“I never once thought, coming into this school, that I would be working for a scuba diving company as an occupational therapist. Never once did I think I would get to travel the world and interact with so many amazing people who have so many challenges and so many experiences—and be part of something so
Students on the USAHS campus in St. Augustine, Florida, led by Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT) student Lureida Soto, were inspired to form an organization to support student veterans and family members of veterans and active-duty military. What began as the FLSA Student Veterans Club in fall 2021 has grown into a chapter
Madison Rowlison’s, OTD, OTR/L (OTD ’21) Doctor of Occupational Therapy capstone project focused on community access for elderly residents in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Sunland Park is a rural community on the U.S.-Mexico border near Las Cruces, where she resides. Dr. Rowlison worked with the city council and transportation board to make changes for better
In January 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was weighing heavy on society, students were learning at home, and the Black Lives Matter movement was inspiring demonstrations for equality around the country, MOT student Spencer Rasberry decided to join a group that offered ways to interact on these topics. The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for
At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their
When OTD student Shaina Rooney was first introduced to the 3D printer in her Assistive Technology class, “I loved it,” she says. “I saw the potential. 3D printers are new tools that occupational therapists can use to create an endless number of interventions for patients.” For example, they can print orthoses, assistive devices, home improvement
As the U.S. population continues to age, demand for healthcare workers like occupational therapists will grow, too (Vespa, 2019). From 2020-2030, about 10,100 job openings for occupational therapists are projected each year on average with projected change in employment being 23,000. That being said, there’s never been a better time to enter the field of
“Telehealth expands the scope of whom therapists can access—and who can access therapy,” says Keith McWilliams, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, DRS, assistant professor of occupational therapy. When so much of patient care went to telehealth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students’ clinical fieldwork went virtual as well. In a series that Dr.
“It’s a leap of faith into something I’ve never done before. It’s a great opportunity for professional growth.” So says Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student James Irvine about his role as president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) on USAHS’ San Marcos campus. For many students, participating in a professional association is a
Graduate school is competitive. How can you make sure your application stands out from the rest? We spoke to enrollment advisors (EAs) for our entry-level degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. They offered tips for how prospective students can navigate the application process and set themselves up for success. A Customized
“I love creating a world where you’re free to make mistakes—and people won’t judge you or make fun of you,” says Christina Gonzalez, OTD ’21. She is helping to create this kind of world by facilitating virtual reality experiences for kids who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). “Virtual reality is a controlled, consistent environment that
Some brands are beloved not only for their excellent products, but also for the way they give back to the community. Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, Athleta, and Tom’s of Maine all are certified B Corporations,® a sought-after designation for companies that demonstrate environmental stewardship and social responsibility and that “use business as a force for