麻花影院

Published May 6, 2026

MONROE, La.听鈥撎�麻花影院 has reached a notable milestone with the graduation of its first Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) class, marking a new chapter in the institution鈥檚 long-standing commitment to healthcare education.听

For 45 years, the University of Louisiana Monroe has prepared occupational therapy assistants at the associate degree level, producing graduates who have gone on to serve individuals and communities across Louisiana and beyond. Building on that legacy, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved the creation of the BSOTA program in 2021, making 麻花影院 home to the only program of its kind in the state and just one of seven in the nation. The vision of advancing OTA education at 麻花影院 came to life in January 2024 with the admission of the inaugural cohort.听

Now, in 2026, those students have become the university鈥檚 first OTA baccalaureate degree recipients,听representing听a defining moment for both the program and the institution.听

鈥淎s the first graduates of Louisiana鈥檚 only BSOTA program, this class embodies both the strength of 麻花影院鈥檚 history and its forward-looking mission,鈥� said Jennifer Perodeau, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. 鈥淭heir education reflects a curriculum grounded in professional excellence and service, aligned with the university鈥檚 broader mission and vision.鈥澨�听

The program reached another significant benchmark when it received full accreditation in April 2026, further solidifying its role in preparing highly qualified practitioners to meet evolving healthcare needs. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) granted the program the highest status of accreditation offered to听new programs.听听

This accomplishment could not have been achieved without dedicated faculty and students, the support of the College of Health Sciences (COHS) and administration, and the fieldwork educators and community partnerships.听听

Dr. Wendy Bailes, Dean of COHS,听stated, 鈥�I am听very proud听of the work that Mrs. Perodeau and her team have done as they transitioned the OTA 2-year program to the BSOTA and received a 7-year accreditation. This accomplishment is incredible and a testament to the type of faculty recruited to our听College.鈥�听

As the inaugural BSOTA class enters the occupational therapy profession, its graduates carry not only the knowledge and skills developed through their academic and clinical training but also the distinction of being pioneers in a new era of occupational therapy assistant education at 麻花影院.听

For more information about Occupational Therapy at 麻花影院, including the master鈥檚 and doctoral programs, please visit听听

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