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We are educating highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists.

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ACHE School of Occupational Therapy

Our Mission

To educate highly skilled and compassionate occupational therapy professionals and to prepare them to advocate for those with limited opportunities for occupational engagement.

Learner Focused

Learn in an individualized, supportive, and inclusive environment from our expert faculty.

Experiential Education

Get hands-on experience working with individuals in our on-site clinic.

Advocate for All

Become an agent of change and advocate for people of all abilities.

ACHE OT Advantage

  • Employing educational experiences that are learner-focused, contextually authentic, and centered on occupation.
  • Engaging in collaborative service, leadership, and advocacy with faculty and students in healthcare, educational, and community environments.
  • Nurturing and maintaining a community of occupational therapy students, scholars, and professionals who collaborate with communities optimizing the lives of all.
  • Fostering the value of healthy living by supporting occupational balance.
Learn More

Explore ACHE OT

Virtual Tour

At ACHE OT, you’ll find everything you need to thrive on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist! Our welcoming, state-of-the-art facility includes learning spaces that mirror real practice environments, a hands-on Live and Learn Lab, a dedicated Pediatric Lab, a Splinting and Modality Lab, and so much more—designed to support your growth every step of the way.

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NBCOT Program Data
Occupational Therapy

Past, Present, Future

Watch this video to learn about how the ACHE School of Occupational Therapy defines the role of occupational therapy in improving the lives of others.

Accreditation

DOCTORAL-DEGREE-LEVEL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM
 
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
 
Students must complete all Level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

OTD PROGRAM OUTCOMES

To view our program outcomes, including graduation rates, click here.
FOR NBCOT EXAM PASS RATE FOR ACHE OTD GRADUATES, PLEASE VISIT NBCOT.

The degree requirements include:

  • Complete all didactic, fieldwork (Level II), and capstone coursework in the prescribed sequence
  • Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Complete all Level II fieldwork and doctoral capstone requirements within 24 months of completing didactic coursework
  • In addition to academic requirements, students must
    • Adhere to the ACHE Code of Student Conduct, AOTA Code of Ethics, and policies on professionalism and academic integrity.
    • Undergo a degree audit and submit a formal application for graduation by the deadlines listed in the academic calendar.
    • Satisfactorily complete the exit process through the Office of Student Affairs and fulfill all curricular, legal, and financial obligations to ACHE.
    • Attend all required graduation week events, including rehearsal and graduation ceremony.
    • Receive formal recommendations for graduation from ACHE OT leadership, faculty, and governing bodies.

News & Events

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ACHE Welcomes Fourth Cohort to Mentoring and Achievement Preparation (M.A.P.) Program

The M.A.P. Program was created to help diversify the healthcare workforce by providing education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Appoints President

As President, Dr. Blondin will provide leadership and guidance as ACHE continues its mission of educating future healthcare professionals and advancing excellence in health sciences education.

2026 ACHE Commencement Celebrates New Healthcare Leaders Ready to Serve

As ACHE’s graduates begin the next chapter of their professional journeys, many will continue serving communities across Arkansas and the surrounding region.

Contact Us

7000 Chad Colley Blvd.
Fort Smith, AR 72916
479-308-2243

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