The program launches in January 2022 in the College of Health and Human Services

Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, will launch a new entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in the College of Health and Human Services beginning in January 2022, according to a university press release. The program will be headed up by Dr. Terrance Anderson.

“I am excited to be part of this new Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at NKU,” Dr. Anderson said. “The program will provide an innovative student-friendly curriculum utilizing one of the world’s top-tier simulation centers for preparing highly skilled therapists who excel in leadership and collegiality.”

The new program will provide students with the training and skills needed to become a registered occupational therapist. The program is ten semesters long—including both hybrid and online courses during the summer. The variety of course offerings will improve student access, provide cutting-edge fieldwork experiences in the NKU Health Innovation Center’s Simulation Center, and promote leadership, marketing and management skills.

According to the press release, occupational therapists work with patients to “build or restore their abilities to function in life through performing the daily tasks of life, regardless of injury, illness, aging or dysfunction.”

Common practice areas for occupational therapists include children, youth, health and wellness, mental health, productive aging, rehabilitation, disability, and work and industry. Practitioners of occupational therapy have a holistic perspective that focuses on adapting the environment and/or the task to fit the specific needs of the person. Occupational therapists can be integral to the therapy team.

NKU’s College of Health and Human Services has four schools: nursing, allied health, social work and kinesiology, counseling and rehabilitative science.