SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Augustana University is expanding its academics once again and this time it is a second doctoral program set to launch next Fall.

“We’re excited for this program because it’s a completely new model of occupational therapy education that takes what is traditionally a three-year entry-level doctorate degree and moves it into a two-year program,” said Melissa Kimmerling, program director of upcoming Occupational Therapy Program.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate will join the DPT program, offering advanced professional training for students in graduate education.

The new program will be an accelerated hybrid program designed to meet the needs of students where they are at.

“Letting an adult learner who already has a bachelor’s degree, who has already proven that they can be successful in college, have a lot more control and autonomy over the online portion of the work,” said Kimmerling.

Since it is a pre-licensure program, students enrolled will have to attend lab immersions in the Twin Cities.

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With the market demand for occupational therapists, Augustana’s goal is to reach a broader regional market.

“I think it says a lot about the direction of the university, they’re advancing, they’re moving to that higher level where we’re gonna see more happening every day almost,” said Riley Houseman, junior at Augustana University.