WVU School of Medicine Master of Occupational Therapy program receives maximum reaccreditation

The West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program has been reaccredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), extending its accreditation for the next 10 years.

The 10-year reaccreditation period is the maximum offered by ACOTE, the accrediting body of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

“As an alumnus of the WVU MOT program, it has been a great honor to work alongside the faculty, staff and students to earn reaccreditation,” said SueAnn Woods, Ph.D., MOT, OTR/L, MOT program director. “After building upon the first 25 years of the program, it's so exciting to envision the next 10 years. I want to express my gratitude to the many people who contributed to the reaccreditation process and those who serve as guest lecturers, clinical educators and collaborators.

“As the first occupational therapy program in the state, the WVU MOT program exemplifies the Mountaineers ‘Go First’ motto through our alumni advancing the field both locally and nationally.”

The reaccreditation process includes annual reports submitted by the WVU MOT program faculty and a comprehensive self-study submitted before an onsite evaluation where accreditors looked at curriculum design, faculty, facilities and resources to ensure students were prepared for a successful future.

The MOT program is the only fully accredited master’s program in occupational therapy in West Virginia and boasts an impressive 100% employment rate after certification.

Accreditation for the WVU MOT program is critical as students must graduate from an accredited program to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, a mandatory step to enter clinical practice.

The MOT program is a 2+3 program, allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only 4.5 years. Students apply to the MOT program in their sophomore year and begin OT education in their junior year.

As part of the School of Medicine and an academic medical center, occupational therapy students have access to an abundance of interprofessional learning experiences as well as educational resources that include the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety, a cutting-edge acute care simulation lab; anatomy lab cadaver dissection; a faculty practice clinic; and current tools for assessment and intervention.

In addition, the Division of Occupational Therapy also offers a fully accredited doctoral degree.

To learn more about our occupational therapy programs, visit medicine.wvu.edu/ot/.