September 27, 2022
Linda Blaser
Health Professions Program expands with new pathways to Midwestern University
Lake Forest College has expanded its Health Professions Program partnership to include the opportunity for students of any major to pursue Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) pathways at Midwestern University.
The newest additions brings to four the number of Lake Forest College dual-degree offerings with Midwestern University, which is located in Downers Grove, Illinois.
“These newest pathways provide Lake Forest College students with career tracks beyond what many consider to be traditional pre-health careers. This is such an exciting opportunity for our students who are interested in helping people in a clinical way,” said Dr. Shubhik DebBurman, Senior Director for Science Partnerships, Health Professions Program Chair, and Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biological Sciences at Lake Forest College.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,100 openings for occupational therapists are projected each year, on average, over this decade.
Midwestern’s 33-month occupational therapy doctoral program offers a balanced combination of foundational, experiential, research, and program development coursework designed to foster leaders who will meet the occupational needs of individuals and communities through compassionate, innovative, and evidence-informed practice. The OTD program has a 94 percent graduation rate, 100 percent pass rate for the National Board of Certification, and 100 percent job placement, according to the Midwestern University website.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 14,100 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over this decade.
“The PsyD program at Midwestern University will provide unique training and career opportunities for Lake Forest College students,” said Susan Long, Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Lake Forest College Department of Psychology.
Midwestern’s five-year psychology doctoral program provides academic, clinical, and research-focused training experiences to prepare students for careers in the practice of clinical psychology. The PsyD program has a 100 percent match to APA internships and a 100 percent practicum placement rate, according to the Midwestern University website.
“The Occupational Therapy and Clinical Psychology programs of the College of Health Sciences are very excited about developing this new relationship with Lake Forest College,” said Fred Romano, Dean and Professor of Physiology at the Midwestern University College of Health Sciences. “Providing these opportunities for Lake Forest students fosters Midwestern University’s mission to meet the educational needs of the healthcare community.”
The new pathways are the latest additions to the HPP announced in spring 2020 that offers an innovative approach to prepare students from any major at the College for a future career in the health professions. Midwestern also offers Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) pathway and Doctor of Optometry dual-degree programs with Lake Forest College.
Related Links:
- Check out the Health Professions Program
- Learn more about the new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) pathways
- Explore all the Dual Degree Programs and Affiliations