Kean University adds clinic in 2.4M renovation

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Kean University announced this week its completion of a $2.4 million renovation of its Nathan Weiss Graduate College, which was funded in part by the Building our Future Bond Act of 2012.The renovation makes Kean the first university in the tri-state area, and only one of 17 nationally, with an occupational therapy clinic.

The project encompasses 9,100 square feet, three new classrooms that add 150 seats and a clinic-based teaching area.

“The new clinic space further distinguishes Kean’s OT program, which is not only the top-ranked in New Jersey, but also among the premier programs in the nation,” Kean University President Dawood Farahi said in a news release. “The program is extremely competitive. More than 300 students applied for 38 seats available in Fall 2013. As a result of the expansion, we expect to accept approximately 30 percent more students in a program that produces highly paid professionals who are in great demand immediately after passing their registry exams.”

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow 29 percent between 2012 and 2022.

The clinic will give students the opportunity to work with clients during seminar classes and also provide the possibility for fieldwork placements. Its services will be made available to citizens of Union, Essex and Hudson counties for patients of all ages.

Kean received almost $2 million of the $750 million in bonds that was authorized when voters passed the Building our Future Bond Act during the 2012 election. Additional funds in the form of a $100,000 grant were provided by the Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund, while Kean reserves covered the rest of the projected cost.

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