University of Western States Introduces Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Expanding Access to Whole-Person Health Careers

PORTLAND, Ore., May 29, 2025  /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to advance whole-person health care education, University of Western States (UWS) introduced a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The innovative hybrid program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists.

"The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is a natural extension of our mission to advance integrated, whole-person health care through exceptional education and compassionate patient care," said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. "By offering a flexible, academically rigorous pathway into this growing field, we are empowering more students to pursue impactful careers without putting their lives on hold."

Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the OTD program combines primarily online coursework with limited on-campus residencies, allowing students to complete most of their education within their own communities. Unlike many traditional programs, it does not require relocation.

Occupational therapy is among the fastest-growing fields in health care, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12 percent job growth through 2032. Demand continues to rise as aging populations, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic conditions increasingly prioritize services that support independence, recovery, and whole-person well-being.

"As the first occupational therapy program within our System, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes UWS. "By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve."

The program has applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon full accreditation, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and pursue licensure nationwide.

The first cohort of students will begin classes in January 2026. Applications are now open through the University of Western States website.

To learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States, visit uws.edu/doctor-of-occupational-therapy. For more information about the accreditation process, visit acoteonline.org or contact the ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, or call 301-652-6611.

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