Discover the Hybrid Immersion Format – OT Programs, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Kimberly B., an Occupational Therapy student at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), shares why she chose the Hybrid Immersion format—a schedule that gives her the flexibility to work, care for her family, and manage a full personal life, including a recent marriage and building a house, all while completing her coursework from home.
Kimberly highlights the personalized attention that comes with the format, noting that faculty are highly responsive despite students being spread across the country, and that her small cohort of just 11 students makes on-campus immersions—held twice per trimester—especially close-knit. Even with limited in-person time, she describes forming deep, lasting friendships with classmates, going so far as to be invited to a fellow student’s wedding.
For Kimberly, the Hybrid Immersion format has allowed her to pursue her OT degree while still living a full, balanced life.
Transcript
Discover the Hybrid Immersion Format – OT Programs, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
[00:00:00] Kimberly B. (OT Student): I chose the hybrid immersion program just because of the phase of my life that I’m in right now. I needed a little bit of flexibility of staying home, being able to work a little bit as well, and take care of my family when I need to. I’m able to, you know, accomplish a load of laundry and prep dinner and continue writing my paper and studying kind of all at the same time, which makes my life and my family’s life a lot easier. [00:00:29] Kimberly B. (OT Student): So right now, my husband and I just got married, and we are building a house currently. We both need a lot of flexibility. The instructors and the professors are, if anything, more responsive than a typical master’s program. They are aware that most of us are across the country. They want to make sure that we get that answered very quickly so that there’s not poor communication. [00:00:53] Kimberly B. (OT Student): We come to campus twice per trimester. I feel like I’m learning a lot when I’m on campus because the professors are right next to you. Our cohort is very small. There’s only 11 of us, and that makes it even more personalized. You’re with your cohort. That’s a lot of fun because you’ve seen these people on screens, and you’ve worked with them in group projects, so you feel like you know them, but then you get to meet them, and then you really feel bonded. [00:01:22] Kimberly B. (OT Student): Even though you may have only seen them in person once or twice per trimester, you are on campus for eight to 10 hours, and you are partners with each other, and you’re just building such a deep bond. I actually just got invited to one of my classmate’s weddings, so if that tells you. This has been an absolute lifesaver for me. [00:01:43] Kimberly B. (OT Student): I can continue to work and take care of my family and live my life and be a whole person, which is what occupational therapy is about. I love this school. This has been the best experience in school that I’ve ever had. I definitely recommend the hybrid program.
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