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Accreditation

ACOTE logoThe entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Mission

The mission of the occupational therapy doctorate program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) is to educate and foster success in students’ pursuit of an entry-level career as an occupational therapist. Preparing practitioners who value occupation, at the core of practice and strive for professional leadership roles advocating for practice, research, and education in the field. Occupational therapists who contribute to continuing the growth of the occupational therapy profession, demonstrate lifelong learning, and are committed to improving health care for the people and communities in the region.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Vision

The occupational therapy doctorate program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) aspires to become a nationally recognized leader in occupational therapy education. A program that prepares occupational therapy professionals who transform lives and improve communities through scholarly practice, research, and education, supporting the health and well-being of people and communities in the region.