LEWISTON – A celebration was held recently in honor of the University of Southern Maine’s Master of Occupational Therapy program’s 10th anniversary. Graduates from all classes, 1997 to 2006, were in attendance.

The Master of Occupational Therapy program provides instruction that enables graduates to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Over the past five years, 93 percent of the graduates have passed the exam on their first attempt, compared to a national average of 84 percent. The majority of USM-MOT graduates choose to stay in Maine.

The program at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn campus is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy of the American Occupational Therapy Association. It is an entry-level graduate program that can be completed in two years on a full-time basis. Part-time options are also available.

Applications for 2007 fall admission to the program are being accepted. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) at a regionally accredited college or university.

For students who have not yet attended college, the MOT “Jump Start” program is an option. The option enables students to complete their undergraduate and MOT graduate education in five years.

Anyone interested in learning more about and/or pursuing a career in occupational therapy is encouraged to contact Luisa Scott, USM/L-A’s graduate studies administrative assistant, at 753-6523 or lscott@usm.maine.edu.