Reaccreditation may not mean something to most people, but for higher-educational institutions and the communities served, it\u2019s everything. Being an accredited program allows students who graduate to become certified and licensed providers in their fields. That is why NAU\u2019s College of Health and Human Services Occupational Therapy (OT) program, housed at the Phoenix Bioscience Core, has cause to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accrediting body for NAU\u2019s OT program, called the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), granted the program 10-year reaccreditation with no areas of non-compliance. This is the longest reaccreditation any OT program can receive, and along with it came accolades for the program\u2019s dedication to the people of Arizona. ACOTE said that the \u201cprogram director, faculty, and dedicated librarian are applauded for fostering a culture of community and inclusion as recognized by students and fieldwork educators.\u201d Furthermore, they recognized that, \u201cthe interprofessional education experiences that students are immersed in create professionals who can advocate for occupational therapy and verbalize all team members as important factors in bringing health and well-being to individuals and populations served.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The OT program at NAU is Arizona\u2019s only public and nonprofit graduate OT program, which means reaccreditation is particularly valuable to the healthcare system and communities served statewide. Since the program\u2019s inception, graduates have had a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam and more than 80% of NAU\u2019s OT graduates stay in Arizona for their first job post-graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a great moment for our program, our faculty, and our staff, but especially for our students. It shows that NAU\u2019s OT program is achieving excellence and providing a stellar education that prepares them to enter the workforce and care for our communities,\u201d said Dr. Armstrong-Heimsoth, Occupational Therapy Department Chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n