The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe received notification it has been awarded the highest level of accreditation possible, according to a recent review by a national accrediting agency.

A young patient is seen in the clinic by Occupational Therapy Assistant student Ramsay Magee, a 2007 ULM graduate.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education awarded the accreditation to ULM for a 10-year period, the highest possible. The other two levels of accreditation are for five and seven years.

The 58 students enrolled in the professional program perform a variety of community activities, including home assessments for the elderly and therapeutic activities at local schools, daycares, nursing homes and at transitional living centers. Interim Department Head Patti Calk credited the excellent faculty and staff in the OTA program for the successful visit by ACOTE officials last spring.

“… We are dedicated to excellence in the education of our students. They are the future of our profession,” said Calk.

ACOTE on-site evaluators noted that ULM faculty members were “recognized for their strong support of student success and continual focus on improvement within their curriculum in the OTA program.”

ACOTE also added that ULM’s team teaching approach was noteworthy, and commended its academic performance committee, stellar curriculum design, and extensive data gathered in program evaluation.

Ryman

“Their passion for the OTA program is exemplified by student excellence in didactic and fieldwork components of the program, improved professional competence, and students who are better prepared to enter the profession,” according to the ACOTE.

“OTA is yet another example of the College of Health Sciences’ long tradition of exceptional programs made possible by dedicated faculty, staff, and students,” said ULM College of Health Science Dean Denny Ryman. “The university, college, and community take great pride in the continuing contributions of the program to the region’s health care needs.”





Photo of Ramsay Magee courtesy

Photo of Denny Ryman by ULM's Office of University Relations