The Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) at the University of Central Arkansas is introducing a clinical doctoral degree program beginning fall of 2017.
The BT天堂Board of Trustees and Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board have approved the program. The University is currently awaiting approval from the Higher Learning Commission and has begun the process to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Dr. Steven Runge, executive vice president and provost, noted, 鈥淚 strongly support the move of our OT program to the doctoral level. UCA鈥檚 program has served as a leader in OT education, and I look forward to maintaining that leadership in the future.鈥
Established and accredited in 1974, BT天堂offered the first OT program in the state of Arkansas. To date, this competitive, two-year master鈥檚 program has accepted 48 students a year.
鈥淭he BT天堂OT program is excited to continue its long and distinguished history of providing exceptional education and advancing the practice of occupational therapy,鈥 said Jennifer Moore, department chair of occupational therapy.
To prepare graduates to work in all communities, including rural areas, the department strives to teach them professional autonomy and the capacity to become healthcare leaders.
鈥淭he OTD curriculum is much more heavily focused on leadership,鈥 said Moore.
The OT degree program is designed to develop leaders, advocates, researchers and skilled practitioners competent in providing occupational therapy services to individuals and populations who are limited by physical or psychosocial situations that compromise independence and wellness. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a variety of service delivery models and to develop productive interpersonal and therapeutic relationships with clients, families, communities, populations, organizations and other health and human services professionals.