The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at Elmhurst College recently received accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

“The program is proud to have accreditation and the ability to develop qualified, entry level practitioners who will be leaders in the field of occupational therapy,” said Elizabeth Wanka, assistant professor and MOT program director. “Many of our students who are out on their fieldwork experiences have received outstanding compliments on their ability to be critical thinkers, and use best practice.”

As the director, I am thrilled to hear that our students are excellent practitioners, but the best compliment is that they have the ability to make meaningful connections with clients.

Elizabeth Wanka about Elmhurst MOT students

The job outlook for occupational therapists has never been better. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 24 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Designed for students who are new to the field, the program prepares them for professional entry-level practice as an occupational therapist. The graduate program combines academic coursework with service learning, practical experience in the field, and collaborative research on campus. With program accreditation, Elmhurst College MOT graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapist.

After successfully completing the exam (administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, or NBCOT), an individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). All states require licensure in order to practice occupational therapy; state licenses usually are granted based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

“Our MOT program is the latest in a series of outstanding health care programs that have received recognition from external accrediting bodies,” said April Edwards, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “It is a thrill for me, as an educator and administrator, to hear reviewers from other campuses rave about our programs. I offer my hearty congratulations to the faculty and staff who worked endless hours to achieve accreditation, and I know this represents their commitment to providing the very best education to the students at Elmhurst College.”