MNU Partners with OTAM to Launch Occupational Therapy Degree Programme

News

The Maldives National University (MNU) has signed a significant agreement with the Occupational Therapy Association of Maldives (OTAM) to launch a new degree programme aimed at training qualified occupational therapists. The partnership was formalized on Monday, with the signing ceremony attended by MNU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam and OTAM Chairperson Aminath Thooha Adhlee.

Set to begin in 2025, the four-year degree programme is designed to address the current shortage of occupational therapists in the Maldives. According to Dr. Aishath Shanoora, Dean of MNU's Faculty of Health Sciences, there is a scarcity of trained professionals in the field, with very few individuals currently working as occupational therapists in the country. The university will prioritize training skilled experts to fill this gap.

Developed with the support of technical experts and international universities, the programme is aligned with the standards set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT). Dr. Shanoora emphasized that it will be the first Health Science programme at MNU to meet international standards, with approval from the Allied Health Council, WFOT, and the Maldives Qualification Authority.

"The programme's approval by international bodies will strengthen industry relationships and raise awareness about career opportunities in the field," Dr. Shanoora said.

OTAM Chairperson Aminath Thooha Adhlee expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "Our aim is to increase the number of qualified occupational therapists in the Maldives. We hope that this degree programme will foster growth in the profession and encourage more Maldivian students to pursue it."

The programme, which will be available in the second semester of 2025, will equip students with the necessary skills to support individuals in achieving independence and improving their quality of life through therapeutic interventions, skill development, and environmental modifications. Graduates will be prepared to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and nursing facilities.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in the development of healthcare education in the Maldives, contributing to the growth of the occupational therapy profession in the country.