MNU-OTA to launch therapist training program

The Maldives National University (MNU) and the Occupational Therapy Association (OTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a therapist training program in the country.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, where OTA’s Chairperson Aminath Thooha Adhlee signed on behalf of the association and MNU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam signed on behalf of the university.

At the signing ceremony, Shehenaz highlighted the current total workforce of active occupational therapists in the Maldives is just three, and emphasized the national university’s priority towards building more professionals in the field.

The four-year Occupational Therapy course was developed by MNU with the expert feedback of experts. The course was benchmarked with international universities that offer similar programs and by meeting the minimum standard requirements of the World Federation of Occupational Therapy.

MNU said its agreement with OTA is the first step in the university acquiring international accreditation for the course. The course is poised to become the first internationally-accredited course offered from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of MNU.

The university further assured the course would be recognized by the Maldives Allied Health Council, the World Federation of Occupational Therapy, and Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA).

MNU said the course would help establish a close relationship with the related industry, gain practical experience, and increase exposure to the professional environment.

Currently the course is undergoing the final steps of development, which includes acquiring the necessary permits. MNU said it hopes the course will be officially offered by the second term of next year.

The faculty responsible for the course has already begun acquiring core textbooks related to the course and is working on establishing the laboratory for occupational therapy. Additionally, the university is working on attracting lecturers to support sustainable education as well as training its staff to help them familiarize with the courses.