Administrators from LLU and Humanitec Rehabilitation College in Japan sign agreement
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| Administrators from Humanitec Rehabilitation College in Yokkaichi City, Japan, and the School of Allied Health Professions gather to sign an agreement allowing occupational and physical therapy students on the Japanese campus to receive health-science degrees from LLU. |
Representatives from Humanitec Rehabilitation College (HRC), Yokkaichi City, Japan, visited the Loma Linda campus March 28 to 30. They came to sign an agreement that opens the door for occupational and physical therapy students from HRC to receive degrees in health science from Loma Linda University.
Japanese administrators estimate that 25 students per year will be enrolled in the program, with portions of the course work offered by LLU faculty on site in Japan, some requirements offered via interactive video technology and web-based course work, and the remainder presented on the Loma Linda campus. Students from HRC will be required to attend courses on the LLU campus for one quarter of their program.
According to Joyce Hopp, PhD, MPH, dean, School of Allied Health Professions, the need for occupational and physical therapists in Japan is increasing, especially in view of the increasing population of older individuals.
"This program is propitious," informs Dr. Hopp, "as it offers the opportunity for Adventist students in Japan to secure specialized professional training."
The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates several elementary and high schools in Japan, but thus far does not offer course work leading to degrees in occupational or physical therapy. This has made it a challenge for Adventist students to complete programs in these specialties. "As part of the new agreement," says Keiko Khoo, MS, chair, speech-language pathology and audiology, "course work and tests will not be offered or required during the Sabbath."
"Our American students will also benefit from the affiliation," continues Ms. Khoo, who notes that students will experience and benefit from the strengths and advances in the professions made by clinicians on both continents.