A hybrid occupational therapy program that combines online courses with immersive on-site labs can be a practical pathway into the profession. Accelerated occupational therapy programs provide a faster route to becoming an occupational therapist.
Managing online courses, on-site labs, and a busy life can be challenging, but there are effective study methods and strategies you can apply to achieve both balance and success.
1. Be Organized for Time Management
A hybrid format in an occupational therapy (OT) program requires students to study, collaborate, and learn in different environments.
Hybrid formats tend to be fast-paced, especially with accelerated formats, and it can be a lot to keep track of throughout the program. Being organized and managing your time in a practical way that works for you can significantly reduce stress and help keep you on track.
Asynchronous
Students access course materials and curriculum, such as self-paced modules and discussion boards, at their own pace and independently complete assignments.
Synchronous
Live, real-time instruction. Real-time instruction can occur online (as with a lecture, for example), where all students are online simultaneously, or it can occur in-person as hands-on lab instruction.
Possible Travel for Immersive Labs
Entry-level hybrid occupational therapy Master's of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) blend online coursework with immersive, on-site labs, though the balance varies by program.
You may be attending a local school or be within driving distance, or you may need to travel to attend labs.
Organizational Systems and Strategies
You'll want to find an organizational system that works for you. Whether you prefer binders and folders with tabs, paper planners, calendars, or organizers, or you manage everything on a digital platform, the key is finding what works for you.
There are numerous free online organizing tools and apps available for students to manage their due dates and study sessions. Check with your program advisor to inquire about calendars and organizing tools that may be available to you as a student on the online learning platform used by your school.
Start managing your calendar by looking at the big picture. If your program is 18 months long, for example, first note when you'll need to be on campus or on-site for labs. Consider how much time you'll need to travel to and from the site and whether you'll need to request time off from your employer.
It may also be helpful to note when you'll be completing Level I and Level II clinical fieldwork so that you can keep the rest of your calendar light during those times.
Next, focus on your current class or classes and note due dates and deadlines. Schedule in structured study time for reviewing course content, working on assignments, and meeting with groups to study or work on an assigned project together.
Create a structured schedule to keep you on track at a comfortable pace, but don't forget to leave some room for flexibility. While due dates can't necessarily be changed, you can adjust study days and times throughout the week or month to accommodate regular rest breaks, minor illnesses, and attending to unexpected life events.
Taking a structured yet flexible approach will help you work towards your goals without burning out.
2. Set Aside Study Time
Scheduling study time into your week can keep procrastination away and prevent you from having to cram studying into one stressful session. Scheduling study time into your week is a more balanced approach and a way to break down a big goal into smaller daily and weekly goals (it doesn't get any more OT than that).
Consider when you're at your best for retaining content or for writing assignments. Is your mind more creative and fresh in the morning, or do you work better in the evening after the rest of the day is done? As much as possible, schedule study time for when you're likely to be at your best.
3. Approach Studying from a Multi-Sensory Perspective
Take a multi-sensory approach to studying by trying different methods to understand and retain content from your online courses and labs. For example, instead of only reading about anatomy and physiology, try an anatomy coloring book or an interactive app to enhance your understanding.
Draw, use flashcards, create models using simple items, and write your own quizzes. You don't have to have artistic talent, and nothing has to look perfect. It's about using different techniques for a stronger understanding and retention of the material.
4. Build a Supportive Network
The hybrid OT program experience is a different experience from attending an entirely in-person OT school. The academics are different, and so is your experience collaborating with your advisors and other students in your program.
You can still build strong connections and a supportive network, even when half of your interactions may be online. Creating supportive networks with students and faculty can help you maintain a sense of balance throughout your OT program.
- Attend open office hours: meeting with your advisors and instructors regularly can help you to clarify concepts, ask questions, and receive feedback.
- Be active on discussion boards: comment on fellow students' posts and ask follow-up questions. Go beyond posting to meet the assignment requirements and participate in ongoing discussion and engagement.
- Initiate study groups: review materials, quiz each other, and give and receive feedback on papers and projects. You may understand and retain information better when you're talking about it with other students, and you'll gain valuable feedback.
- Create a network for quick questions: connect with students whom you can reach out to via messaging or email when you have a specific question or you're struggling with an assignment.
5. Prioritize Well-Being and Self-Care
Effective time management, organizational skills, and study skills will help you balance online courses and labs. However, don't forget to prioritize your well-being and maintain good self-care practices.
- Get enough rest: practice good sleep habits and set aside time to enjoy a preferred activity.
- Keep moving: be active with whatever form of movement and exercise you enjoy. Movement can be anything from taking a short walk to joining an exercise class.
- Schedule routine medical and dental appointments: OT school is busy, but prioritizing your health is essential, and you don't want to skip basic and preventative care.
- Eat healthy and stay hydrated: you don't have to aim for perfection, but do aim to eat whole foods and snacks, and drink plenty of water whenever possible for optimal hydration.
- Seek social support: you may not have as much time as you would like with friends and family, but you can find even small opportunities to keep in contact and engage in conversations. Interactions with people in your community can have a significant impact on helping you feel like part of the community. Join online or on-campus groups that interest you to build a social network. Connect with the support services at your school to help manage stress and navigate challenging times.
Balance is Key
Balance is a key to success in occupational therapy school. Participating in online classes and attending on-site labs is a lot to manage. Practicing these top five study methods and strategies will help you balance your OT program goals and requirements while continuing to prioritize your health and well-being.
The journey towards earning your occupational therapy degree will be more successful and more enjoyable when you practice practical strategies for creating balance.
