Occupational Therapy as a University Inclusion Policy: Longitudinal Evaluation of the National Training Program at Francisco de Miranda National Experimental University (2012–2024)

Abstract

University education in Venezuela has taken an interesting turn with the creation of National Training Programs, designed to ensure equitable access for all and that knowledge is relevant to society. Within this framework, the National Training Program in Occupational Therapy was launched in 2012 at the Francisco de Miranda National Experimental University, located in Santa Ana de Coro, Falcón State. This study aimed to evaluate the program's academic evolution and its impact on university inclusion between 2012 and 2024. A quantitative, descriptive, and retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using official admission and graduation records provided by the Registrar's Office. Fourteen cohorts were analyzed, with a total of 714 students admitted and 76 graduates as of December 2024. The results showed steady growth in enrollment, reaching a peak of 112 students in 2022. The cumulative graduation rate was 10.6%, considering that several cohorts are still in active training due to the curriculum's structure, which is organized into four academic pathways. In conclusion, the program has played a key role in strengthening human resources in the field of rehabilitation and occupational health in Falcón State, significantly increasing the number of professionals compared to the situation before 2012.