Hospital Occupational Therapy Degrees, Online Included

Last reviewed and updated February 7, 2025 by

Maria Theresa Bautista, OT

Occupational Therapist, experience with neurological, visual, psychological, and physical disabilities. Doctor of Occupational Therapy (University of Texas Medical Branch).

An occupational therapy degree prepares students to become skilled rehabilitation professionals, child development specialists, researchers, and clinical leaders in various settings. Many occupational therapists eventually choose a specific practice area, with a common choice being to work in a hospital.

Occupational therapists in hospitals typically hold a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. Most programs offer clinical rotations in hospital settings, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with real life patients. However, it's important to note that occupational therapy programs provide education and training applicable to all practice settings, rather than focusing exclusively on hospitals.

Are there online Hospital Occupational Therapy programs?

There are currently no hospital occupational therapy programs in the United States that offer a 100% online curriculum. However, some universities offer hybrid OT programs that blend online coursework with in-person fieldwork. You might also consider an online MOT program.

What do you do as a Hospital Occupational Therapist?

Hospital-based occupational therapists support patients with acute or chronic injuries or diseases through assessment and evaluations, pain management, functional mobility and self-care training, educating on strategies to prevent falls, manage fatigue, prescription of adaptive equipment and assistive technology, and discharge recommendations. OTs are a critical member of a muti-disciplinary team of professionals helping individuals manage complex medical needs and regain independence in daily activities.

Hospitals comprise multiple departments, with occupational therapists typically assigned to acute care, sub-acute care, ICU, neonatal, head, neck, and surgical units. Depending on their experience level, the scale of the hospital environment, their interests, and staffing needs, occupational therapists (OTs) in hospitals may rotate between different units.

In depth review of top online programs for focusing on a Hospital OT career

Here are some occupational therapy degree programs worth considering for anyone interested in becoming a hospital occupational therapist. All programs listed are ACOTE-certified and have partnerships with hospital systems, which increases fieldwork opportunities in a medical setting. ACOTE accreditation signifies that a program meets rigorous academic and professional standards set by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Only graduates of ACOTE-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a critical step in becoming a licensed OT or OTA.

Baylor University OTD program

The Baylor University entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in Waco, Texas is the first hybrid OT program in the country that only takes two years (6 semesters) to complete. Students are required to complete a total of 100 credit hours including 24 weeks of supervised Level II Fieldwork and a doctoral capstone project spanning 14 weeks. Baylor's entry-level OTD uses a hybrid format, where 41% of the curriculum is completed online while the laboratory, fieldwork, and capstone components are conducted in person.

The admission criteria for Baylor University's Entry-Level OTD program include the following:
1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with admission possible before degree completion if pending.
2. Completed application through Occupational Therapy Central Application Service (OTCAS).
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours.
4. At least 30 observation hours (50 is recommended).
5. Three reference letters, one of which should be from a licensed OT practitioner.
6. Completed background check and drug test.
7. TOEFL scores for applicants who completed their degree and prerequisites outside the United States.

Baylor University applicants must also complete the following prerequisite courses, preferably with a grade of B- or higher:
1. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits including laboratory)
2. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits including laboratory)
3. Medical Terminology (3 credits)
4. Psychology (6 credits, with 3 of them being Abnormal Psychology, Neuropathology, or Behavior Disorders)
5. Human Development Lifespan (3 credits)
6. Biomechanics (3 credits)
7. Statistics (3 credits)
8. Social Sciences (3 credits)

This OTD program does not accept transfer credits or advanced placement. The entire program is in a hybrid format and only takes two years to complete. It is ideal for people who want to attain a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy as quickly as possible.

Baylor University is affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas. Although Baylor University and Baylor College of Medicine operate separately, Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, is a significant teaching hospital with connections to medical education and research. This network includes over 50 hospitals and 800 patient care sites, offering specialized programs in areas like cardiac care, cancer treatment, and emergency services. Baylor Scott & White hospitals, including Baylor University Medical Center, provide extensive clinical training environments for students and professionals across Texas.

Findlay University Master of Occupational Therapy

The Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Findlay (UF) of Ohio is a two-and-a-half-year program designed for adult learners with a completed bachelor’s degree. It begins every spring and includes six months of full-time fieldwork. While healthcare experience is preferred, it is not required for admission. The MOT program is designed for working adults, with a weekend hybrid format that allows students from other states to commute. On-campus classes are held one day per weekend, up to four times per module. Online components complement the in-person sessions. The MOT program's curriculum consists of 63 academic credits, 120 hours of Level I Fieldwork (3 credits), and 960 hours of Level II Fieldwork (12 credits).

The admission requirements for the University of Findlay MOT are:
1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Minimum GPA of 3.0.
3. Application form via OTCAS.
4. Three (3) professional recommendations.

Applicants must also complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better for the following:
1. Anatomy & Physiology (with lab)
2. Medical Terminology
3. General Psychology
4. Lifespan Development
5. Abnormal Psychology
6. Statistics
7. Introduction to Sociology

Here are some reasons to consider going to the University of Findlay for a Master of Occupational Therapy:
1. The hybrid format is ideal for working students, as most academic coursework is conducted on weekends.
2. The University of Findlay is affiliated with over 30 hospitals in Ohio alone. These include the Blanchard Valley Hospital, Southern Ohio Medical Center, ProMedica Hospital network, and University Hospitals Cleveland. Students of the UF MOT program who want to work in a hospital setting are encouraged to seek opportunities in these affiliated institutions during fieldwork placements and after graduation.
3. The UF MOT program has an average graduation rate of 92% for the past three academic years.
4. The University of Findlay campus has an OT Adaptive Living House where OT students can gain hands-on skills and learning experience in home modification and assistive devices. This is particularly helpful for OTs who want to work with older adults in hospitals and other clinical settings, such as Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Shenandoah University Occupational Therapy Programs

Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, offers two occupational therapy programs (a Master's and a Doctorate), both of which are hybrid programs.

a. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) entry-level program consists of 75 credit hours and takes 2.5 years to complete. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) who are interested in becoming Registered Occupational Therapists (OTRs) may apply to this bridge program with an Associate's Degree. 50% of the curriculum is delivered online, and students are only required to attend on-campus classes in Leesburg, Virginia, one day per week. The two 12-week Level II fieldwork placements must still be completed in person.

b. The Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) entry-level consists of 107 total credit hours and includes two 12-week Level II Fieldwork assignments, one in a pediatric setting and the other in an adult setting. Students must also complete a 560-hour (14 weeks) doctoral capstone experience.

The admission requirements for Shenandoah University's hybrid OT programs are as follows:
1. For OTD, a completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. For MSOT, Associate degree holders (COTAs) must have completed 90 credit hours at the time of their application.
2. Completed the online application using OTCAS.
3. A personal essay where the applicant explains their background, career goals, and reasoning for pursuing a career in occupational therapy.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
5. Observation hours are not mandatory but highly recommended.

Applicants must have completed all of these prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C":
1. General or Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
2. Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
3. Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 credits)
4. Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 credits)
5. Life Span Human Development (3 credits)
6. Medical Terminology (1 credit)

Note: For COTA applicants, the Shenandoah University OT Division will only transfer completed prerequisite credits from regionally (not nationally) accredited institutions.

Here are some reasons why aspiring OTs should apply to Shenandoah University:
1. At least 50% of the OTD curriculum is completed online. This hybrid format is ideal for students who need to work while studying or do not have the time to commute to the university every day.
2. Shenandoah University collaborates with several hospitals in West Virginia to support its healthcare-related programs. Examples include the Winchester Medical Center, the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, and the Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg. These institutions provide an excellent opportunity for OT graduates to network and apply for employment if they are interested in practicing occupational therapy in a hospital setting.
3. Shenandoah University's average graduation rate for its past two OTD cohorts has been 100% and 93% for its past three MOT cohorts.

EHU OTD Program

The Emory & Henry University (EHU) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program lasts for 3 years (8-semester curriculum) and starts each fall season. The program includes 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and a 14-week capstone experience, all to be completed within a 12-month period following coursework. The curriculum emphasizes competency-based and developmental learning, ensuring students demonstrate their skills through case studies, exams, and presentations.

Admission Requirements for the Emory and Henry University OTD:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. 40 hours of OT observation experience.
3. Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, with a 3.0 GPA for prerequisite courses.
4. Prerequisite coursework must include anatomy, physiology, psychology, and other specified subjects, with a grade of “C” or better. The university recommends that prerequisite courses be completed within the past 7 years, otherwise, the admissions committee will review them on a case-by-case basis.
5. One 500-word essay.
6. Three recommendation letters (one from an OT).
7. Active BLS certification and up-to-date immunizations.
8. A signed Technical Standards/Essential Functions form.

Applicants must complete the following prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher:
1. Anatomy and Physiology with labs (8 hours)
2. Physics, Kinesiology, or Biomechanics (3 hours, no lab required)
3. Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
4. Human or Developmental Psychology (3 hours)
5. Statistics or Research Design (3 hours)
6. Sociology, Philosophy, or Ethics (3 hours)
7. Medical Terminology (1–3 hours)

Here are some reasons to consider applying for a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Emory & Henry University:
1. The EHU OTD program has an average graduation rate of 96% for its past three cohorts.
2. Emory & Henry University is affiliated with several notable hospitals in Atlanta, such as Grady Memorial Hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Students enrolled in the university's OTD program should consider finding opportunities in these clinical institutions if they are interested in pursuing an occupational therapy career in a hospital setting.
3. The university's Health Sciences Building is equipped with an Interprofessional Clinical Simulation lab that incorporates high-fidelity patient simulations, standardized patient activities, and live video assessments for a more realistic experience.
4. GRE is not required.

University of Nebraska Medical Center OTD Program

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a full-time, entry-level program that lasts three years (8 semesters). Students will complete most of the curriculum online while on-campus laboratory classes will be conducted either at the UNMC in Omaha or the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) campus.

The admission requirements for the UNMC entry-level OTD are:
1. Bachelor's degree in any field.
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better at the time of application.
3. Complete at least 15 hours of independent inquiry at the OT Discovery Module
4. Complete the UNMC OT program interview.
5. Complete a background check.
6. TOEFL scores for international students.

Prerequisite courses should be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or better:
1. Human Anatomy (4 credit hours with laboratory)
2. Human Physiology (4 credit hours with laboratory)
3. Natural Science (4 credit hours of biology, physics, chemistry, kinesiology, or other similar courses)
2. Psychology (9 credit hours)
3. Statistics (3 credit hours)
4. Humanities (6 credit hours of any arts & humanities course)
5. Medical Terminology (UNMC offers CAHP 310 which meets the same requirement)
6. English (6 credit hours, preferably scientific or professional writing composition courses)

Here are some reasons to consider the entry-level OTD program of the University of Nebraska:
1. Applicants can choose between two campuses to complete the didactic portion of their curriculum.
2. The University of Nebraska is affiliated with multiple healthcare institutions such as Nebraska Medicine, the Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, and
the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. This partnership allows UNMC OTD students to gain hands-on experience in specialized services relevant in a hospital setting.
3. UNMC has a 100% graduation rate for their most recent cohort (19 students in 2021)
4. GRE is not required.

University of Texas at Tyler MOT

The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) offers an entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program with two pathways for students:

1. The COTA-to-MOT Bridge Pathway is for students who are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) with a bachelor's degree. The program requires 68 credit hours.
2. The Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Pathway is for non-COTA applicants with a bachelor's degree but no previous certification. This pathway requires 75 credit hours and adds courses on professional communication, disease processes, and documentation.

The MOT program includes five semesters of blended instruction (online and on-campus) followed by two twelve-week fieldwork experiences. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, and those who pass can become registered occupational therapists (OTRs), eligible for state licensure. By Fall 2025, the program will be shortened to 24 months.

UT Tyler requires the following for applicants who want to be admitted to the Master of Occupational Therapy program (either pathway):
1. Complete online application.
2. Completed Bachelor's degree.
3. Writing Sample on the topic "Why do you want to be an Occupational Therapist".
4. Overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 on the last calculation of 60 credit hours.
5. Resume.
6. Complete the interview scheduled by UTT.

Applicants must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "B" or higher:

There are two additional requirements for the COTA-to-MOT bridge program:
a. One year experience as a COTA (or 1500 hours)
b. 50 Observation hours of an OT in two different settings

Here are some reasons to consider the entry-level OTD program of the UTT.
1. The University of Texas at Tyler's MOT program has an average graduation rate of 95% in the past three years:
2020: 95% graduation rate (21 of 22 admitted students)
2021: 100% graduation rate (24 admitted students)
2022: 100% graduation rate (24 admitted students)

2. UT Tyler has affiliations with several hospitals and healthcare organizations that offer students valuable clinical experiences. Key affiliates include UT Health East Texas and the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System. Students of UTT's MOT program should consider these two institutions if they are interested in practicing occupational therapy in a hospital setting.

What degree does a Hospital occupational therapist need?

All occupational therapists require either a Master’s or Doctorate degree to qualify for an NBCOT license. Aspiring OTs who want to work in hospitals should consider applying to an OT program in a university with affiliate partnerships with hospitals. These universities are more likely to connect you with their partner hospitals during your fieldwork assignments, and you could start networking for future professional opportunities.

Typical coursework you might take in an OT program focused for hospitals

In an occupational therapy degree focusing on hospital settings, students can expect coursework emphasizing patient care in acute and complex health scenarios. Typical courses may include:

1. Human Anatomy and Physiology – In-depth study of body systems relevant to treatment.
2. Neuroscience – Understanding neurological conditions often treated in hospitals.
3. Medical and Surgical Conditions – Management strategies for common hospital cases.
4. Acute Care and Rehabilitation – Techniques for treating patients in short-term or intensive settings.
5. Therapeutic Interventions – Practical skills for adapting treatments to hospital environments.
6. Clinical Fieldwork in Hospitals – Hands-on experiences with diverse hospital populations.

What can you do with a hospital OT degree?

A hospital OT degree is a stepping stone to becoming a licensed or certified occupational therapy practitioner. Occupational therapists (OTs) in hospitals help patients regain function after illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. They assess physical and cognitive abilities, provide therapeutic exercises, teach adaptive techniques, and recommend tools or home modifications. OTs often collaborate with healthcare teams, assist with discharge planning, and specialize in areas like neurology, orthopedics, or pediatrics to support recovery and daily living skills.