The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) posted a 100% pass rate on the NBCOT certification examination for the Western New England University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Class of 2020. This is the highest passing rate among OTD programs in western Massachusetts.
NBCOT is a national not-for-profit organization that provides certification to over 180,000 occupational therapy professionals. NBCOT develops, administers, and continually reviews its certification process based on current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence of occupational therapy practice. Initial certification from NBCOT is a requirement for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
According to Dr. Cathy Dow-Royer, Chair/Director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at WNE, "As the first entry-level OTD Program to be implemented and accredited in Western Massachusetts, we are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our first cohort of students. I am especially pleased that these results stand as a testament to our student-centered approach to teaching and learning, innovative curriculum design that focuses on transformational interprofessional practice and leadership, numerous traditional and emerging fieldwork opportunities that provide applied engagement, and a faculty/staff team that is committed to student support and success, as well as academic and scholarly excellence."
This inaugural WNE class, consisted of 29 students from 16 states. This cohort began their journey in the fall of 2017 and despite the unexpected fieldwork cancellations and doctoral experiential delays due to the COVID pandemic during the Spring and Summer, 2020, 95% of the class graduated on time in August, 2020. The remaining two students graduated in October, 2020 and February, 2021, respectively.
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences educates the leaders of tomorrow in the health and wellness fields through innovative doctoral programs. A highly personal educational experience prepares students to be active participants in the role of Pharmacy Educators or Occupational Therapy Leaders, who are focused on the future of their professions. Modeling these ideals is the COPHS faculty composed of compassionate practitioners, learned scholars, and caring mentors who teach in state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information visit Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences website www.wne.edu/pharmacy-and-health-sciences.
