Developing an occupational therapy curriculum at a small college

Small colleges and universities are increasingly turning to new program development to increase enrollments, stem decline, and ensure survival. Occupational therapy is an increasingly popular curriculum among small college and university administrators in view of its potential for attracting students, enhancing the organization's profile and mission, and generating revenue. This study examined the development of the occupational therapy curriculum at College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, from 1981 to 1984. Interviews and pertinent documents, such as financial records, curricular materials, and enrollment statistics, were analyzed. The results demonstrate that the occupational therapy curriculum was instrumental in increasing enrollments and generating revenues at this small college. It can be concluded that curriculum development in occupational therapy can have a positive effect on an organization's ability to remain viable in an increasingly competitive market.