UM launches Montana’s first public occupational therapy program

MISSOULA – Kim McKearnan grew up in Great Falls and dreamed of becoming an occupational therapist. But the program wasn’t offered in Montana, so she wound up leaving Big Sky Country for over 20 years to pursue her calling.

Now she’s back home as founding director of the new Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at the University of Montana. It’s the first such program in state history offered at a public institution of higher learning.

The new OTD program was approved to become a candidate for accreditation in April. It started accepting applications this summer, and the first occupational therapy students will start at UM in fall semester 2025.