Doctor of Occupational Therapy program earns full ACOTE accreditation
The Hanover College Doctor of Occupational Therapy program (OTD) has earned full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Hanover’s accreditation for the maximum period of seven years is a vital achievement that reflects the dedication of faculty, staff and community partners who have created an innovative, rigorous and student-centered program. Such accreditation serves as a validation of academic excellence and ensures the delivery of high-quality education to students.
“I am incredibly proud of everyone who helped make this happen,” stated Gayla Aguilar, Hanover’s program director. “This initial seven-year accreditation, the maximum awarded for first-time accreditation, is a significant milestone for our program. It affirms the strength and quality of our program and reflects the commitment to excellence demonstrated by our faculty and staff, as well as the unwavering support of our college community.”
Recognized as the accrediting agency for occupational therapy education by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, ACOTE establishes, approves and administers educational standards to evaluate occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs. The organization currently accredits more than 500 occupational therapist education programs, including more than 130 doctoral programs.
Hanover’s OTD program earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 2022 and achieved candidacy status with ACOTE in 2023. The College’s first cohort, which began classes in January 2024, will graduate during Hanover’s first OTD commencement ceremony Dec. 16, 2025.
ACOTE accreditation serves as an important credential for the program’s graduates, who are now eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
“With this full accreditation, our students can be confident that the degree they earn through the Hanover College Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is recognized at the highest level,” noted Aguilar. “They can trust in the excellence of our program, be proud to be Hanover College graduates, and know they are eligible to sit for the national board exam in occupational therapy.”
About Hanover’s OTD program
Hanover’s two-year, hybrid program aims to lower student debt and increase accessibility by allowing students to learn from wherever they live and enter the workforce earlier with a doctoral degree. The academic program is presented through a partnership with Evidence In Motion, a leading provider of online and hybrid health care education.
The College’s OTD students spend approximately one-third of their time in face-to-face lab immersion sessions at Hanover’s main campus or the South Campus in metropolitan Louisville, Ky. The remaining time is composed of fieldwork and online learning in asynchronous and synchronous class experiences.
