Keuka College's occupational therapy master's program has received a 10-year reaccreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the longest review cycle the organization grants.
The designation followed an on-site evaluation that highlighted the program's educational quality, connections between classroom instruction and community work, and use of assessment data to guide improvements, the college announced Monday.
The accrediting council commended the involvement of occupational therapy faculty in clinical roles and campus support systems. Its report said that integration contributes to stronger learning outcomes, student well-being and the professional development of future occupational therapists.
The report also called the program's faculty "assessment champions" for their emphasis on continuous, data-driven improvement.
Michele Bennett, a professor of occupational therapy and division chair for Applied Health and Wellness, said the reaccreditation recognizes the program and college as leaders in advancing health and well-being.
Keuka College's occupational therapy program was established more than 40 years ago. Its dual-degree structure gives students four years of undergraduate support before an accelerated one-year master's program.
Students also receive hands-on training in the college's Center for Health Innovation and through annual internships in its Field Period program, according to the release.
College President Amy Storey said the combination prepares graduates to handle the demands of modern health care with the skills, knowledge, creativity and empathy needed in the profession.
The college said graduates have posted a 95% average pass rate on national board examinations over the past five years. Its most recent alumni survey found that all respondents were working in full-time practice.
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