As students return to campus for the 2022-23 academic year, Methodist University is also announcing that it is becoming one of the first universities in North Carolina to offer an accredited, Bachelor of Science Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Beginning in the fall of 2023, Methodist University’s four-year OTA program will welcome its first cohort of up to 24 students.

Dr. Meredith Gronski, the University’s Occupational Therapy Department chair and program director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program said, “Expanding the University’s program offerings to include an OTA program will serve both our students and the local community. OTAs partner with occupational therapists to provide services that help people return to their meaningful daily activities. Our OTA program will prepare students to serve as leaders in the profession and take on roles with the highest earning potential.”

Additionally, Gronski announced Melissa Gibson will take the reins as program director.

Gibson is a licensed OTA with 12 years of clinical experience. Gibson most recently worked as an academic fieldwork coordinator for another developing, baccalaureate-level OTA program.

Gronski shared what makes Gibson great for the job, “Gibson reflects the integrity, leadership, and energy that the department seeks to fill this critical position in the program. She demonstrates a commitment to student-centered learning, evidence-based practice, and the authentic role of the OTA that will align well with the program’s curriculum design. Her knowledge and expertise of all programmatic aspects will support her to successfully navigate our accreditation process and bring in the first cohort of students.”

Gibson earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health and Rehab Sciences from California State University, an associate degree in OTA from Sacramento City College, and a Master of Science in Gero-Psychology. She is preparing to earn a Doctor of Healthcare Administration later this month.
The OTA program will offer a variety of career and educational opportunities to graduates of the program:

- Graduates can take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification exam and if they pass, they can practice as a Certified & Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. OTAs can administer services under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

- Graduates may choose to pursue becoming an occupational therapist themselves by continuing their doctoral studies at Methodist University’s OTD program.

- Graduates can seek a graduate degree in another area of study including speech therapy, physical therapy, healthcare administration, or business administration. 

Interested students can apply online now. If there are any questions, reach out to admissions@methodist.edu or mgronski@methodist.edu.