Earlier this month, WSU announced in a press release that it would be launching a new bachelor’s degree for occupational therapy assistants.

“The program is designed to increase access to training in northern Utah, strengthen the state’s workforce, and elevate patient care,” the release said. “An initial investment of $2.5 million from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation made this new degree offering possible.”

WSU Assistant Professor and Occupational Therapy Assistants, or OTA, program Director Robyn Thompson told the Standard-Examiner in an email Wednesday that the program will be a boost to the school’s medical offerings.

“The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Weber State University prepares students for a hands-on healthcare career helping people participate in everyday life,” she said. “Occupational therapy supports individuals across the lifespan, from children with special needs to adults recovering from injury to older adults maintaining independence. With growing demand, graduates are ready to step in and help people restore and maintain their health and quality of life.”

She noted that OTA programs are slowly becoming bachelor’s-level programs as the complexity of the career field increases.

“Most OTA education is associate-level, but the need for more advanced training has become increasingly apparent,” she said. “With the introduction of this program, Weber State is one of fewer than 20 bachelor’s-level offerings across the country. Since it’s rare, it really sets our students up for success after graduation.”

Thompson said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 19% employment growth for OTAs through 2034 and that the need is huge in Utah with its rapidly expanding population.

“Right now, the state employs around 260 OTAs, which is quite a limited workforce when you consider Utah’s growing population and increasing rehabilitation or long-term care needs,” she said.

She said expectations are for an initial cohort of 24 students to begin in Fall 2026 — and that they’ll have a great new place to learn in.

“Students will get to learn in a beautiful new building,” she said. “The OTA Pathways Building on WSU’s Ogden campus simulates hospital, clinic, and home environments so students can practice in all different areas. In the future, this space will also be home to a community clinic, so students will be both learning and offering free services under professional supervision.”

Thompson said applications will open soon and remain open through Aug. 7.

“This is a great opportunity for students, and it’s a great opportunity for the state,” she said. “Careers in occupational therapy include working in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and even homes. We often say in the occupational therapy community that this is where science, creativity, and compassion collide. It’s a job where you work directly with people, and you can really make an impact on their quality of life.”

She said that, ultimately, the program aims to help those in the community in trying times.

“The goal of the program at Weber State University is to graduate occupational therapy assistants who can restore, adapt, and modify daily life while promoting health and preventing challenges,” she said. “This might look like helping a stroke survivor relearn how to dress, supporting a child in building skills for school, or helping an older adult remain safely at home. It is our goal to provide students with opportunities to work with community partners and a range of healthcare providers while gaining hands-on experience with clients and families, including underserved populations, so they are ready to make an impact right away.”

For more information, visit https://www.weber.edu/majors/occupational-therapy-assistant.html.