Huntington University in Indiana launched its first doctoral program Monday at its newly renovated site on the Parkview Hospital Randalia Campus, the Business Weekly reported.

The school chose to offer its first doctorate degree in occupational therapy. The three year program is also the university's first degree in the allied health field.

"Launching a graduate program in occupational therapy is an exciting venture for [Huntington University]," said Dr. Ann McPherren, vice president for strategy and graduate/adult programs, said in a statement. "Preparing occupational therapists at [the institution] isn't just about teaching skills and credentialing students. It's about developing leaders who have a heart for serving others and who have the knowledge and motivation to positively impact their places of employment and our communities."

The University renovated the second and third floor Fort Wayne Cardiology building houses office space, a student lounge and specialty classrooms and labs, such as pediatrics and neuromusculoskeletal spaces as well as an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) lab which houses a traditional bathroom and kitchen for hands-on learning to accommodate the new program.

"Classroom technology will be used to aid student learning with hands-on application for clinical assessments and interventions," Dr. Ruth Ford, director of occupational therapy, said in a statement. "Students will demonstrate competencies as well as synthesize and evaluate systems necessary for health and wellness for individuals, populations and organizations."

The inaugural class will feature 32 students from across the country, ranging from recent graduates to those who have prior medical and business experience. Students will study three years to earn their doctorates. A master's degree is not needed to study in this program.

School officials said the program is offered on its first campus in Fort Wayne because of the strong health care presence in the community. Students will have access to local health care professionals to build on their experiences as well as strengthen their skills through internships.

"Collaboration with Parkview and the greater Fort Wayne area is instrumental in the success of training future OTDs," Ford said. "Health and wellness go beyond the institutional doors into the greater community. Key leaders and health care providers have stepped up to not only provide resources for classrooms and laboratories but also have made recommendations for networks for future learning experiences."