Meeting demand: Idaho State University set to train more occupational therapists and counselors

MERIDIAN--Idaho State University’s Kasiska Division of Health Sciences is a step closer to adding three new graduate degrees, including a master's degree in occupational therapy at ISU-Meridan, thanks to recent approval from the Idaho State Board of Education.

The Board has also approved a master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling and a master’s in health informatics. ISU is now seeking final approval from the professional accrediting organizations that oversee program curriculum.

ISU currently offers the only master's in occupational therapy in Idaho--a field that is projected to rise by more than 25 percent by 2029, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. ISU plans to boost the number of students to 40--with 20 new seats in Meridian to complement the existing 18 in Pocatello. ISU also plans to add two seats in Pocatello. Program expansion hinges on final approval from the Accredtation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. 

The State Board of Educaiton has also approved ISU's bid to add a clinical rehabilitation counseling specialty area to the existing master's degree in counseling, which will be offered in Meridian and Pocatello via distance learning, and a fully online Master of Science degree in health informatics.

“Overall, ISU is poised and committed to continue enhancing our program offerings in the health sciences directly in response to the workforce needs of Idaho and the United States,” said Rex Force, ISU's vice president for health sciences.

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