How I Found My Calling in Occupational Therapy
I have always wanted a career where I could help people. While working at a summer daycare, I spent a lot of time supporting a nonverbal autistic child who did not have access to the resources he needed. My grandmother’s experience with multiple sclerosis also showed me how health conditions can affect independence and daily life. After shadowing OT, PT, and SLP at a children’s therapy clinic, I knew occupational therapy was the right fit for me because of its focus on helping people participate in meaningful activities.
I chose Mount Union's MSOT program because it offered the combination of academic quality, flexibility, and hands-on experience that I was looking for. I appreciated the flexible format and the opportunity to complete fieldwork experiences closer to home. What set Mount Union apart most was the connection I felt with the faculty during the interview process. They were welcoming, supportive, and genuinely interested in helping students succeed, which made me feel confident that Mount Union was the right place for me.
A Program that Makes Me Think Beyond the Diagnosis: A Client-Centered Approach
Some of the most impactful aspects of Mount Union's MSOT program have been the hands-on learning experiences, simulations, immersive coursework, and opportunities to apply clinical reasoning to realistic client situations. Through these experiences, I have practiced evaluating occupational performance, developing interventions, completing transfers, recommending adaptive equipment, documenting services, and collaborating with other professionals. The program has also challenged me to think beyond a diagnosis and consider each client's goals, routines, environments, and personal needs. These experiences are helping me strengthen my confidence, communication, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills so that I will be prepared to provide evidence-based, client-centered, and safe care as an OT.
The Value of the MSOT Experience
The MSOT program is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I have already learned so much and have grown both personally and professionally. I am excited to continue learning, complete my Level II fieldwork experiences, and eventually begin my career as an OT!