After a three-year evaluation process, the Department of Occupational Therapy was officially registered on the website of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) in January this year, becoming the youngest department in Taiwan to pass the highest professional certification for global occupational therapists. Dr. Lin Hong-Yu, Chairman of the Department, stated that the certification means that future graduates of the Department will be able to use Asia University's diploma to travel around the world either for employment or for further education. The certification constitutes a crucial "door opener" for overseas employment. Dr. Lin Hong-Yu further observed that the department was established in 2016, becoming the first occupational therapy program within a comprehensive university in central Taiwan. Despite being established only 8 years ago, preparations for the international-level World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) course accreditation began 3 years ago. This involved undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, including the first stage of written assessment and the second stage of on-site inspections. Finally, towards the end of last year, the Department received notification of passing the course accreditation. On January 1, 2024, it was officially listed on the WFOT website, becoming the youngest Department in Taiwan to achieve this international course accreditation.
Dr. Lin Hong-Yu pointed out that during the lengthy three-year evaluation process, the faculty selflessly utilized their spare time to prepare a large amount of evaluation materials, and the students demonstrated outstanding performance as well as a true teamwork spirit during the on-site visits by the evaluation committee. They received high praise from the committee members for their dedication. These factors were crucial for the Department to successfully pass this international evaluation. With the accreditation from the WFOT, future graduates of the Department will be able to use their degree diplomas to work anywhere in the world. This course accreditation is internationally recognized, especially in advanced European countries and the US, and is equivalent to the threshold for working professionally or pursuing further studies abroad.Dr Lin Hong-Yu stated that the Department will continue to uphold international teaching standards and cultivate more outstanding occupational therapists with international accreditation. This will enable graduates holding diplomas from Asia University to shine brightly all around the world.
