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Celebrating 100 YearsSince 1922, the occupational therapy program at WMU has been a leader and innovator in the field, and our graduates have made significant contributions throughout the nation and the world. In 2022 we celebrated our 100th anniversary, commemorating a tradition of excellence and committing to a bold future.

Historically, occupational therapists have been in high demand, and that demand is rising. New professionals are needed, particularly those skilled in working with the growing population of older adults. In that area and many others, WMU occupational therapy graduates have distinct advantages:

We welcome your interest in our OT academic programs and invite you to browse these pages and our points of pride and contact us for more information.

NBCOT Certification Results

Click to review NBCOT certification exam results for WMU OTD and OTA graduates.

Graduation Rates

OTD 

YearCohort Start DateNumber of Students
Admitted to Cohort
Anticipated GraduationNumber of GraduatesGraduation Rate3 Year Average Graduation Rate
2023Summer I 2023 OTD48Spring 2026TBDTBDTBD
2022Summer I 2022 OTD48Spring 2025TBDTBDTBD
2021Summer I 2021 OTD47Spring 2024TBDTBDTBD
2020Summer I 2020 OTD48Spring 20234798%98%

OTA 

YearCohort Start DateNumber of Students
Admitted to Cohort
Anticipated GraduationNumber of GraduatesGraduation Rate3 Year Average Graduation Rate
2024Spring 2024 OTA22Spring 2026TBDTBDTBD
2023Spring 2023 OTA14Spring 2025TBDTBDTBD
2022Spring 2022 OTA8Spring 2024TBDTBDTBD

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Based on 2023-24 tuition rates. Subject to change.

OTA Program - In-state estimate:

 Year I Year 2Year 3Year 4Total

Tuition

$14,494

$14,494

$15,902

$15,902

$60,792

Student Fees (WMU service fees, course-related fees - subject to change)

$100

$100

$100

$100

$400

Textbooks and Supplies

$1,000

$1,000

$600

$100

$2,700

OTA Enrollment Fees

 

 

$460

$250

$710

Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen

 

 

$150

 

$150

Other (i.e. Parking)

$300

$300

$300

$180

$1,080

Graduation Fee

 

 

 

$50

$50

Total

$15,894

$15,894

$17,512

$16,582

$65,882

Note: Estimates are based on 15 credits per semester taken at WMU. Transfer credits may reduce your total cost.

OTA Program - Out-of-state estimate:

 

Year I 

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Total

Tuition

$18,118

$18,118

$19,878

$19,878

$75,990

Student Fees (WMU service fees, course-related fees - subject to change)

$100

$100

$100

$100

$400

Textbooks and Supplies

$1,000

$1,000

$600

$100

$2,700

OTA Enrollment Fees

 

 

$460

$250

$710

Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen

 

 

$150

 

$150

Other (i.e. Parking)

$300

$300

$300

$180

$1,080

Graduation Fee

 

 

 

$50

$50

Total

$19,517

$19,517

$21,487

$20,557

$81,080

OTD Program - In-state estimate:

 Year 1Year 2Year 3Total

Tuition

$35,638

$29,826

$9,177

$74,641

Student Fees (WMU service fees and course-related fees - fees subject to change)

$3,250

$3,005

$1,875

$8,130

Books & Supplies

$1,000

$1,000

$700

$2,700

Total

$39,888

$33,831

$11,752

$85,471

OTD Program - Out-of-state estimate:

 Year 1Year 2Year 3Total

Tuition

$53,458

$44,733

$13,764

$111,955

Student Fees (WMU service fees and course-related fees - fees subject to change)

$3,250

$3,005

$1,875

$8,130

Books & Supplies

$1,000

$1,000

$700

$2,700

Total

$57,708

$48,738

$16,339

$122,785

History

Marion R. Spear founded the occupational therapy program at Western Michigan University in 1922 and served as its first faculty member. At that time, two students were enrolled in the program, which required three months of coursework and was located at the Kalamazoo State Hospital. Under Spear's leadership, the program eventually grew into an academic unit, providing a 27-month program requiring 32 hours of college credit before admission.

In 1939, the program received full accreditation from the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association. It was one of the first five programs to gain such recognition.

The program moved to the campus of Western Michigan College in 1944, and students earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Thirty students were enrolled at that time. By 1949, the enrollment had increased to 150 full-time students. In 1953, the department developed one of the first occupational therapy graduate programs in the country.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Department of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University commits to a diverse and inclusive faculty and student body recognizing and respecting each person’s unique story. Although our goal is to incorporate and embrace diverse viewpoints, we acknowledge that unconscious bias, prejudices, power dynamics and privilege exist. As a result, we strive to increase awareness and remove barriers which prevent inclusion and equity for all individuals. The faculty are committed to instruction, research, and service that considers the breadth of human diversity which includes, but is not limited to, people of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, races and ethnicities, and a continuum of abilities. 

Click here to review the College of Health and Human Service's Statement on Race and Antiracism.
Use these links for more information about diversity and inclusion at WMU or WMU's religious observances policy.