The Keuka College occupational therapy (OT) program has received the seal of approval from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

ACOTE, the American Occupational Therapy Association’s accrediting body, recently accredited Keuka’s program for the maximum 10 years.

“We were 100 percent compliant on all standards, and these standards are set by ACOTE in order to ensure we meet minimum educational requirements for our students,” said Vicki Smith, professor and chair of OT.

The accreditation, according to Smith, means “our students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to practice OT.”

Keuka boasts a 90 percent (three-year average) pass rate on that exam.

Smith said earning a 10-year accreditation from ACOTE is impressive for a school of Keuka’s size.

“You kind of expect large schools such as the University of Pittsburgh, Washington University and others that have many resources and research opportunities to meet these standards,” she explained. “I’m proud of the fact our small teaching institution met or exceeded all of the standards.”

And these standards were different that the ones Keuka had to meet seven years ago, the last time it earned ACOTE accreditation. Since then, the College added a master’s degree in OT and on Jan. 1 of this year, ACOTE’s new accreditation standards for master’s degree programs went into effect.

“Our faculty did a terrific job of getting our changes in place by Jan. 1,” said Smith.

Speaking of faculty, the ACOTE accreditation team commended Keuka faculty members for their “nurturing dedication to the students and their enthusiasm in actively seeking ways to improve themselves and the program.”

The team also said that Keuka’s OT program is “unique in offering experiential (hands-on) education from admission through to graduation, which enhances the students’ confidence in providing services in various settings and with diverse populations.”

Fieldwork Coordinator Jean Wannall was recognized for her “outstanding organization and management of fieldwork education as well as her deep commitment to the quality of fieldwork experience.”