EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University master’s degree program in Occupational Therapy has been ranked in the top third in the nation and among the best in Michigan in annual listings by U.S. News and World Report.

The report, which lists graduate schools from numerous disciplines, is regarded as the gold standard of academic rankings in the United States. The occupational therapy program rankings list more than 160 universities, with Boston University ranking first. Eastern was tied with several other universities for 52nd in the rankings. Only one other Michigan university ranked as highly as Eastern. The rankings were made in 2016.

U.S. News and World Report ranks each program based on its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions.

Eastern Michigan’s program is focused on educating practitioners who will advance the profession and meet the needs of individuals, organizations and society through occupation-based and evidence-based practice.

“Our ability to maintain this emphasis and be successful is due to our dedicated and talented faculty, our hard-working students and a supportive academic environment, plus engaged alumni and the many supporters of the program,” said Professor Jayne Yatczak, program director.

Occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In addition, occupational therapy helps people function in all of their environments (e.g., home, work, school, community) and addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects of their well-being through engagement in occupation.

EMU’s Occupational Therapy Program was stablished in 1941. The OT Program provides professionals to the local community as well as throughout Michigan and across the nation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. The forecast is based on the general population growth and the increasing demand for services for those aged 75 years and older who are requiring occupational therapy services to improve their quality of life. In addition, emerging practice areas for occupational therapists continue to develop in such areas as driver rehabilitation and fall prevention.

Occupational therapists are employed in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, home health care and in areas of prevention and wellness.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.