What does a typical day look like for a student in a hybrid accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program? The answer depends on the day and the student.
For Jo'Sharia and Amber, both students in the full-time, two-year hybrid accelerated OTD program at Southern California University (SCU) Phoenix, each day can look very different.
Some days are fully online and self-paced. Others involve traveling to campus for immersive, hands-on lab sessions.
Together, their stories highlight the range of learning experiences in this largely online program, where students balance flexibility and structure, independent classwork and in-person collaboration.
These aren't snapshots from the same day but from two different days that represent what it's really like to be an OTD student in a hybrid accelerated format.
What an Online OTD Class Looks Like
Jo'Sharia's day begins early with a synchronous online class. These live, virtual sessions help students stay on pace while building real-time connections with professors and peers.
These sessions are critical for bringing online learning to life, facilitated by the instructor's vast clinical experience. They also give students a chance to find answers to any questions they may have about the material.
"First, I have my sync session bright and early in the morning," she shares, already settled in at her desk.
After class, she takes time to review her weekly workload and prioritize assignments. It's a rhythm that requires structure and self-motivation—traits hybrid students quickly develop.
Her day continues with a mix of coursework, planning and self-care. She squeezes in a workout, reflects on the importance of grocery shopping (even when life gets hectic), and ends her evening with a view of the sunset and a bit more homework.
Behind the Scenes of a Hybrid OTD Lab Immersion in Phoenix
On a different day and a very different type of learning experience, Amber is heading to Phoenix for one of SCU's required on-campus lab immersions.
These daylong sessions, held just twice per term, are a cornerstone of the hybrid accelerated program. They offer students the opportunity to translate virtual learning into hands-on skill building.
After an early flight and a quick cycling class to kick off the day, Amber heads to lab, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These long, immersive days are packed with active learning, peer interaction, and direct faculty support.
In the immersive lab, she practices using a goniometer, a tool for measuring joint mobility. It's a skill she first learned online and now applies in a real clinical setting with guidance and feedback.
Later that evening, Amber and her classmates head out to a local spot for dinner and a rodeo, proof that even during intensive in-person lab immersions on campus, there's still space for fun and connection.
Of course, even during on-campus immersions, students sometimes need to squeeze in extra study sessions or compare notes with classmates outside of lab time. Staying on top of the fast-paced curriculum takes both collaboration and commitment.
Balancing Life as a Hybrid OTD Student
Jo'Sharia's home-based study day and Amber's campus-based lab immersion, show how hybrid learning works in real life.
Whether students are logging in from home or traveling across the country, structure, self-discipline and support are key.
Jo'Sharia creates space for wellness and reflection throughout her week. A midday workout, a thoughtful pause to open a care package from SCU, and a quiet moment to watch the sunset all help her stay grounded amid a busy schedule.
"I know as students, sometimes you get too caught up in assignments," she admits. But with intention, she makes space for herself.
Amber, on the other hand, embraces the full in-person experience, combining intense lab work with moments of social connection. Together, both students reflect the balance and variety this hybrid accelerated program aims to create.
The Real-World Benefits of Hybrid OTD Programs
Whether online or on campus, the hybrid accelerated OTD experience at SCU Phoenix is rigorous and rewarding.
Students in this full-time, two-year program build discipline, time management and clinical confidence, all while navigating real-world responsibilities.
Some days are about blocking off time for lectures and lab prep. Other days are about flying into town, applying skills in person and reconnecting with classmates face to face.
Each day brings a different challenge, but every experience helps students grow into capable, compassionate occupational therapy professionals.
