Findlay, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2003 — The University of Findlay’s traditional and weekend master of occupational therapy programs have received the maximum re-accreditation (10 years) from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

As Thomas Dillon, director of the program, explained, “Such a level of re-accreditation is possible only when the occupational therapy programs are deemed to be in substantial compliance with all the academic standards required by ACOTE.

This level of accreditation is reflective of the high quality of the occupational therapy program at UF and can be attributed to the efforts of the University administration to recruit and employ highly qualified faculty and to the collaborative efforts between OT faculty and students to develop and participate in a variety of innovative learning experiences, the report said.

The ACOTE report also specifically cited nine strengths of the OT program:

1. The president’s knowledge of the field of OT, his recognition of occupational therapists’ unique contributions and his foresight and commitment that led to the program’s development.

2. The support of the program by the dean and assistant dean of the College of Sciences.

3. The program director’s implementation of sound curriculum even in the face of transition.

4. The faculty’s commitment to students and dedication to the program and the professional experience faculty bring to the program.

5. The creative and progressive development of community-based experiences in non-traditional settings.

6. The positive representation by students and their respect for the profession.

7. The program’s support staff and their organization.

8. The OT Home, a technology-in-daily-living demonstration home, which was cited as a cornerstone of the curriculum and an exceptional community resource.

9. The fact that the curriculum is innovative, articulated and reflected in the course offerings.

The traditional occupational therapy program is a combined bachelor of science/master of occupational therapy degree program that allows students to obtain a professional degree in occupational therapy in five and a half years. The weekend program is designed primarily for occupational therapy assistants or second degree-seeking students who desire a professional degree in occupational therapy. Both programs include numerous clinical experiences at local, regional and national sites that allow student to practice the many clinical methods they learn in their class and laboratory experience on campus.

For more information regarding the occupational therapy program at The University of Findlay, contact Thomas Dillon at 419-434-5777 or dillon@findlay.edu.