Updates focus on flexibility, rigor and hands-on learning
Students considering a career in occupational therapy will soon see meaningful updates to Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Designed with student needs, professional preparation and academic rigor in mind, these changes create a more flexible and efficient path to doctoral-level practice — without losing the personal connection that defines the CUAA experience.
The updates, currently under final review by the accrediting body, are expected to take effect for upcoming cohorts. According to Juliane Chreston, OTD, OTRL, professor, director of the occupational therapy program, and assistant dean in the School of Health Professions, the goal is clear: make the program more accessible while maintaining high expectations.
A shorter program without cutting corners
According to Chreston, the program is being redesigned to shorten the time to completion. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, previously 34 months, is expected to move to 30 months.
Launching with the June 22 cohort, the adjustment allows students to enter the field sooner while still completing a full doctoral curriculum. For students beginning this summer, the change also brings financial benefits.
“By starting in the summer, this year’s entering students will be grandfathered under the current federal process rather than the new one,” Chreston said.
Learning that fits real life
Another major update is the shift to a more flexible instructional model. Much of the coursework that once required regular on-campus attendance will now be delivered synchronously online. Students will still be able to engage in live sessions with faculty and peers, maintaining accountability and interaction.
“We’re not sacrificing rigor,” Chreston said. “During weekly zoom sessions, faculty will clarify and expand on content and provide interactive ways for students to apply learning with each other while being in separate locations.”
Students will still be required to come to campus once during each eight-week term for a seven-day immersive lab experience. This structure is especially appealing for students balancing work, family or longer commutes. It will allow students from a wider geographic area to consider CUAA’s OT program.
Immersive, hands-on experiences
When students are on campus, the focus is fully immersive. These seven-day lab experiences are designed to mirror real-world practice, with simulations, hands-on activities and applied learning.
“This model will push [our flipped classroom approach] even further,” Chreston said. “When students are on campus, that week can be fully immersive and hands-on, with simulations and realistic experiences that bring everything together.”
CUAA is also refining experiential learning opportunities to ensure consistency and quality across cohorts. One example includes a planned pediatric literacy camp developed in partnership with the education program. The experience allows occupational therapy students to engage in hands-on service while working collaboratively.
A true doctoral-level experience
While occupational therapy students can pursue either a master’s or doctoral degree, CUAA’s program emphasizes depth, leadership and advocacy.
“We want to be clear that students will graduate with a true doctoral-level experience and viewpoint,” Chreston said. “Including readiness for leadership and advocacy, and preparation to explore nontraditional practice areas.”
A hallmark of the program is the 14-week, student-led capstone experience. This immersive project allows students to explore an area they are passionate about, whether that is advanced practice, program development or advocacy work.
“The capstone remains student-led and individualized,” Chreston said. “We encourage students from the start of the program to explore their interests so their capstone aligns with what they care about.”
Small cohorts, individual attention
Despite the shift in format, one thing is not changing: cohort size. CUAA will continue to admit up to 28 students per cohort.
“We’re staying at 28 to maintain individual attention and ensure students are seen as individuals, not just numbers,” Chreston said.
Is this program right for you?
Students who thrive in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program tend to be flexible, self-directed and committed to lifelong learning. They are curious, open-minded and motivated to shape a career that may evolve over time.
“Stay open-minded,” Chreston said. “Your career can ebb and flow in many ways. There is a lot of opportunity to create the career you want.”
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.
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