LONGMEADOW – Though Bay Path University has not had a doctoral program over the course of its 120 years in existence; that will change this fall. Bay Path is introducing its fully online occupational therapy doctorate program at the start of their fall 2017 semester.

Bay Path University has been in operation since 1897. The campus offers four-year undergrad programs for women as well as masters degree programs for women and men.  The University also offers undergraduate and masters degree programs online.  The new doctoral program will be available to both men and women.

The decision to choose occupational therapy for the doctorate program was due to occupational therapy being one of Bay Path’s largest programs, and the desire to keep students in-house as they further their education in this career path.

“We’ve been offering occupational therapy here at Bay Path as an undergrad program for over 20 years.  A lot of our students have their masters in occupational therapy and are going to other schools to get their doctorate,” Bay Path Provost Melissa Morris-Olson said. “Occupational therapy continues to grow and there’s a high job demand. Eventually, people will need a doctorate for an entry level position in the field.”

The program will be led by Dr. Julie Watson, who according to information provided by the University, is one of the nation’s experts in the field of education for those in occupational therapy.  Watson believes that the doctorate’s all-online format is designed to be accessible to those who may be mid-career, raising a family and are potentially looking to advance their occupational therapy career.

“Having experienced pursuing an advanced degree as a working parent, I understand just how important the online program design is for those living very busy lives, looking to improve their skills and advance in the field of occupational therapy,” Watson said in a release.

According to Olson, Watson will be the programs coordinator and main professor. Other professors will be hired for the online program, however the amount is up in the air, Olson said.  For now, adjunct professors will assist Watson in the program’s maiden year.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the occupational therapy profession.  The program will offer 12 courses including the Utilization of Research in Evidence Based Practice, Program Development, Application of Occupational Science, Community Practice, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Advocacy, Bioethics as well as various capstone projects and courses that are specific to a student’s chosen track.

Olson reported that there are 20 students registered to begin the occupational therapy doctorate program in the fall.

“It’s a relatively small program this year, but it most likely will grow,” Olson said.

Olson attributes the success of the occupational therapy program at Bay Path to their excellent staff and professors.

“The faculty really does a wonderful job,” Olson beamed. “I commend the faculty for all they’ve done to build this program over the years at Bay Path.”

Bay Path currently has 850 alumni in the occupational therapy field who are employed all across the United States.