subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Sun, Nov 08 2009 

Published: April 29, 2008 09:14 am    print this story  

EKU graduate program ranks 24th in nation

Bryan Marshall
Register News Writer

One of Eastern Kentucky University’s 63 graduate programs is receiving national recognition.

EKU’s occupational therapy graduate program is ranked 24th in the country in the recently published U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Graduate Schools 2009 edition.

“We’ve had this program for about 25 years,” said David Gale, dean of EKU’s College of Health Sciences. “We’ve been recruiting nationally recognized faculty. So, we’re not surprised. We’re extremely pleased.”

“We have sought to have a national ranking in our occupational therapy,” he said. “If you look at all the programs that are above us, they are all research institutions and we’re a teaching institution. So, we’re extremely pleased we’re ranked where we are.”

The rankings are based on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to deans, other administrators and faculty at accredited degree programs.

Respondents rated the academic quality of programs on a five-point scale: outstanding (five points), strong (four points), good (three points), adequate (two points) and marginal (one point).

One-hundred and fifty-two schools or programs were surveyed for the occupational therapy rankings.

Boston University and Washington University in St. Louis tied for first with a score of 4.6.

With a 3.4 score, EKU was ranked 24th, tied with eight other institutions — Creighton University, Duquesne University, Medical University of South Carolina, San Jose University, Texas Women’s University-Dallas, University of New Hampshire, University of Puget Sound and University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.

The occupational therapy curriculum at EKU was established in 1976 and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

During the fall 2007 semester, the program had an enrollment of 102 students.

Students who complete the two-year occupational therapy program are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and apply for licensure in those states requiring it.

“Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation science that helps patients who often have had strokes or major accidents get ready to be at home or at a workplace with a disability,” Gale said.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of practice settings, including early intervention programs, public schools, rehabilitation facilities, mental health programs, hospitals, industry, assisted living environments, long-term care facilities and hospice.

Gale, who started the program at EKU, said the national ranking will be beneficial for the program in several ways.

“It will help us especially in the recruitment of faculty for the program,” he said. “We have a lot of student applicants, but it will help bring us more highly qualified students. Although, the students are excellent now. It also will help us in obtaining federal and state dollars for the program.”

“Our goal in the next five years is to be ranked in the top 15 of programs in the country,” Gale said. “We now have a master’s program, but we’re looking to put in place an occupational therapy doctoral program for people in the clinical area.”

Bryan Marshall can be reached at bmarshall@richmondregister.com or 624-6691.

print this story  



autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premier Guide
Premium Jobs

ABC Daycare now has 3 full-time position
ABC Daycare now has 3 full-time positions for Assistant Teachers. Apply in person M-F, 6a-6p @ 205 Churchill Dr. No phon...>MORE

Technical Resource Administrator
Technical Resource Administrator for Campus Life, Richmond, KY. Oversee & implmt technological functions of student hous...>MORE

Appalachian Research & Defense Fund
Appalachian Research & Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. is accepting resumes for two full-time intake secretaries. The app...>MORE

Now Taking Applications for all Positions.
Now Taking Applications for all Positions. Apply in person. Madison Gardens, 152 N. Madison Ave., downtown Richmond....>MORE

Now Hiring Shift Mgr & Asst Mgr
Now Accepting Resume/Applicantions for > Shift Manager
> & Assistant Manager. Apply at Madison
Gardens, 152
...>MORE

Medical Coder needed For busy practice
Busy Medical Practice seeking Certified Medical Coder. Must have experience. Excellent salary and health benefits. Pleas...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Autos

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
111K mi. Good condition. $1800.
859-623-0685
...>MORE

Looking for a Great Auto Deal?
Looking to buy or sell? Check here for the Premium Auto Section. For More Information Call 859-624-6681. ...>MORE

2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air,
2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air, awning, super slide. Fully loaded. Must go. Paid $28,000 asking $17,000 Best of...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Rentals

2 bedroom house for rent
2 Bedroom house for rent in Richmond. $400mo . Deposit Required.
Call 859-353-1130
...>MORE

11 Acres w/barnn
11 Acres w/barn, 4 board fence. Beautiful sunsets.
859-625-5432.
...>MORE

1,2 & 3 bdrm Apt Avail Now
1, 2, & 3 BDRM APT’S
For Rent. Robertson
Rentals 859-661-0163,
859-623-7330
...>MORE

See all ads

Deal of the Day

Everything from A-Z!!!
Need to sell your bedroom suite, washer and dryer, or even selling an animal? Call Mayme or Melissa at 859-624-6681 to p...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index