March 6, 2024 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the third straight year, Grand Rapids Community College graduates in the Occupational Therapy program have swept past the national average.
All the 2023 graduates of GRCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program passed their licensing tests on their first attempt, according to a National Council of Licensure Exams summary. That’s a sparkling performance, especially when compared to the 87% national pass rate for 2023.
High achievement is a consistent theme in this program. GRCC graduates achieved a 100% passing record in 2021, and fell just one person shy of achieving the same goal in 2022. Passing this test represents a significant career milestone. Successful graduates can seek licensure to practice anywhere in the United States as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. They can also choose to continue their education and seek a bachelor’s degree in the field.
“This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our students and the rigor of our Occupational Therapy program,” said Lisa Radak, dean of GRCC’s School of Health Sciences. “Grand Rapids Community College sets a high bar for students seeking to enter this competitive field. Our faculty strives to give students the theoretical as well as the practical knowledge to achieve and succeed.”
GRCC’s Occupational Therapy program combines intensive classroom instruction with 16 weeks of full-time fieldwork in supervised settings. Students gain all of the essential scientific knowledge, plus valuable insights into the challenges as well as the rewards of this growing field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the physical therapy field is growing at a rate of approximately 15% per year, much faster than the average for all occupations.
“Occupational therapy plays a pivotal role in helping individuals regain or retain independence and improve their quality of life through interventions and adaptive strategies,” Radak said. “We are pleased to partner with our local healthcare providers and give our students a strong foundation for future career success.”
To learn more about GRCC’s Occupational Therapy program, visit the website.