University Communications and Marketing

Montana Board of Regents approve proposal for Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at MSU Billings

Contacts:

Dr. Diane Duin, College of Allied Health Professions, 406-896-5841

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The Montana Board of Regents approved a proposal for a new entry-level master’s of science degree in occupational therapy. The occupational therapy (OT) program was proposed to the Montana Board of Regents collaboratively by MSU Billings and the University of Montana.

This program is necessary to serve Montana’s population, which presents greater needs which cannot be adequately served by the current number of occupational therapists in the State. We believe this degree will attract regional students, as well as provide all Montana students with a degree option leading to a highly desirable and needed professional health career. The proposed degree program is unique in the sense that it is proposed as a consortium model that would permit the program to be a single- cohort, two campus program within the Montana University System (MUS).

 The consortium would be the accredited entity and the two collaborating institutions, Montana State University Billings and the University of Montana would be granted authority to award degrees to the students who enroll in their campus of choice. Dr. Diane Duin, Dean, MSU Billings College of Allied Health Professions states “this is a great opportunity to bring a much needed program to the Montana public university system.  Data on healthcare workforce in Montana shows an increasing demand for occupational therapists now and for the foreseeable future.  We are excited to be active in offering opportunities to students to meet those workforce needs”.

Plans for the program include a Fall semester 2018 start with applications for the program opening in early 2018.