Three disciplines in the Ivester College of Health Sciences at Brenau University were ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in the publication’s 2021 Best Grad Schools rankings.
The Brenau School of Occupational Therapy, the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing and the Physical Therapy Department — in only its fifth year — all ranked on the respective national lists from U.S. News.
The School of Occupational Therapy was the top-ranked program in Georgia and one of the nation’s Top 50 best occupational therapy schools with a No. 42 overall ranking. The school’s program on its North Atlanta campus in Norcross, Georgia, also earned a No. 68 national ranking.
Kathleen Foley, director of the School of Occupational Therapy, said Brenau is among 198 accredited OT programs in the U.S.
“The School of Occupational Therapy faculty and staff are proud that Brenau University ranks among the nation’s most recognized educators of future occupational therapy practitioners,” Foley said. “Being ranked in the top 50 occupational therapy education programs in the U.S. further acknowledges the quality of our curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice with early hands-on learning experiences providing services to diverse and underserved populations. We prepare students to become highly qualified occupational therapists able to work in diverse settings throughout the world.”
The School of Occupational Therapy celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The school has a regular graduate employment rate of 100% and excellent feedback from employers on the quality of its graduates, according to Dean of the Ivester College of Health Sciences Gale Starich.
“It certainly feels validating to have the largest program in ICHS receive this ranking,”
Starich said. “Dr. Kathy Foley and Gainesville Chair Dr. Kay Graham have worked tirelessly to ensure that the curriculum adheres closely to the program outcomes. Additionally, they are driven to evaluate the curriculum annually to ensure that the program is up to date and addresses the expectations of their accreditor.”
Foley said she believes the school lives up to the vision of founding director, Professor Emeritus Barbara Boyt-Schell.
“Dr. Schell and the original faculty hoped the students would graduate to become excellent occupational therapy practitioners that would improve the profession by engaging in scholarship, leadership and advocacy, locally, nationally, and internationally,” she said. “Their legacy continues in our alumni; many have created unique therapy programs, started private practices, established research lines, and assumed leadership positions.”
