Doctor of Occupational Therapy program earns HLC approval

Hanover is launching a new hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program as it continues to grow in the graduate health care space.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has formally approved the College’s doctoral program, which will allow students and faculty to live anywhere in the U.S. while they complete a two-year degree in less time than most traditional occupational therapy programs.

Hanover’s OTD program will create opportunities for students to become highly skilled occupational therapists with a strong foundational understanding of the profession. Graduates will have the ability and tools to apply critical-thinking skills and evidence-based practices to their interactions with clients.

The two-year program aims to lower student debt and increase accessibility by allowing students to learn from wherever they live and enter the workforce earlier with a doctoral degree. In the second year, students will be placed in a practice near their community to complete their fieldwork experience and capstone project. The remainder of their time will be composed of online learning in asynchronous and synchronous class experiences.

Hanover is also seeking accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Students will be notified of their acceptance to the program when the College receives candidacy status with ACOTE in Fall 2023.

Hanover’s first OTD program cohort will begin Jan. 6, 2024. The College’s OTD program has rolling admission and interested students are encouraged to apply early. Applications for the program will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2023.