3 Things to Know About Occupational Therapy
Posted on April 16, 2024 by CAHP
The Department of Occupational Therapy prepares students for careers as occupational therapists through high quality, socially relevant and evidence-based occupational therapy education. USA’s occupational therapy program is led by a team of faculty members who are committed to providing cutting-edge instruction and are recognized nationally and internationally for their scholarship and service.
1. New Program
In Fall 2023, the department launched a new Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program after leading a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program for more than 20 years. The new program consists of 114 semester hours and is eight consecutive semesters long, 19 hours and one semester longer than the master’s program. It also includes a required 14-week doctoral capstone project.
2. Pass Rates
Over the past six years, graduates from USA’s occupational therapy program have achieved an overall pass rate of 100% on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination, well above the national average.
3. Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 9,600 openings for occupational therapists each year. From 2021-2031, the outlook for careers as an occupational therapist indicates a 12% growth. In the U.S. News and World Report’s latest ranking of Best Health Care Jobs, occupational therapist is No. 4.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program in the Department of Occupational Therapy prepares students for careers as occupational therapists through didactic, laboratory and clinical education in all facets of entry-level occupational therapy practice. Program graduates are highly sought and recruited by employers in a variety of healthcare and community settings.