Baylor University Expands Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences
Baylor University’s Department of Occupational Therapy is pleased to announce the expansion of its teaching certificate into the Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for Health Sciences, broadening a program first developed for occupational therapy practitioners in 2024.
The certificate responds to a rapidly changing educational landscape in which health professions educators are increasingly expected to teach across multiple formats. Whether instruction occurs in a fully online program, a blended curriculum, or a traditional classroom enhanced by digital tools, today’s faculty must be prepared to design learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and pedagogically sound. As health professions programs continue to adopt hybrid and online models, the need for faculty with specialized preparation in digital pedagogy, instructional design, and learner engagement continues to grow.
“The Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences was created to help healthcare professionals develop the specialized educational strategies needed to teach effectively in online and hybrid programs,” said Barbara M. Doucet, PhD, OTR, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the certificate and Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. “We are seeing more practitioners move into academic roles and more programs adopt flexible learning formats. This certificate helps prepare faculty to meet those evolving instructional demands with confidence and intention.”
The fully online, nine-month certificate program is designed for practicing healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, nurses, and others who are interested in developing expertise in hybrid and online teaching and learning. The program equips graduates with foundational knowledge in hybrid and online teaching best practices, including the design of effective learning activities, authentic assessments, and learner-centered instructional strategies. Students also complete a digital portfolio highlighting the technical and teaching skills developed throughout the program.
“The Baylor Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching is well suited for health professionals who have considered transitioning into faculty roles, particularly within online or hybrid healthcare programs,” Doucet said. “These specialized teaching skills can open new career pathways, support professional flexibility, and strengthen opportunities for academic advancement.”
The certificate remains fully integrated into Baylor’s 16-month online Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, allowing occupational therapy practitioners to expand their expertise not only as clinicians, but also as future educators and mentors. Upon completion of the certificate program, eligible occupational therapy students may transition into the full Post-professional OTD degree program.
By expanding the certificate beyond occupational therapy, Baylor Occupational Therapy is extending its leadership in hybrid education to a broader community of health professions educators. The revised certificate reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to preparing educators who can create meaningful learning experiences in formats that meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s healthcare workforce.
Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 and Summer 2027 cohorts. Healthcare professionals interested in learning more about the Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences can visit the program webpage for additional information.
ABOUT ROBBINS COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Established in 2014, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to enhance health, quality of life, and human flourishing for all individuals and communities through education, research, and innovation. It includes seven academic departments—Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health, Human Performance, and Recreation; Human Sciences and Design; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Physician Assistant Studies; and Public Health. Robbins College offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees, and six doctoral degrees, as well as nine graduate programs in partnership with the U.S. Army. Graduate programs in Robbins College are offered in a variety of modalities, including on campus, online, and hybrid.