Build WSU’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions (DCHP) at WSU has a distinguished reputation throughout the state, nation, and world for the quality of its graduates. We are a leader in designing and offering a wide range of professional healthcare programs on multiple campuses, online and in remote areas throughout the United States.

Thanks to an initial investment of $2.5 million from the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, DCHP is developing and accrediting an occupational therapy assistant bachelor’s degree (OTA-B). The new OTA-B program will begin in fall 2026, and WSU will be at the forefront of the profession as one of the few universities in the country that offers a bachelor’s degree as an occupational therapy assistant.

Occupational therapists work with individuals across the life span, from infants to older adults. They evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living and other skills that promote independence. There are few OTA programs in Utah, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of jobs in this field will rise 21 percent by 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations. This highlights the need for more occupational therapy assistants in Utah to meet the growing demand and ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare within our communities.

Occupational Therapy Facts & Figures (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

2023 median pay
$67,010 per year, $32.22 per hour

Job outlook, 2023–2033:
21% increase

Projected job openings per year:
7,800

The OTA program at WSU will educate the next generation of professionals to address critical workforce gaps and needs of the growing aging population. Using the framework established by WSU’s many successful health professions programs, this program will educate students in a high-demand field, provide continued partnerships with local healthcare organizations and help patients receive the care they need.

The initial support from the Miller Family Foundation allowed WSU to recruit and hire a director for the program, who started in 2024. Construction is nearly complete on a new occupational therapy building featuring state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces designed to simulate clinical, hospital, and home environments. The funds will also be used to hire additional faculty and an administrative assistant.
 

We Are Seeking An Additional $2.5 Million To Fund

  • Therapy equipment and supplies for the new OT building
  • Student scholarships
  • Free OT clinic services for the local community
  • Development of an occupational therapy master’s degree program, and eventually a program to bridge those with a master’s degree up to a clinical doctoral degree

Why OTA at WSU?

Lindsay Poplin is a certified occupational therapy assistant with a professional license (COTA/L) who has been working for Ogden School District for three years. During that time, she has seen an increased demand for OTAs within Ogden and Weber school districts, and in Davis and Weber counties overall.

“Having an OTA program at Weber State would help fill that need in northern Utah. The nearest programs currently are in Draper or West Jordan. This commute isn’t feasible for many potential students in Ogden, Brigham City, etc. Students may move closer to these locations for their schooling and stay in the Salt Lake area after graduation. Also, the distance deters many prospective occupational therapy assistant students altogether. The need is there, and northern Utah will continue to suffer from a shortage of occupational therapy practitioners until we begin sourcing these individuals from our own communities through educational access.

“I took human anatomy & physiology (a prerequisite for OT) many years ago at Weber State, and wished WSU had an occupational therapy program as well.”

Support the new OTA program by making a gift today.

To learn more about the OTA program, contact a Weber State University development director.