Ashland Biology graduates pursuing degrees in Occupational Therapy

We are seeing growing interest among Ashland science students in the field of occupational therapy.  Practitioners in this field "treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities", according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which forecasts above average job growth in the field.  Graduate OT programs typically take 2-3 years and lead to the Masters or Doctoral degree.

Chelsea in Quito, Ecuador

Ashland Biology graduate Chelsea Kaminski ('13) is in the Master of OT program at Chatham University near Pittsburgh and has completed field work at the DePaul School for Hearing and Speech.  This January she will begin another clinical experience at the Cleveland Clinic followed by a rotation at the University Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.  This past summer Chelsea volunteered with fellow Chatham students to provide OT services in Ecuador.

Chelsea writes: “Both occupational and physical therapy students from Chatham University spent 10 days in Ecuador providing free services. Some of the places we provided therapy included a free clinic, an orphanage, nursing home and homeless shelter."

“I am also working with some other students in my class to adapt restaurants in the Pittsburgh area to create a sensory-friendly dining experience for children with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorder),” she said. “This involves adjusting the environment, training the staff and creating sensory rooms that the children can go to with their family if they need a break for some sensory input. We hope to improve community awareness and acceptance of families with children with ASDs.”

Another Ashland Biology grad, Elizabeth Mantkowski ('13), is currently in the OT program at Cleveland State University.

You can read more about preparation for graduate programs in occupational therapy on our pre-health profession advising pages.