From Inquiry to Enrollment: Applicant Insights into Hybrid OTD Programs

Please provide a one-paragraph overview of the session.‎ (200 words or less): The rapid expansion of hybrid graduate programs has reshaped the landscape of health professions education, but there is much to be learned about how applicants navigate these pathways from inquiry through enrollment. Although cost, location, and admissions requirements have long shaped decision-making in graduate education, the emergence of hybrid formats introduces new considerations such as flexibility, accessibility, and perceived program legitimacy. This session presents findings from a qualitative study exploring the experiences of applicants to hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs across the United States. Through semi-structured interviews, applicants shared their motivations, barriers, and supports during the admissions process, highlighting issues such as financial pressures, inconsistent admissions requirements, and the importance of meaningful connections with program representatives. The results provide actionable insights for graduate enrollment professionals seeking a better understanding of applicant decision-making in a hybrid environment. By amplifying applicant voices, this session underscores opportunities to reduce barriers, strengthen advising, and refine recruitment strategies that resonate with today’s diverse pool of prospective students. Implications extend beyond OTD to other graduate programs adopting hybrid or nontraditional models, offering practical takeaways for enrollment management professionals navigating evolving student expectations.

Session Agenda/Outline (200 words or less): Speaker Introduction (5 minutes) – Overview of hybrid education trends and relevance to graduate enrollment.

Study Overview and Context (10 minutes) – Research design, participant demographics, and methodology.

Findings: Applicant Perspectives (15 minutes) – Motivations, barriers, supports, and decision-making factors.

Implications for Practice (15 minutes) – Recruitment, advising, and admissions strategies for hybrid programs.

Conclusion & Next Steps (5 minutes) – Key takeaways and actionable recommendations.

Interactive Discussion (10 minutes) – Audience reflection, Q&A, and application to attendees’ institutional settings.