Health Sciences

Occupational Therapy achieves first-ever accreditation

People standing in a lobby.
The faculty of the Occupational Therapy program stand in the lobby celebrating the program’s accreditation.

The occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program in the College of Health Sciences has achieved accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education on its first attempt after a site visit from a team of accreditors last month.

The program received the maximum accreditation term of seven years thanks to supportive faculty, staff and administrators who assisted with the entire, multi-step accreditation process.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of this tremendous accomplishment. We could not have achieved this without all the hard work and dedication from the faculty, staff, students and administration,” said Dr. Christine O’Neill, chair of the Occupational Therapy Department. “The department’s shared vision and dedication toward developing professional, practice-competent, and critically curious servant leaders has led us to achieving this great milestone.

“But, ultimately, this day is for our students. Current and prospective students can be assured that they are receiving the highest quality education in the discipline, and one that is unique to Marquette University.”

The OTD program began enrolling students in 2020 and has been educating students through directed, didactic work and impactful, community-based fieldwork and capstone experiences.

“Since joining our team, Dr. O’Neill has been instrumental in leading the accreditation process and has positioned the department toward a very successful future,” said Dr. William Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “I think the site visitors were impressed by what has been developed already and I couldn’t be more excited to see how the program will continue to grow while establishing innovative ways to instruct and educate our students.”

The OTD program is currently accepting applications. For further information visit the OT website.