The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is the first graduate program in the nation to attain the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education Program of Merit Health Professions designation.

Each of the program’s spring 2020 graduates will receive a Program of Merit certificate. This will continue for all students graduating over the next five years, until the program’s next review in June 2025. 

Ranked third in the nation, Pitt’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, was named a Program of Merit for its commitment of incorporating gerontology and geriatrics throughout its curriculum. The program meets, and in some cases exceeds the merit program expectations. The review team cited several highlights and strengths as reasons for awarding the designation, such as a 100 percent student retention rate, the Pitt OT Advisory Think Tank and the depth of community collaborations.

The program was also praised for its outstanding leadership and faculty including six faculty members who have attained the distinction of being Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association. This includes Pamela Toto, associate professor, who was also the first occupational therapist in the U.S. to apply for and be awarded Board Certification in Gerontology by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Toto personally initiated, led and prepared the application for the Program of Merit.

Read more about the distinction here.