#United States #Portland #University of Western States #Occupational Therapy #OTD Program

University of Western States Reaches a Milestone in Occupational Therapy Education

The University of Western States (UWS), located in Portland, Oregon, has achieved a significant milestone with the recent announcement of its Candidacy Status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). The new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program received this designation, allowing it to prepare to welcome students starting January 2026. This is a pivotal moment for both the university and prospective students seeking careers in the rapidly growing field of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy is recognized as one of the fastest-growing sectors within the healthcare profession, with its expansion fueled by several factors. An aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions, and a rising demand for rehabilitation services after illness or injury are all contributing to its growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 14% increase in employment opportunities for occupational therapists between 2024 and 2034, which is notably faster than the average for other job categories.

Dr. Nathan Long, president of UWS, expressed familiarity with the aspirations for the OTD program, emphasizing the university's commitment to training future healthcare leaders. He stated, "The launch of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program reflects our deep commitment to preparing the next generation of health care leaders who are grounded in a whole-person approach. This program offers students the flexibility to pursue a meaningful career in occupational therapy without having to uproot from their communities."

The OTD program from UWS is designed with the needs of working professionals and those looking to change careers in mind. It employs an innovative hybrid educational model that integrates largely online coursework with a few intensive on-campus residency sessions. This structure eliminates the typical upheaval associated with relocation for traditional programs while ensuring a comprehensive and practical education.

The achievement of Candidacy Status is the first step in a multi-phased accreditation journey. This status signifies that UWS's OTD program has shown substantial alignment with ACOTE's stringent standards and is on track toward obtaining full accreditation. The program is set to undergo a pre-accreditation review and on-site evaluation before potentially achieving Accreditation Status. Successful graduates will then be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) examination, a necessary step to becoming licensed Occupational Therapists, Registered (OTR).

As the UWS OTD program gears up for its first cohort, applications are now being accepted. Interested individuals can find more information and apply via the university's website at uws.edu/doctor-of-occupational-therapy.

The University of Western States has a rich history of over 120 years in advancing whole-person health education, preparing students in various health-related fields such as chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and clinical mental health counseling. UWS aims to influence the future of healthcare through an educational foundation grounded in scientific rigor and empathy. The institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit network dedicated to enhancing student success and community impact.

To discover more about UWS and the OTD program, visit the official website. This new program represents an exciting opportunity for aspiring Occupational Therapists, marking a significant advancement in the field of health care and education.