The 蘑菇视频 Institute Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), a major milestone for the program that first welcomed students in 2022. Within the field of occupational therapy, program accreditation is necessary to enable graduates of the program to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination. The OTD program鈥檚 accreditation is for seven years.
鈥淭his is an outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment by our dedicated faculty and staff in the OTD program,鈥� said President Mohamed Abousalem. 鈥淩eceiving OTD accreditation for the full seven years shows KGI鈥檚 commitment to offering top-notch education to the future healthcare leaders in a field that is critical to uplifting and healing our communities.鈥�
The final accreditation report highlighted the OTD program鈥檚 鈥渃ommitment to innovation, leadership, and lifestyle medicine throughout the curriculum, fieldwork, and in the capstone project,鈥� as well as 鈥渋ts inclusion of an occupational therapist on its student services staff and its emphasis on the quality of the student experience.鈥� The sole suggestion in the report noted the program can 鈥渆xplore opportunities for real-world interdisciplinary or interprofessional team learning activities that will further enhance student understanding of and appreciation for interdisciplinary team roles to plan, deliver, and evaluate patient-and population-centered care.鈥�
KGI OTD students practice hands-on clinical skills
鈥淲e are thrilled to train students to utilize the therapeutic potential of occupation to promote and sustain health,鈥� said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Health Sciences Megan Prosser. 鈥淭he KGI program prepares the next generation of leaders in the field of occupational therapy who are prepared to utilize innovative practices and whole person care to positively impact individuals, groups, populations, and communities. This achievement enables us to continue to expand the reach of not only the program but also the profession.鈥�
The first cohort of OTD students will graduate in May. The students have learned from faculty whose areas of expertise include childhood development and early intervention, autism, sensory integration, physical disabilities, psychosocial-related health conditions, treating neurological diagnoses, and assistive technology, among other areas.
"This is a big achievement for all the students, faculty, staff, program, and higher administration who are all proud to celebrate this milestone together by graduating their first cohort of students in May 2025,鈥� said OTD Program Director and Professor of Practice Vikas Sharma. 鈥淎fter graduation, these students will proudly take their certification exam, obtain their state licenses, and then eventually practice as entry-level practitioners in the coming months. KGI can't wait to see their professional growth in the outside world, where they are going to make a difference in every life through their occupational therapy knowledge and expertise.鈥�