The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has officially re-accredited Stockton University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program for a period of 10 years, the highest term possible for a graduate program.
The decision, finalized in December, distinguishes Stockton as home to one of only seven accredited OT programs in New Jersey. The 10-year re-accreditation cycle is typically reserved for programs that demonstrate exceptional educational quality and full compliance with rigorous national standards.
“This recognition reaffirms the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and students,” Ali Moradi, interim dean of Stockton’s School of Health Sciences said. “It reflects our continued dedication to preparing compassionate, skilled practitioners who make a real difference, especially in South Jersey where these services are sorely needed.”
Since its inception in 1999, Stockton’s MSOT program has established a reputation for elite student performance. Recent data highlights the program’s success:
-
100% Pass Rate: For three consecutive years, graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
-
High Graduation Rate: The most recent cohort saw a 96.4% graduation rate.
-
Community Impact: ACOTE specifically lauded the program’s commitment to mental health first aid and global community engagement.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals across the lifespan—from infants to the elderly—participate in the “occupations” of daily life. As the U.S. population ages and healthcare needs evolve, the demand for these practitioners is surging.
According to 2026 projections, the occupational therapy field is expected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The Stockton program addresses this by immersing students in a 2.5-year curriculum that includes four semesters of intensive coursework and two three-month clinical fieldwork rotations.
“The reaccreditation process included months of preparation and review by our faculty, students, alumni, and clinical partners,” Mary Kientz, MSOT program director and associate professor, said. “We are happy that ACOTE has recognized the strength of our educational model.”
Located on Stockton’s Galloway campus, the MSOT program is a professional, entry-level course of study. The program admits students on a rolling basis, preparing them for New Jersey licensure and immediate entry into hospitals, schools, and private practices.
