A new chapter of health care education is beginning at Harding with the accreditation of the occupational therapy graduate program. Receiving accreditation is a detailed process, and the OT team has worked diligently to secure this status for their students and the University.
The program was formally established in Fall 2022. A little more than a year later, it was granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. The program was then able to admit its first cohort in Summer 2023. Since then, professors have been training students to be service-minded professionals who recognize their ability to help as a meaningful blessing from God.
Occupational therapists are vital in helping people live independent, fulfilled lives when illness, injury or disability puts obstacles in their way. Through hands-on learning and direct patient interaction, Harding students learn just how important their impact can be.
“When students return from their clinical experiences and share how they were able to pray with clients or have meaningful conversations about what matters most to them, including their spirituality, I am reminded that this program is doing work far greater than anything we could simply teach in a classroom,” reflects Dr. Paige Spillman, director of clinical education and academic fieldwork coordinator. “Achieving accreditation affirms our commitment to a program grounded in excellence, service and faith-centered care.”
As students and faculty have worked in tandem to improve patient quality of life, achieving accreditation status has been a worthwhile pursuit, and this credential is essential for an occupational therapy program, signifying program integrity, accountability and merit.
By July 2025, the program completed a comprehensive self-study report for ACOTE, followed by an on-site evaluation in February 2026. This April, the program was formally notified of its full accreditation status. This showcase of compliance with national standards is important, as OT students will now be fully equipped to take their national certification exam and pursue licensure.
“Receiving accreditation is both humbling and deeply rewarding. It represents years of dedication, perseverance and collaboration among faculty, students and University leadership,” said Dr. Cathy Acre, chair and director of the program. “The awarding of full seven-year accreditation is especially significant, as it reflects the strength, quality and intentional design of the program and affirms the work that has gone into developing it.
Acre shared this achievement affirms the quality of education students are receiving and their preparation as competent, service-minded professionals who will make meaningful contributions within their communities.
Learn more about the occupational therapy program at https://www.harding.edu/allied-health/occupational-therapy/.
Learn more about the occupational therapy program by viewing this segment: https://news.harding.edu/2025/10/ot-katv.html
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