About
Since 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:
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) launched in summer II 2020.
- Available in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
- Award winning and experienced faculty committed to teaching excellence, scholarship and service.
- Marion R. Spear OT Clinic, high quality clinical preparation right next door.
- Read our Spring 2023 Newsletter.
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.
Graduation rates
| Year | Cohort Start Date | Number of Students Admitted to Cohort | Anticipated Graduation | Number of Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Summer I 2023 OTD | 48 | Spring 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| Spring 2023 OTA | 14 | Spring 2026 | TBD | TBD | |
| 2022 | Summer I 2022 OTD | 48 | Spring 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| Spring 2022 OTA | 8 | Spring 2024 | TBD | TBD | |
| 2021 | Summer I 2021 OTD | 47 | Spring 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| 2020 | Summer I 2020 OTD | 48 | Spring 2023 | 47 | 98% |
| Spring 2020 4+1 | 24 | Fall 2022 | 24 | 100% | |
| 2019 | Spring 2019 4+1 | 24 | Fall 2021 | 23 | 96% |
| Fall 2019 4+1 | 24 | Summer I 2022 | 24 | 100% | |
| Fall 2019 MSOT | 24 | Fall 2021 | 24 | 100% | |
| 2018 | Spring 2018 4+1 | 32 | Fall 2020 | 30 | 94% |
| Fall 2018 4+1 | 17 | Summer I 2021 | 17 | 100% | |
| Fall 2018 MSOT | 45 | Fall 2020 | 45 | 100% | |
* Note: Our first Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) cohort is set to graduate in April 2023; graduation rates for the OTD program will be updated at that time.
NBCOT certification results
Click to review NBCOT certification exam results for WMU OTD and OTA graduates.
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.
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.