Archived News |

October 29, 2012

ĂŰ˝ŰÖ±˛Ą's new occupational therapy program unique to Louisiana

The University of Louisiana at Monroe announces a new program—the only one of its kind in Louisiana—that will expand career opportunities for occupational therapy assistants.

The Louisiana Board of Regents recently approved the proposal for the Occupational Therapy Assistant to Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Bridge Program.

Classes will begin in fall of 2013.

In a letter of support for the College of Health Sciences program, ĂŰ˝ŰÖ±˛Ą President Dr. Nick J. Bruno wrote, “We strongly believe the MOT program will provide comprehensive graduate education to bridge the skills of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to the Master’s entry-level Occupational Therapist.”

Students will have intensive weekend classes at ĂŰ˝ŰÖ±˛Ą and participate in online instructional activities—all of which will be ideal for the working professional, said Dr. Patti Calk, assistant professor and department chair of occupational therapy.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants with an undergraduate degree can complete the master’s degree—which is comprised of 69 credit hours—in just over two academic years.

“The OTA to MOT bridge will offer students more options to advance their careers and more flexibility in job choices. By offering this degree in a combination online and weekend program, baccalaureate prepared, certified occupational therapy assistants can continue providing quality services to the community while obtaining their master's degree in OT,” she said.

College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Denny Ryman said the proposed degree will benefit the economy.

"The new MOT program will address the needs of the health care community for graduate-level occupational therapists and will provide opportunities for well-paid positions, which benefits the local and regional economies," Ryman said. 

For more information about the program, contact Calk at 318-342-5581 or calk@ulm.edu

PLEASE NOTE: Some links and e-mail addresses in these archived news stories may no longer work, and some content may include events which are no longer relevent, or reference individuals and/or organizations no longer associated with ĂŰ˝ŰÖ±˛Ą.