The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) recently gave the University of Saint Mary (USM) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program Candidacy status.

ACOTE is a national agency that accredits many occupational therapy education programs throughout the nation. 

USM, which is located in Leavenworth, Kansas, can now begin to admit students into the program's first cohort, a release issued on the USM website said. Classes will start in June of next year. 

"This is an incredible accomplishment," Dr. Michelle Metzinger, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in the release. "The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is dedicated to creating the best learning environment for its students and this achievement speaks to our focus on student success." 

USM's OTD program was announced in January and consists of a three-year degree program made up of 117 credit hours. 

"We are excited to watch this program grow and for our students to share their talents and knowledge with the world," Dr. Andy Wu, founding chair, program director and assistant professor of occupational therapy, said in the release. "USM's unique focus on fieldwork will provide students with the experience and skills needed to establish successful careers and make a meaningful impact."