Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education Grants Candidacy Status to University of Western States Doctoral Program

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Western States (UWS) announced today that its new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This designation marks an important milestone in the accreditation process and affirms the program's readiness to admit and educate students beginning in January 2026.

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing health care professions, driven by an aging population, increasing rates of chronic conditions, and the need for rehabilitation after illness or injury. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14 percent between 2024 and 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations.

"The launch of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program reflects our deep commitment to preparing the next generation of health care leaders who are grounded in a whole-person approach," said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. "This program offers students the flexibility to pursue a meaningful career in occupational therapy without having to uproot from their communities."

Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the UWS OTD program uses an innovative hybrid model that combines primarily online coursework with a small number of intensive on-campus residency experiences. This structure removes relocation barriers common to many traditional programs while maintaining a rigorous, hands-on education.

Candidacy Status is the first step in the multi-phase accreditation process. It recognizes that the university's OTD program has demonstrated substantial compliance with ACOTE's rigorous standards and is progressing on the pathway toward full accreditation. The program will next undergo a pre-accreditation review and on-site evaluation before being considered for Accreditation Status. Once that milestone is achieved, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT^®) examination to become licensed Occupational Therapists, Registered (OTR).

The UWS OTD program is now accepting applications. To apply and learn more, visit uws.edu/doctor-of-occupational-therapy.

About University of Western States 
For more than 120 years, University of Western States (UWS) has been at the forefront of whole person health, educating professionals in the areas of chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. The university prepares graduates to help shape the future of health care by providing an education grounded in scientific rigor and empathetic understanding. Located in Portland, Oregon, UWS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. University of Western States is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit UWS.edu. 

SOURCE University of Western States