North Central College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Earns Full Accreditation from ACOTE

North Central College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program has received maximum initial accreditation — seven years — from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). ACOTE is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs.

“Earning a seven-year accreditation is a remarkable achievement that reflects North Central College’s commitment to excellence and the dedication of our occupational therapy faculty,” said Dr. Kristin Geraty, provost and vice president for academic affairs at North Central College. “ACOTE accreditation is a rigorous process ensuring that our OTD program meets the highest standards of preparing future occupational therapists to work in this rewarding and high-demand field.”

With this latest significant milestone achieved, all of North Central’s occupational therapy programs are now fully accredited by ACOTE: the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate, the Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy (for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants) and the Entry-Level Master of Occupational Therapy programs.

“North Central’s graduate-level occupational therapy programs stand apart from others with our mission-based and learner-centric approach,” said Dr. Mary Groll, dean of North Central’s School of Education and Health Sciences. “We support each individual student on their journey, providing a high-quality, well-rounded education that prepares them to be skilled and impactful leaders and practitioners in a fast-paced and evolving healthcare field.”

North Central’s first cohort of entry-level OTD students will graduate in May 2026. Cohorts begin in January and the program is completed over 27 months — seven semesters (including two summer semesters). North Central’s OTD program is one of the shortest in the region, with coursework offered in traditional, online and hybrid formats, as well as two 12-week fieldwork experiences and a 14-week capstone project.

North Central is currently accepting applications for its entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program for the cohort that will begin in January 2027. The application deadline is June 6, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Interested applicants can learn more here or contact North Central for more information.