Drake University occupational therapy doctorate program gains accreditation

DES MOINES, Iowa – (Dec. 13, 2018) – Drake University is pleased to announce that its occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) program has received accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

The council accredited the program for seven years, the maximum amount allowed for initial accreditation. The program demonstrated compliance with all accreditation standards and was recognized in the areas of administration, director leadership, faculty, students, staff, and community support.

Drake University’s occupational therapy doctorate program, offered through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is the only ACOTE accredited entry-level doctoral program in central Iowa.

“Accreditation from ACOTE, notably with no areas of non-compliance, is a testament to the strength and quality of Drake’s occupational therapy doctorate program,” said Yolanda Griffiths, program director and department chair of occupational therapy at Drake. “This accreditation furthers our vision of becoming a premier clinical doctoral degree program, recognized for excellence both regionally and nationally.”

The occupational therapy program at Drake began enrolling students in 2016. Its inaugural cohort of 26 students is expected to graduate this May and will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination and apply for state licensure.

“Occupational therapy is a growing field that needs highly qualified professionals,” said Renae Chesnut, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “Our program, which meets the highest standards, reflects our goal of supporting the health care needs of Iowa and beyond.”

In addition to the doctorate program, the University offers a pre-occupational therapy track for undergraduates in which they can complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences on either a three- or four-year track, followed by coursework in the doctorate program.

Drake University’s occupational therapy facility includes a state-of-the-art simulation lab, the OT Independence Plaza. This lab features a streetscape with a car, model grocery store, ergonomic office, and a fully-functioning apartment, which replicates the patient care environment where many occupational therapists serve. For more information on the program, visit drake.edu/ot.

Accreditation Status
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org.