By Mya Hyman
University Relations and Creative Services Office
CONWAY – The Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) at the University of Central Arkansas is proud to announce installation of a clinical doctoral degree program beginning fall of 2017.
The UCA 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, “I strongly support the move of our OT program to the doctoral level. UCA’s program has served as a leader in OT education, and I look forward to maintaining that leadership in the future.”
Established and accredited in 1974, UCA offered the first OT program in the state of Arkansas. To date, this competitive, two-year master’s program has accepted 48 students a year.
“The UCA OT program is excited to continue its long and distinguished history of providing exceptional education and advancing the practice of occupational therapy,” 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.
“The OTD curriculum is much more heavily focused on leadership,” 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.
For more information about UCA’s Department of Occupational Therapy, visit uca.edu/ot.
