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
As an occupational therapist (OT), you will have the opportunity to specialize in one or more areas over the course of your career. Adding a specialty demonstrates your knowledge of an area you’re passionate about, enhances your credentials and opens doors to grant funding and new job possibilities. Occupational Therapy Specialty Education Typically, OTs add
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
You’ve heard about the field of occupational therapy (OT), but you may not be totally clear on what an OT does. In this post, we outline what occupational therapists do, and—if the profession intrigues you—how you can become an OT. What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy involves hands-on work helping people improve the quality of
If you’re an aspiring or practicing occupational therapist (OT), you may be wondering what non-traditional OT roles could be open to you other than the usual examples of occupational therapy specializations. You might be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, many options for OTs who feel less inclined to work a traditional staff
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are both rehabilitative disciplines that require hands-on work—leading many people to believe they are interchangeable. However, these professions vary greatly. When deciding which healthcare career is right for you, it’s important to know the differences between occupational therapy vs physical therapy that set these two roles apart. How is Occupational
If you are looking for a creative career helping patients improve the quality of their lives, consider occupational therapy. There are two paths to practicing within this dynamic, growing, and well-paid field: the occupational therapist (OT) route and the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) route. In this post, we lay out the similarities and differences between
As the U.S. population continues to age, the demand for practitioners in health professions like occupational therapy will grow, too.¹ The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2020 and 2030, an average of 10,100 occupational therapist jobs will open each year (due largely to retirements), with total change in employment projected at 23,000.² With
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
“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