Provo, Utah — January 16, 2026— Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is proud to announce that its entry level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), marking a significant milestone in the University’s continued commitment to excellence in graduate healthcare education.
ACOTE accreditation ensures that RMU’s OTD program meets educational standards required by all U.S. states, territories, and many international jurisdictions. Graduates of an ACOTE-accredited program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and apply for licensure in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Accreditation also opens access to clinical placements that would otherwise be unavailable.
“RMU is focused on preparing compassionate, highly skilled healthcare leaders,” said RMU President Cameron K. Martin. “This accreditation reinforces our mission to improve the human condition through transformative healthcare education.”
RMU offers the only hybrid entry level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Utah and one of the few in the western United States. The University also offers an accelerated pathway in partnership with Utah Valley University, enabling qualified students to enter the workforce sooner than traditional programs.
RMU’s hybrid model allows the program to utilize faculty from across the country, bringing diverse clinical expertise and perspectives into the classroom. Students remain in their home communities while completing the majority of their coursework online and attending on-campus sessions in Provo, Utah for a maximum of 10 weeks over 2.6 years.
Students benefit from learning alongside peers from Utah and across the Intermountain West, expanding their professional networks while gaining competency in the occupational therapy practice.
“This recognition reflects the strength of RMU’s vision to uphold the highest standards of educational excellence,” said Dr. Malissa Martin, RMU Vice President of Academic Affairs & Provost. “The OTD program exemplifies how innovative curriculum and strong faculty leadership create meaningful educational experiences for students.”
Dr. Bryan Gee, RMU’s chair of the occupational therapy department and director of the OTD program, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the achievement.
“Accreditation validates the intentional work our faculty have done to create a program that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to real-world practice,” Gee said. “We are proud to offer an educational experience that prepares students to think critically, lead with compassion, and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities they will serve.”
“I chose RMU because of its unique hybrid model, which allowed me to complete the majority of my coursework from home while still providing hands-on experiences during our intensive learning weeks, which occur in person,” said Christen Eliis, RMU OTD student. “The faculty’s investment in my growth, both in the online classroom and in-person labs, has fostered not only my academic development as a student but also my professional growth in the field of occupational therapy.”
RMU’s entry level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers through innovative instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice. With ACOTE accreditation secured, RMU looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in occupational therapy.
About Rocky Mountain University
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is an exclusive graduate healthcare education institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, RMU offers high-quality and evidence-based master’s and doctoral degree programs in various healthcare specialties with a diverse student body and faculty. Learn more at rm.edu
