LEWISTON – The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College will sponsor an information session and open house for the master’s program in occupational therapy from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at the college. It will include an opportunity to meet with faculty and students, gain information about the program, curriculum and admissions requirements and a forum for questions and answers.

The program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy of the American Occupational Therapy Association, is an entry-level graduate program that can be completed in two years on a full-time basis, or three to four years part-time.

The council recently granted reaccreditation to the program for a 10-year period. This is longest time period for reaccreditation granted, reserved only for those programs meeting the council’s highest standards. In addition, 100 percent of the graduates of the program (over the last five years) have passed the National Certification Exam, compared to a national average of 81 percent.

Applications for fall admission are being accepted. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) at a regionally accredited college or university.

Other admissions requirements, including program prerequisites, will be explained in detail at the open house.

For students who have not yet attended college, the “Jump Start” program will also be discussed. The program enables students to complete their undergraduate and graduate education at L-A College in five years.

The informational session will be conducted by Roxie Black, PhD, associate professor and director of the program. Anyone interested in learning more about and/or pursuing a career in occupational therapy is encouraged to attend.

The session, free and open to the public, will be held in room 170 at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster St. Light refreshments will be served. Those who wish to attend are asked to call Luisa at 753-6523.