Clarifying Curriculum Delivery Models in Health Professions Education [Download]

In an era where health professions education is rapidly evolving, clear distinctions between curriculum, delivery, and pedagogy are essential. Yet many institutions conflate these concepts—limiting their ability to adapt, scale, and meet the needs of today’s learners.

This case study from Rehab Essentials defines these interdependent components and unpacks key curriculum delivery models: residential, hybrid/blended, fully online, and flipped classroom. Each model is contextualized through evidence-based research and grounded in the needs of diverse student populations.

The takeaway? Educational effectiveness is not determined by location, but by instructional design. Hybrid and flipped models, when grounded in sound pedagogy and thoughtful delivery, can match or even surpass traditional instruction—while extending access and enhancing learning outcomes.

For institutions seeking to align learning models with student needs and accreditation standards, this framework offers clarity, flexibility, and direction.