AIC Announces 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} Pass Rate for Occupational Therapy Program

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced that its master’s-level occupational therapy pass rate for 2016 is 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}, as designated by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Inc. (NBCOT).

NBCOT is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational-therapy profession, setting a world-class standard for certification of occupational-therapy practitioners. It also works with state regulatory authorities and employers, providing information on credentials and professional conduct. NBCOT develops, administers, and continually reviews its certification process based on current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence for the practice of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals, committed to providing safe and effective occupational-therapy services to children, adults, the elderly, and communities. NBCOT initial certification is a requisite for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To be eligible for certification, the OTR (occupational therapist registered) or COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) candidate must meet specific eligibility requirements, and to maintain certification, they must satisfy the professional-development requirement and agree to abide by the organization’s practice standards and code of conduct.

According to Cesarina Thompson, dean of AIC’s School of Health Sciences, “we are extremely proud of this accomplishment at American International College. Employment for occupational therapists is projected to grow by 29{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} through 2022, a much faster growth than the average for all other occupations. With the growing demand for rehabilitation and disabilities services, there is a need to prepare occupational therapists who will be equipped to practice in an evolving and complex healthcare system and advocate for the profession. As 2017 marks the 100th year of the existence of occupational therapy, this achievement underscores the centennial vision for the practice.”

In addition to the master’s-level OT program at AIC, the college launched a new online post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program last fall. The online program, approved by the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges, is designed to create faculty and educator leaders for the future who incorporate their occupational-therapy knowledge with experience from clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy while integrating the core philosophy of the profession.