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 fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.
A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on Read more
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Lebanon Valley College
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Lebanon Valley College
Research Interests
Physical Therapy as Primary Care with Direct Access
PT in the Emergency Department, Early Mobilization in the ICU
Physical Therapy in Rare Genetic Diseases
Areas of Expertise
Acute CareInterdisciplinary Communication
Dr. Jennifer Palmer graduated with her DPT in 2015 and has since worked in acute care, SNF, LTACH, outpatient, and even did a travel assignment. She has worked at small, rural hospitals as well as Level 1 trauma centers, allowing her to see a wide range of diagnoses and patients ranging from ventilator-dependent to total joint replacements and beyond. Within these settings, she specifically enjoys working in the ICU, the ED, and with the brain injury and stroke populations.
Jennifer lived abroad in Japan for 7 months where she met one-on-one with Japanese physicians, physical therapists, and other PhD candidates to help teach medical terminology and anatomy in English as well as assist with editing research presentations in preparation for international conferences. During her time abroad, she was able to observe a Japanese outpatient facility, Day-rehab center, as well as visit with a Singapore physiotherapy program. After observing physical therapy abroad, Jennifer founded @GlobalPTConnect, a social media platform with an aim to connect physiotherapists around the world in an effort to show how similar and different practices can be.
Jennifer is very passionate about the physical therapy profession and aims to continue to educate the community on the role of physical therapy and how it can improve their quality of life in all settings. She is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor and is eager to help students succeed and continue to advance our profession.
