Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy Planned for HU Arizona

Huntington University is pleased to announce plans to launch its Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy in Peoria, Arizona. The new launch will be an expansion of the well-established occupational therapy program (OTD) at Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Since Huntington University currently operates its Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts in Peoria, the Arizona occupational therapy program will share the Center’s facilities.   

“The current OTD Program in Fort Wayne attracts a number of students from the west coast,” said Dr. Beth O’Rourke, assistant director of academics, associate professor of OTD and acting director of the Arizona OTD program. “With the university’s unique mission, combined with the success and strong programming in Fort Wayne, there is a natural fit for the OTD program to expand to Peoria.” 

The Arizona Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy plans to begin OTD classes in January 2021 for a cohort of 32 students. In the meantime, the university is making arrangements to hire a full-time program director, academic fieldwork coordinator, faculty, and an administrative assistant.  

Huntington University has already gained approval to offer the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy in Arizona from the Higher Learning Commission accrediting body as well as the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Huntington has also completed Step 1 of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Letter of Intent. Submission of Step 2 Candidacy Status Application will be submitted by April 15, 2020. The self-study will be submitted to ACOTE by March 1, 2022, for the next level of review. Candidates and students have an opportunity to have this further explained by phone or in person during an onsite visit. Step 1 of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Letter of Intent. Submission of Step 2 Candidacy Status Application will be submitted by April 15, 2020. The self-study will be submitted to ACOTE by March 1, 2022, for the next level of review. Candidates and students have an opportunity to have this further explained by phone or in person during an onsite visit. 

Huntington University’s OTD program began in 2014 and has been ranked #1 out of 450 OT schools in the United States by GraduatePrograms.com. In 2016, the OTD program was granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the doctorate degree for the next seven years. 

Huntington University Arizona opened its doors in 2016, welcoming students seeking a fully accredited degree in digital media arts. The facility, a 30,000 square-foot building, houses bachelor’s degree programs in animation, film production, broadcast media and graphic design. The facility features film and TV studios, high-end computer classroom/labs, private editing suites, a state-of-the-art TV control room, Foley pit, a host of EFP and cinema cameras, and lighting gear for student production work. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, the Huntington University home campus is located in northeast Indiana. Huntington University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution a “Best Midwestern College.” Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The non-profit university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).