Inaugural Class of 2025 reflects student commitment, faculty support and strong outcomes for licensure and career readiness.
Concordia University Ann Arbor is proud to share affirming news from its Occupational Therapy program. The inaugural Class of 2025 has earned a 100% pass rate on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination — an outcome that speaks to student dedication, faculty guidance and a curriculum designed with purpose.
For graduates entering the profession, passing the NBCOT exam represents more than a requirement. It marks readiness to serve clients with confidence, sound judgment and professional integrity. At CUAA, exam preparation is not treated as a final hurdle, but as a steady process woven throughout the academic experience.
“Our approach to NBCOT preparation begins on day one,” said Dr. Juliane Chreston, program director of the Occupational Therapy program. “Students are naturally anxious about the exam. We begin by having them set up their NBCOT account early and orienting them to how the exam fits into their overall educational journey.”
Students engage regularly with NBCOT-style practice questions during coursework, building familiarity with the exam format while sharpening clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. These structured reviews help students understand how to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios — an essential skill for both the exam and professional practice.
The program also provides two Occupational Therapy Knowledge Exams (OTKE), fully funded by CUAA. One exam is administered before Level II fieldwork, and a second follows its completion. Faculty guide students through their results, helping them identify strengths, address gaps and create individualized study plans that reflect their learning needs.
In addition, every student receives full program funding for the TherapyEd NBCOT preparation package, including the comprehensive study guide and a two-day live review course. This resource, valued at $330, ensures that students have access to nationally recognized preparation tools without added financial pressure.
“Preparing students well means supporting them academically and personally,” said Chreston. “We want to be sure students understand that by the time they graduate, they’ve already proven themselves as an occupational therapist. The exam is just as much about preparing emotionally and physically as it is about studying content.”
Faculty mentorship plays a central role throughout the program and continues after graduation. Students benefit from consistent, one-on-one guidance that addresses academic progress, exam readiness and the transition into professional roles. This close faculty-student connection reflects Concordia’s commitment to educating the whole person while fostering a strong sense of calling and service.
Beyond exam success, CUAA’s inaugural cohort is also seeing strong outcomes in the job market. Graduates report a mean starting salary of $85,000, exceeding the national average of $63,065 reported in the AOTA 2023 Workforce & Compensation Survey. These results point to graduates who are well prepared, confident and ready to contribute meaningfully in clinical settings.
As the Occupational Therapy program continues to grow, CUAA is currently accepting applications for upcoming cohorts. Interviews for the February 20 session are now being scheduled, and prospective students are encouraged to apply.
Those interested in learning more about program outcomes, exam preparation supports or the Occupational Therapy program are invited to connect with the CUAA admissions team.
“At Concordia, our goal is simple,” said Chreston. “To transition students into colleagues in this rewarding profession of helping people live life to its fullest.”
Explore what’s happening in occupational therapy and read “What’s new in CUAA’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.”
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.