The entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program at Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has received official seven years of accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
“This accreditation underscores the quality of our curriculum and the dedication of our students, faculty, and clinical partners,” says Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, M.S., dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University. “The demand for occupational therapy practitioners continues to grow, and we are proud to empower graduates who will lead with competence, compassion, and purpose.”
Occupational therapy focuses on improving the quality of life for people of all ages with physical, mental and cognitive challenges. Professionals assess the individual’s specific needs and recommend interventions and adaptations (such as special utensils, shower chairs, etc.) that empower participation in daily activities and meaningful occupations.
To attain accreditation, the OTD program had to complete several, rigorous steps, including demonstrating student excellence and aligning its curriculum with national standards, all of which requires meticulous preparation and documentation. In addition, Professor Story wanted to ensure that students were clinical-ready, prepared to go straight from school, to their board exams, to getting to work in a field where their help is sorely needed.
Meeting those goals meant overcoming a number of obstacles, including a drastic shift in accreditation standards in 2023 that required Sara Story, Ed.D., OTR/L, BCG, CAPS, program director for occupational therapy at Valparaiso University, to rebuild the entire curriculum. Though it was a challenging process, the College of Nursing and Health Professions OTD program received a seven-year accreditation — the highest achievement possible for a new program.
The OTD program at Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions was launched in August of 2023 to give students professional opportunities in a rapidly growing field. Hospitals and clinics have been seeking to reduce admissions through preventative care, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that occupational therapy is predicted to see a 14% growth by 2034 — a rate that far outstrips the average growth for a given field.
In Northwest Indiana, the need for occupational therapy professionals in the workforce has opened plenty of opportunities for doctoral students to pursue capstone projects with local organizations, many of whom are eagerly awaiting the first graduates of the programs to become available for employment. For someone like Professor Story, who moved her entire family from Kentucky to help start a brand-new program in a brand new place, that enthusiasm is just what she hoped for.
“I wasn’t sure if the community was ready to support a program like this,” Professor Story says. “I came here on some strong faith that it was God’s will.”
Valparaiso University prides itself on developing servant-leaders that are able to make a difference in their community, not just through their technical ability, but through their drive to better the world around them.
“Occupational therapy isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling to advocate for meaningful participation in everyday life.” Professor Story says. “Valpo’s emphasis on leadership develops clinicians who not only deliver excellent care but also shape the future of healthcare and community well-being.”
Students in the OTD program are given opportunities to take leadership roles and make a difference in the community around them while still in school. Beginning in 2024, the program combined efforts with Valpo’s College of Engineering to launch a GoBabyGo program — a collaborative project that designs and modifies ride-on cars for children with disabilities. The OTD program has also partnered with StoryPoint to host a free, annual CarFit event, ensuring senior drivers understand and utilize the safety features of modern vehicles.
Students and faculty in the OTD program are also engaged at the state and national level, with participation in the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Two Valpo faculty members currently hold board leadership positions in the IOTA, and students have earned Gold Circle Membership in the AOTA for their engagement and dedication to supporting the profession. Valpo students have also participated in advocacy days at the state capitol, with a 100% acceptance rate for giving presentations to Indiana lawmakers. Learn more about occupational therapy opportunities at Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions here. For more on how Valparaiso University is empowering future healthcare leaders in other fields, visit the college’s website at valpo.edu/conhp.
