PEMBROKE, N.C., Aug. 27 -- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke issued the following news release:

Eighteen UNC Pembroke students recently made history as the first cohort to complete the university's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program , preparing to enter a growing health care profession with significant workforce needs across southeastern North Carolina and beyond.

The inaugural cohort was recognized during a hooding and pinning ceremony at Upchurch Auditorium, where students celebrated alongside family members, friends, faculty and university administrators. They will officially graduate and have their degrees conferred during UNCP's winter commencement in December.

The MSOT program, launched in 2022, ear...