LEWISTON – Those interested in becoming occupational therapists may want to explore the “Jump Start” option to the occupational therapy program at Lewiston-Auburn College. An information session and open house for the program will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the college.

The option enables qualified students to complete their undergraduate and graduate education in five years. Students matriculated in one of the interdisciplinary undergraduate programs may be eligible to apply to the entry-level program prior to actually earning their bachelor’s degree.

Students must complete all university and major requirements for their undergraduate degree and all prerequisites for the therapy program. This comprises approximately 90 credits that would be completed after approximately three years of full-time study. Students may also choose a part-time option.

Students must then complete all of the admission requirements for the therapy program.

If accepted into the program, the first-year courses will be applied as general electives toward completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements.

Students then continue in the program and receive their master of occupational therapy degree upon completion of all academic and fieldwork requirements.

Those interested in pursuing the option should phone 753-6500 to set up an appointment with a student services adviser. They may also visit the Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/ot

Applications for fall admission to the program from students who have already earned their bachelor’s degrees are being accepted. Check the Web for more information and for a downloadable application form. For more information, phone Luisa at 753-6523 or e-mail lscott@usm.maine.edu