Occupational Therapy

Dr. Troillett working with a child volunteer in the OT sensory room

Occupational Therapy's UA UAMS double logo

The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program represents a unique academic collaboration between the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Thus, the program’s mission embodies both institutions’ shared aim to enhance the health, well being and quality of life of the people of Arkansas, our nation and our world.

Through transformational teaching and learning, U of A, UAMS and the OTD Program prepare students to have a greater impact on individual and community health and wellness, enabling students to generate scientifically informed, occupation-centered solutions in traditional, and role emerging healthcare arenas.

OT year 1 student group picture 2025

Students hands on learning activities

Program Mission

The program’s mission is to prepare future practitioners who will be:

  • Change agents, by challenging the boundaries of occupational therapy practice through purposeful exploration to develop solutions for new practice domains and models of care
  • Innovators, by identifying unmet needs in their practice settings and communities and by creating dynamic interventions and programs to meet those needs
  • Collaborators, by working at the top of their license in integrated interprofessional teams to effectively meet society's needs
  • Advocates, by being active global citizens and champions for occupational justice and improved quality of life for all people
  • Stewards, by practicing conscious care for themselves, the people they serve, and the profession’s distinct value to society
  • Scholars, by demonstrating (and maintaining) deliberate habits of rigorous lifelong inquiry

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education ACOTE, 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, Phone 301-652-6611