UIW Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Receives Distinguished Accreditation

UIW’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) lives its mission of developing “high quality healthcare providers who are committed to maximizing individual function, achieving health and wellness and serving the common good of society” (uiw.edu). With a 98% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam, SRS has the honor of equipping aspiring health professionals with the necessary knowledge and skill set to effectively serve their community.

Last month, SRS’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program officially received a seven-year accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This distinguished honor is a demonstration of the program’s exceptional quality, as it has successfully aligned with over 100 ACOTE standards related to curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student outcomes, fieldwork education, capstone education, ongoing program evaluation and more.

“This accreditation affirms the program’s academic rigor and alignment with national standards while reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement, ethical practice and preparing graduates who serve with competence, compassion and intentional purpose,” noted Dr. Jessica Maxwell, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program director and associate professor.

With the program first beginning in 2021, Maxwell reflected on the programs’ progress and transformation within the last near-four years. The program enlisted its first cohort in 2021 and now serves three cohorts. Having started with limited resources, Maxwell feels proud that the program now provides students with resources such as four fully equipped specialty labs, opportunities to earn micro-credentials and $20,000 in stipends for engaging in fieldwork and capstone experiences in high-need school districts. She also recognizes the successes of the program’s knowledgeable faculty members, as the program wouldn’t be what it is today without their commitment to quality education and student preparedness.

Maxwell is also exceptionally happy that the program provides students the opportunity to engage with real clients beginning as early as their first semester of the program. Experiences such as these aid in the growth and development of students in the community, classroom and clinic well before entering the field for clinical experiences.

“It has been deeply meaningful to see the program grow in a way that reflects UIW’s Mission of educating the whole person and preparing students to be servant leaders,” expressed Maxwell.  “Watching students develop not only as competent clinicians but also as reflective, compassionate professionals committed to justice and community engagement affirms the program’s purpose and direction.”

As the program progresses, Maxwell hopes that the program continues to evolve for the betterment of students and the community, while graduating entry-level occupational therapists who lead with compassion, advocate for occupational justice and serve communities with humility and integrity.

“The status of Full Accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) indicates that a program meets the highest standards of quality, inclusion and innovation in Occupational Therapy education,” said Dean of SRS Dr. Todd Sander. “I want to congratulate Dr. Maxwell and her team on their tireless efforts made to ensure the highest standards were met, while ensuring the program is Mission-focused. Students and applicants can rest assured that they will be well prepared to be outstanding clinicians in the tradition of UIW trained health care providers.”