January 13, 2025
As part of broader efforts to help meet the growing demand for well-trained health professionals, Trine University has reduced tuition for students entering its new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.
“We know recent inflationary pressures have made it more difficult for students and families to afford the cost of higher education,” said Beth O’Rourke, program director. “At the same time, the need for quality health professionals continues to increase as our population ages and many currently in the field reach retirement age.”
The Bureau of Labor Services predicts that the number of occupational therapy jobs will grow by 12% over the next decade.
Tuition for Trine’s OTD program is now $9,960 per semester, for an eight-semester program.
Program starting soon
Launching in May, Trine’s program is designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for an occupational therapy career. Any student with a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 can apply.
Designed with student experience and outcomes as the priority, Trine’s OTD curriculum includes five integrated clinical experiences, giving students extensive exposure to real-life occupational therapy practice before starting their 24-week full-time rotation.
The curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary learning experiences, instruction across disciplines, integrated lab experiences and interactive instruction, all designed to build confidence and competence in OTD students.
Graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.
The OTD program is offered through Trine’s Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions (BCHP) in Fort Wayne, which also includes the university’s physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, and surgical technology programs.
For more information about the OTD program, visit trine.edu/otd.
Trine University’s first Associate of Science and Master of Science in nursing graduates, along with physician assistant and surgical technology graduates, received a welcome to the healthcare field from the leader of Cameron Health, herself a longtime nurse, during the university’s fall Commencement on Dec. 12.
Trine University’s Thunder Therapy Clinic, which provides pro-bono rehabilitation services to those in the Fort Wayne area with limited means, will offer occupational therapy beginning in January.
Six Trine University civil engineering seniors and two faculty members toured a cement plant and the Newburgh Lock and Dam, learned about the Ohio River Crossing project and traveled to bridge construction sites during a senior trip in November.