In the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT), supporting older adults through innovation, excellence and human-centered connection is the expectation of every graduate. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program has once again received five more years of distinction as a Program of Merit from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). The Program of Merit is a voluntary accreditation process through which universities demonstrate excellence and quality in gerontology coursework. This designation, spearheaded by Professor Pam Toto, reflects the rigor and intentionality with which Pitt OT prepares students to support older adults—producing graduates with high-quality clinical expertise in this area.
Pitt’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is among only six universities nationwide to hold this distinction for a specific degree program. These include programs spanning nursing, pharmacy and medicine including the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. Notably, Pitt OT is the only occupational therapy program in the country to maintain this designation. The department has proudly held this designation since 2020, a testament to the dedication of its faculty.
The impact of excellence in caring for older adults is not lost on Toto. “Our students are recognized in the schools of the health sciences as leaders in gerontology,” she says. “Whether it is OTD students who are pursuing a certificate in gerontology in parallel with their Doctor of Occupational Therapy, or students organizing and hosting interprofessional engagement events with older adults through the University gerontology special interest group, they are present, ready and powerful in their knowledge and advocacy.”
Within the department, opportunities to engage with geriatric practice are plentiful. Students gain hands-on experience through the Healthy Home Lab, directed by Toto. During their third year, OTD students get the opportunity to explore the Healthy Home Lab, collaborate with engineers on innovative home modifications, complete real-world home assessments in the community, and gain valuable insights into implementing modifications to support older adults aging in place. Pitt OT students are regularly seen at community events supporting local nonprofits focused on aging, including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and a senior prom hosted for older adults.
“Through the Pitt OT program, I’ve come to love working with older adults. It’s been a privilege to help people who have already lived such rich, full lives continue doing the things that bring them meaning and joy.”
– Moriah Clarke (OTD ’27)
The need for occupational therapy practitioners with specialized expertise in aging has never been greater. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults aged 65 and older are projected to outnumber children for the first time by 2034, creating an unprecedented demand for skilled clinicians who understand the complexities of aging. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to help older adults maintain independence, safety and quality of life in their homes and communities. Doing that well requires exactly the kind of rigorous, intentional training that Pitt OT’s gerontology curriculum provides.
Pittsburgh itself reflects this national trend, with one of the highest proportions of older adults of any major American city. Pitt OT graduates are not just meeting a national need, they are serving their local neighbors and contributing to a healthier and more age-friendly region.
As the population continues to age, the work happening inside Pitt’s Department of Occupational Therapy matters more than ever. Whether you are a prospective student passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults, a community organization looking to partner with a program committed to excellence, or a supporter who believes in the power of education to transform lives, we invite you to be part of this work.
