Emory & Henry College
276-944-6133
Emory & Henry College has two campuses. One is located in Emory, Virginia, while the other is located in Marion, Virginia. The occupational therapy program is offered at the Marion campus. Emory & Henry is a private liberal arts school. The college has ties to its Methodist background that are still present in its modern commitment to the spiritual growth and civic engagement of its students. Currently, a Master of Occupational Therapy program is offered, with plans to begin an entry-level doctorate program in the near future. The current curriculum prepares graduates for the needs of patients in all areas, especially those facing healthcare disparity.
James Madison University (JMU)
540-568-6211
James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is a public research institute with majors in many health sciences and related fields. JMU has nearly 20,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. It is also an NCAA Division I school. Its courses have received numerous awards and commendations from the U.S. News & World Report, the U.S. Department of Education, and The Wall Street Journal. Their Master’s of Occupational Therapy program aims to provide all students with a well-rounded education that ensures they are confident in whatever practice setting they continue onto after graduating.
Mary Baldwin University
540-887-7019
Mary Baldwin University is a private university in Staunton, Virginia. It is a liberal arts school that has both co-education and women’s-only degree programs. The college seeks to impart leadership skills and forward-thinking minds on its students, following a student-centered practice of both academics and community. The college offers multiple online programs alongside in-person options. There is no occupational therapy master’s degree offered, but there are two doctorate options. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is available as both an entry-level degree and a post-professional degree, with the post-professional variant being largely online. Mary Baldwin was one of the first universities in the nation to offer the OTD program as an entry-level degree.
Radford University
https://www.radford.edu/content/ruc/home.html
540-831-5000
Located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University is a public college. It has received national recognition for its education programs, both undergraduate and graduate, and for its efforts to develop sustainability initiatives. The college is also involved in many Division I sports and student organizations. Radford University offers three different occupational therapy degree programs. The first is an Occupational Therapy Associate (OTA) program, and another is offered at the Master level. They are both in-person, full-time programs. The third option is a post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate which is entirely online and designed to fit comfortably around a busy working schedule.
Shenandoah University
800-432-2266
Shenandoah University is a private university based in Winchester, Virginia. It is nationally recognized for mixing a liberal arts education with professional preparation and hands-on experience. It has also received distinctions for student satisfaction and post-graduate success. With over 4,000 students and 200 areas of study, Shenandoah University still manages to maintain the more intimate small-college feel. They offer a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program alongside both an entry-level and post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. The curriculum for these programs is delivered through both online and hybrid formats so students can learn how to effectively perform occupational therapy jobs and find an education solution for any schedule.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
804-828-6916
The Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, Virginia. It is a public research university with a strong medical focus and history. Programs cater to the development of more creative and unique solutions to modern problems and encourage critical thinking skills alongside traditional education. VCU also supports its students’ efforts to get involved with the community. Its occupational therapy program is a nationally and internationally recognized curriculum. The college offers accredited master’s and doctorate degree options, each of which follow the school’s commitment to community service and problem solving. Occupational therapy is part of the school’s College of Health Professions.