Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	Towson University Proposal	O.T.D.	Entry-Level Occupational Therapy	2/4/2018	Approved	2/8/2018
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program Description
Towson University offers the only entry-level program in the state of Maryland that prepares registered occupational therapists. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which has independent authority to set standards for professional education programs, recently took action to mandate the move for the entry-level degree for the occupational therapist to the doctoral level by 2027 (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017). Given the recent accreditation action and the industry move toward doctoral level preparation for occupational therapists, Towson University proposes two new occupational therapy doctoral programs. The proposed 96-credit entry-level OTD (ELOTD) program will allow Towson University to transition away from the entry-level master’s program and replace it with an entry-level doctoral program well in advance of the 2027 mandate.  <br> <br>The ELOTD will continue Towson’s reputation for excellence in preparing entry-level registered occupational therapists but at the doctoral level. The ELOTD comprises 96 credits completed full-time following cohort admission. The curriculum is guided by the accreditation standards for entry-level doctoral education and the ACOTE (2011). Admission to this program will coincide with replacing the BSMS and MS in OT entry level programs at TU. The current MS entry-level program, however, may be maintained for a one year period of transition if approval is not attained in a timely manner. <br>