MGA’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program Earns ACOTE Accreditation

Author: Alexandria Brooks
Posted: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Health and Natural Sciences | Pressroom

Macon, GA

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) logo.

Middle Georgia State University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).  

“This is an outstanding accomplishment and is testimony to the academic strength of our program, its faculty, and staff,” said Christopher Blake, Ph.D., president of Middle Georgia State University (MGA). 

ACOTE accreditation serves as a seal of approval for occupational therapy programs that satisfy educational requirements in the United States and its territories. The MSOT program received news of the accreditation status on April 8, announcing that, after a meticulous application and evaluation process, the program has been awarded full accreditation for a seven-year period—the longest possible accreditation period for new programs.  

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout this rigorous process and offer special thanks to Dr. Traci Swartz, the program director,” said Betsy McDaniel, chair of MGA’s Department of Rehabilitation Science & Fitness. “This recognition reaffirms the program's commitment to preparing skilled, diligent, and professional graduates to become exceptional occupational therapists.” 

A function of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), ACOTE accredits occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant programs in the United States and U.S. territories. It is recognized as the accrediting agency for OT education by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Upon graduating from an ACOTE accredited program, students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification exam and apply for licensure in the U.S., District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 

Employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow 12 percent—exceptionally faster than average—by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Middle Georgia State’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Bridge Program is housed within the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Fitness of the School of Health and Natural Sciences. The program allows certified occupational therapy assistants to further their education by building upon their existing knowledge and experience. The program accepts 25 students each year for the seven-semester degree program. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission. 

For more information about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Bridge Program, visit https://www.mga.edu/health-natural-sciences/rehabilitation-science/master-occuptional-therapy-program/index.php.