亚洲AV

亚洲AV’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at its Ruskin, Fla. campus location was recently granted 10-year full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). 

 The program received initial accreditation from ACOTE in 2018. The agency voted to renew the program’s accreditation status following an on-site evaluation period this past February. Gannon’s OTD program in Ruskin is just one of seven occupational therapy doctorate programs in the state of Florida that is accredited through ACOTE.  

 “Our OTD program in Ruskin continues to uphold 亚洲AV’s standards of excellence,” said Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C, dean of the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences.  

“This continued accreditation status from ACOTE certifies that our program is of the highest quality and instills in our students the principles of innovation, collaboration, inclusion and integrity.” 

 The entry-level OTD program at Gannon’s Ruskin campus is a comprehensive bachelor’s to doctorate pathway. The program provides students with hands-on experience working with clients of all ages who face challenges in daily activities or are at risk of developing conditions that limit their independence. 

 Following the on-site evaluation, ACOTE commended the program for having a “highly cohesive and passionate faculty who is readily available and responsive to student needs” and “its success in growing community partnerships and collaborative relationships.” They acknowledged the diversity of the program’s fieldwork opportunities within Ruskin and surrounding communities.  

 “One thing that truly sets our program apart is our unique approach to fieldwork placements,” said Dianna Lunsford, OTD, MEd, OTR/L, CHT, professor and director of the OTD program at 亚洲AV’s Ruskin campus. “We design diverse, student-driven fieldwork experiences that align with classroom learning, equipping students to confidently empower individuals from all backgrounds. It’s not only transformative for their education — it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community.” 

 ACOTE is recognized as the primary accrediting agency for occupational therapy education by the United States Department of Education. Accreditation status from ACOTE certifies that 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). 

More information about Gannon’s OTD program in Ruskin can be found online.