth. Charleston, a rapidly growing port city on the Atlantic coast, consistently ranks among the best small cities in America. The location's favorable climate and numerous cultural, sporting and entertainment events make it attractive for people of all ages and backgrounds, offering a perfect blend of historical charm, architecture, arts, beautiful beaches and fine dining when traveling to lab immersions.

Curriculum

Clinical Education

Fieldwork Experience

Fieldwork is a cornerstone of the hybrid OTD program, providing students with the opportunity to apply classroom and lab learning directly in real-world practice settings. These experiences build professional competence and prepare students to become proficient, compassionate occupational therapists.

After completing foundational and pre-clinical coursework, students transition into two semesters of full-time fieldwork at facilities across the United States. All fieldwork must be completed within 12 months of the academic coursework.

Placement Process

MUSC’s Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and faculty work closely with each student to match them with available sites. Factors such as clinical abilities, professional interests, financial resources, housing availability and geographic preferences are considered during the placement process.

Because hybrid OTD program students live across the country, our clinical education team partners with individuals to explore preferred placement regions. The clinical education team ensures students gain required experiences across diverse practice areas as mandated by accreditation.

National Opportunities

Students should anticipate traveling outside their home region, including to South Carolina and other locations nationwide, for both Level I (didactic coursework-related) and Level II (clinical practicum) fieldwork experiences. These rotations are essential for developing the breadth of skills, adaptability and confidence needed to succeed as entry-level practitioners.

Interested in becoming a field work educator?

You can help prepare future occupational therapists and make an impact on our profession. Learn more.

Prerequisites

* Human Anatomy and Human Physiology must include lab, be taken within the last ten years and need to be rigorous courses. A minimum of 3.0 (B) is strongly preferred for all Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab courses. Advanced Placement courses are not accepted. Combined Anatomy and Physiology courses are accepted; however, you must take Anatomy and Physiology I and II to fulfill the separate Anatomy and Physiology requirements, including labs.

Additional Notes

• Dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite coursework so long as the course appears on your college transcripts.
• We do not accept advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning. Applicants do not receive credit for previous coursework and/or experience.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) OTCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
2. Complete the MUSC application.
3. Once both applications are complete and the OTCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Before applying to our program, please be aware that a felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) after you graduate and, subsequently, your ability to attain state licensure. Visit the Early Determination Review section of the NBCOT website to assess examination eligibility.

Application Requirements

1. OTCAS Application: The following materials must be submitted through the OTCAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
   • Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide three references from individuals who know you and your abilities. We prefer two academic references from professors or advisors who are familiar with your academic ability and accomplishments, and one professional reference, preferably from an occupational therapist.
   • Log of Occupational Therapy Experience (15 hours minimum)
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   • Personal statement: All applicants will complete three short personal essays.
2. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.

All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the progress of their OTCAS application on the OTCAS website.

International Applicants

The OTD – Hybrid program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

NBCOT Pass Rates

The table below provides the pass rates of the NBCOT exam by Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Hybrid program graduates each year.

Competencies

Upon completion of the OTD - Hybrid program, graduates should be able to:

• Critically appraise and apply current research and theoretical frameworks to inform clinical reasoning and decision making in occupational therapy interventions
• Design and implement client-centered, occupation-focused assessments and interventions across varied lifespan and practice contexts, grounded in ethical standards and health equity
• Engage effectively in interprofessional teams, contributing to collaborative problem solving and system-level solutions that enhance client well‑being
• Conduct evidence-generating or evidence-synthesizing scholarly activities (e.g., capstone projects, applied research), demonstrating methodological rigor and integration with clinical expertise
• Employ reflective practice to evaluate and refine one’s professional performance, adapting practice based on emerging evidence, feedback and changing societal needs
• Advocate for accessible occupational therapy services and contribute to policy, community engagement, or education initiatives that address local and broader occupational health disparities

Vision

To shape a dynamic academic environment that empowers clinicians to advance equitable, evidence-informed practice and scholarly leadership in occupational science and health.

Mission

We cultivate a rigorous learning community grounded in interprofessional collaboration, ethical inquiry and integration of clinical and research expertise to prepare leaders in occupational science, support scholarly inquiry and enhance health and function across diverse communities.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy, and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries, and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions, and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.