EMU master’s program in occupational therapy ranked among best in the country
By Geoff Larcom / EMU
YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s master’s degree program in Occupational Therapy has been ranked among the nation’s best and one of Michigan’s top two programs in U.S. News and World Report’s annual listings of the country’s top graduate school programs.
The 2020 rankings place Eastern’s program among the top 50 in the nation and one of the two best programs in Michigan and among the top three in the Mid-American Conference.
Program Director Tricia Foster says that students who are interested in occupational therapy have a variety of choices for schools in Michigan, “But students who choose EMU are drawn here because, right from their first interaction with our faculty, they recognize what a distinctly supportive environment we offer.”
“While students are here, they experience a committed faculty with wide-ranging interests that provide excellent opportunities for our students,” Foster says.
Such opportunities include:
- Collaborative inter-professional opportunities with speech and language pathology students.
- Partnering with the University of Michigan Dental School to provide ergonomic training and education.
- Working with OT faculty on grant-funded research in early intervention.
- Presenting student research to state and national organizations.
- Creating a student-led occupational therapy clinic serving individuals with neurological conditions.
Foster says that the wider occupational therapy community recognizes EMU grads as being specially equipped to deliver authentic occupational therapy services.
The American Occupational Therapy Association indicates that occupational therapy is consistently rated a top profession in the U.S., and the job outlook for occupational therapists continues to grow.
“Occupational therapy is a dynamic and growing profession,” Foster says. “EMU offers an exciting place to build the foundation for a meaningful and highly fulfilling career.”
For further information about occupational therapy at Eastern, see the program website.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website.
