Published August 30, 2018 This content is archived.
UB’s degree programs in physical therapy and occupational therapy have both received 10-year reaccreditation from their respective accreditation organizations.
Reaccreditation certifies that the programs are in compliance with national standards and requirements. Both programs are housed within the Department of Rehabilitation Science in the School of Public Health and Health Professions.
"I am so proud of our physical and occupational therapy programs in receiving the highest level of accreditation for 10 years from their professional accrediting bodies. This honor represents the hard work and leadership of Kirkwood Personius and Janice Tona, who worked tirelessly with the assistance of Sue Bennett to accomplish these accreditations," said Sue Ann Sisto, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Science.
"The preparation and talent of the physical and occupational therapy faculty and staff is extraordinary. The faculty put forth their great commitment to students and their professions in preparing these accreditation documents."
The physical therapy program received its 10-year reaccreditation in May from the American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
“Since its inception in 1952, the physical therapy program at UB has attracted the brightest students to be the next generation of physical therapists,” says Personius, director of the program. “Due to the strength and hard work of our students, alumni, clinical instructors, staff and faculty, we have been awarded the longest possible duration of accreditation allowed by CAPTE. I am very proud of our physical therapy family.”
UB’s OT program received its 10-year renewal from the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education earlier in the academic year last year.
“I am extremely proud of the faculty, staff, students and administration that comprise our OT team at UB. We are the only BS/MS OT program in the SUNY system, allowing students to enter the profession within five years of high school graduation after completion of a comprehensive and robust curriculum,” says Tona, UB’s occupational therapy program director.
“Our 10-year accreditation speaks to the strength of our curriculum and the satisfaction expressed by students, graduates, fieldwork supervisors and employers. A UB OT degree represents excellence and value,” Tona adds.
Programs can be reviewed for reaccreditation in five-, seven- and 10-year cycles. UB’s OT and PT programs both received 10-year renewals for being in full compliance and demonstrating exceptional educational quality.
UB offers a combined bachelor’s/master’s five-year program in occupational therapy, and a six-year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. The DPT program has enjoyed 100 percent graduation and employment rates over each of the past four years. The occupational therapy BS/MS program has repeatedly enjoyed a 100 percent pass rate on the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists within one year of graduation and 100 percent employment rates.