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Occupational Therapy Program Plan Terminated
CHICAGO, IL (January 17, 2001) - North Park University (NPU) has decided not to continue with plans to implement an occupational therapy program, citing unrealistic financing startup costs compared to projected long-term benefits.
Cancellation of the program, which was under development since 1997, will affect seven employees, including Karin Opacich, developer and director for the proposed Masters in Occupational Therapy program. Opacich worked for the school since January 1999.
The university hoped to start classes this fall with active recruitment under way for the winter term. An opening enrollment of 25 students was projected; however, actual enrollment failed to meet expectations. A development grant was the catalyst for developing the occupational therapy program. University Provost Margaret Haefner described program termination expenses as minimal. She expressed regret that Opacich's work could not be implemented, noting the decision was a difficult one.
"A number of variables affecting the field of occupational therapy have changed since the time planning had begun," said Haefner. "The biggest factor was the change in Medicaid reimbursement for occupational service. In other words, Medicaid is not paying nearly as much for those services as they used to. And as the demand for those services dry up, so does the demand for occupational therapists. Hence, anticipated enrollment was not as strong as we originally thought."
Administrators cited five key factors that drove the decision:
- North Park's anticipated preferred provider, Northwestern Healthcare Network, was recently dissolved
- An adverse job outlook for those in occupational therapy
- Declining enrollment from some existing occupational therapy programs the university had researched
- Altered expansion plans at nearby Galter Life Center, forcing North Park to pay more up-front money
- Recent budget constraints
In a letter to the university community, administrators stated, "These circumstances suggested a likely deficit position for the program for several years into the future. We do not believe that North Park is in a financial position to support such deficits."
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