Occupational therapy (OT) is a growing career field with a need for trained professionals. Missouri State University currently has two OT programs: a master’s degree and a post-professional doctorate. The latter welcomed its first cohort in fall 2023.

The entry-level OT doctorate will welcome its first cohort in fall 2024. All three programs are the only ones offered in the region. 

Dr. Ashlea Cardin is an associate professor in the department of occupational therapy at Missouri State. She also works in the neo-natal intensive care unit as a certified neonatal therapist. Cardin discusses these different OT program offerings and the importance of the programs to rural health and to the Ozarks region. 

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Learn more about OT at Missouri State