University of Mary Earns Highest Accreditation for Occupational Therapy Master’s Program

Full 7-year accreditation positions University of Mary as the only institution in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana offering both accredited MSOT and doctoral OT degree pathways

BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Mary's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program has earned full seven-year accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the highest level of accreditation possible, further solidifying the university's reputation as one of the premier occupational therapy programs in the Upper Midwest.

The milestone now makes the University of Mary the only institution in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana to offer both accredited entry-level occupational therapy degree options: the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD).

The achievement comes at a pivotal time for the profession as occupational therapy nationally settles into a dual-entry model, recognizing both master's and doctoral degrees as pathways into practice.

"The University of Mary OT program can now offer two options for students for entry into the profession, master's and doctorate," said Dr. Janeene Sibla, associate dean of Health Sciences and chair of Occupational Therapy at the University of Mary. "The full seven-year accreditation indicates we offer a high-quality program which meets all accreditation standards. The seven years indicates the confidence the accrediting body has in our program."

Meeting Student Needs

Occupational therapists help people recover the ability to live, work, and engage in daily life after injury, illness, or disability, and demand for the profession is growing rapidly across the country.

The University of Mary previously offered an MSOT degree before transitioning exclusively to the doctorate pathway when the profession anticipated moving toward a doctoral-only requirement. That national mandate was later reversed after widespread concern over rising educational costs, debt burdens, and barriers to workforce entry.

Today, both degree pathways remain fully recognized throughout the profession, allowing universities greater flexibility in serving students.

The university's distinctive structure allows students to spend two semesters in the occupational therapy program before determining which degree pathway best fits their professional and personal goals.

"We provide the only opportunity for students to learn more about the profession before deciding which degree path is best for them," Sibla added. "We are affordable, with dedicated faculty who have meaningful relationships with our students."

Expanding Access Across the Region

In addition to its main campus in Bismarck, the University of Mary also offers hybrid occupational therapy options in Fargo and Billings, expanding access for students who may not be able to relocate.

"These locations allow us to offer a hybrid option and reach students who may not want to move to Bismarck," Sibla said. "We are able to provide education and training in a way that meets the needs of more students. We also offer pro-bono clinic services in those communities."

The expanded reach also strengthens healthcare workforce development throughout the region. Because the university now graduates students from both the MSOT and OTD tracks at different times during the year, healthcare providers gain more opportunities to hire occupational therapists when workforce demand is especially high.

National Outcomes and Hands-On Experience

The University of Mary occupational therapy program has earned a strong reputation for student success and career outcomes. According to Sibla, graduates have achieved a 100% job placement rate, while doctoral students have recorded a 100% pass rate on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam.

Sibla said one of the program's greatest strengths is its early emphasis on experiential learning and mentorship from practicing occupational therapists. Students participate in hands-on experiences beginning in their first semester, including opportunities through the university's occupational therapy pro-bono clinics, community outreach initiatives, interprofessional education experiences, and service projects for underserved populations.

Additional opportunities include fieldwork placements across the country and optional Level I fieldwork experiences in Peru.

"We educate occupational therapists who are competent in technical skills, ethical, and morally courageous," Sibla said. "Many opportunities are provided for service throughout the program in which students develop their skills and care for those most in need of OT services."

Students interested in learning more about the University of Mary's accredited occupational therapy programs can visit University of Mary Occupational Therapy Programs.