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Joint AOTA-ACOTE® Statement on Entry-Level Education

Following the conclusion of a robust and collaborative process with leaders and members of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), on April 4, 2019, AOTA’s Representative Assembly determined that occupational therapists may enter the profession at the master’s or doctorate level, while occupational therapy assistants may enter the profession at the associate or baccalaureate level. This is now the official policy of AOTA for entry into the occupational therapy profession.

The AOTA Representative Assembly (RA) is responsible for establishing professional standards and policies for AOTA and the profession, including the scope of the profession and professional practice and the degree requirement for entry into the profession, as provided in the AOTA Bylaws.

ACOTE® is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the programmatic accreditor for the profession of occupational therapy. ACOTE has complete autonomy in establishing accreditation and education standards to evaluate entry-level educational programs; developing and implementing policies, rules, and procedures for conducting accreditation reviews; and making accreditation decisions with respect to entry-level educational programs.

As the accrediting body for the profession and in light of the Assembly’s April 4th determination, ACOTE will accept letters of intent for doctoral level, master’s level, bachelor’s level, and associate level educational programs effective immediately.