Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Receives its Accreditation for Seven Years

ATLANTA—The Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions’ Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program received a seven-year accreditation, the maximum term allowed for a new program.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, or ACOTE, lauded the GSU program for its faculty, program director, and financial and organizational resources, all of which contribute to students who are professionally ready for clinical engagement. ACOTE cited no deficiencies in the program.

The occupational therapy faculty was noted for their “passion and excitement that they bring to teaching and learning experiences,” ACOTE’s report noted. The report summed up the findings from ACOTE’s site visit in November.

Dr. Kinsuk Maitra, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, was noted for his dedication to the program. “His ability to actively listen to the needs of the students and faculty and implement significant changes demonstrates a leadership style that has resulted in exceptional occupational therapy graduates ready to serve as leaders in the profession and the Atlanta community” the report said.

The investment of resources to the program, the report said, “has allowed the program to pursue and attain research and grant initiatives that provide innovative and meaningful educational experiences for the students.”

“I’m so pleased about our renewal status, and I can’t thank our faculty enough for the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to our students every day,” said Dr. Maitra. “Our students are practice-ready at the time of their graduation, and they represent us well in the professional community.”

The doctorate program accepts 45 students each year for a 36-month degree program. The OTD program replaces the previous master’s of occupational therapy degree program, as the entry level degree required for the profession evolved. In the past five years, 99.6 percent of GSU master’s of occupational therapy graduates passed the national board examination.

Employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030, according to U.S. News & World Report.