FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The University of North Alabama has announced that a new Occupational Therapy Assistant program will soon be a part of the Anderson College of Nursing.

Whether it's learning how to pick up a spoon while dealing with arthritis or learning how to get in and out of a vehicle, that's exactly what an Occupational Therapist is for, and UNA officially has the only program in North Alabama.

Dr. Laura Smith has been an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and has become the director of this new program.

“We are very excited about it, we will be taking 30 students that will apply, and we admit once a year,” Smith said.

Smith said Occupational Therapists are needed in the Shoals area and nationwide.

“The need is here; there is a shortage of occupational therapy practi

See Full Page