Springfield College Occupational Therapy Master's Program Receives 10-Year Accreditation

At left, Springfield College School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies Dean David Miller and Springfield College Department of Occupational Therapy Chair Kathy Post.

The Springfield College Occupational Therapy Master’s Program has received 10-year accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. This is the maximum length of accreditation time granted by the ACOTE.

Accredited at the master’s degree level since 1991, the Springfield College Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) is the longest-active OT program in western Massachusetts.

“National accreditation assures that our graduates enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective occupational therapy practitioners,” said Springfield College Department of Occupational Therapy Chair Kathy Post. “We're thrilled that we've been granted a 10-year term, the maximum allowed by ACOTE. That gives us time to focus on new initiatives and strategies as our program moves forward with a new generation of students and faculty.”

Fully encompassing the College's Humanics philosophy, the OT program emphasizes that health and learning are best gained through an approach that unifies spirit, mind, and body. The overarching goal of the program is to foster in each student a strong sense of professional identity embracing the basic tenets and ethical practices of the profession.

The Springfield College Department of Occupational Therapy offers two levels of entry in its Master of Science program: as a first-year or transfer student to the 5 1/2 year Health Science Occupational Therapy (HSOT) program, or as a graduate student to the 28-month Entry Level Master's (ELM) program.

The United States Department of Education (USDE) recognizes the ACOTE as the accrediting agency for occupational therapy education. Accreditation by an agency recognized by the USDE is one of the conditions qualifying an educational institution or program (free standing) to participate in federal funding programs.

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News & World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Professional and Continuing Studies across the country.

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