Celebrating OT Month: The Journey from Student to Professional

April marks Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants make in helping people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. At Bryant & Stratton College, we’re proud of our OTA program graduates who are making a difference in this vital healthcare field.

From Classroom to Career: Katelyn Glaser’s OTA Journey

When Katelyn Glaser enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Bryant & Stratton College, she was taking the first steps on a path that would lead to a fulfilling healthcare career. Like many students, she was drawn to the program’s reputation for excellence and its focused approach to career-readiness.

“The occupational therapy assistant program at Bryant & Stratton College helped to prepare me for my career by making large tasks more manageable, guiding me every step of the way as we built our portfolios and prepared for certification and licensure,” Katelyn explains. This structured approach to learning is a hallmark of the B&SC educational philosophy, ensuring students don’t just graduate with knowledge but with the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed.

The B&SC Difference: Small Classes, Big Impact

What sets the Bryant & Stratton College OTA program apart? According to Katelyn, it’s the personalized learning environment that makes all the difference.

“I greatly enjoyed the OTA program because the small classrooms allowed for frequent collaboration and made communication easier among cohorts and the professors,” she shares. This collaborative atmosphere creates opportunities for the kind of peer-to-peer learning that often isn’t possible in larger programs.

The program’s hands-on approach to training also stood out to Katelyn. “We were able to simulate real-life scenarios through an environment that allowed us to produce creative, thoughtful interventions with an abundance of supplies and adaptive devices,” she notes. This practical experience is invaluable, bridging the gap between theory and practice that so many programs struggle to address.

Another advantage? The program’s accelerated timeline. “The program is a fast track to getting started in your career by completing the courses and fieldwork within 20 months,” Katelyn points out, highlighting how B&SC helps students transition from education to employment efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Faculty That Makes a Difference

When asked about standout experiences in the program, Katelyn doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge the profound impact of her instructors.

“The professors each left a strong, positive impact on my life and still shape the way I interact with my patients and the interventions that I choose,” she reflects. “Each professor brought unique experiences to the program and were eager to answer any questions or concerns.”

The thoughtful teaching approaches and real-world experiences shared by the faculty created a rich learning environment that extended beyond the classroom. “No day was the same as the professors were always coming up with helpful ways to help us explore our career within the building and outside,” says Katelyn.

Advice for Future OTA Students

For those considering or just beginning the OTA program, Katelyn offers valuable insight:

“Be open-minded and think outside the box. We were frequently told ‘the sky is the limit’ and that couldn’t be more true with such a diverse profession that offers unique opportunities.”

She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and community: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, someone else most likely has the same question or a helpful way to approach the answer. Have fun!”

The Rewards of an OTA Career

Now working in the field, Katelyn has found the career satisfaction she was seeking when she first enrolled at B&SC.

“Being an OTA is very rewarding. I love working in this field because I get to interact with so many different people throughout the day and help them achieve meaningful goals,” she explains. This sentiment captures the essence of what makes occupational therapy such a fulfilling profession – the direct impact practitioners have on improving people’s daily lives.

She also highlights the career advantages: “This career is in high demand and offers limitless employment settings.” Indeed, OTAs enjoy a range of employment opportunities across healthcare settings, from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to schools and home health services.

As we celebrate Occupational Therapy Month, stories like Katelyn’s remind us of the powerful impact education can have on launching careers that not only provide professional fulfillment but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The journey from student to healthcare professional may be challenging, but with the right educational foundation, it leads to rewarding destinations.

Interested in becoming an OTA? Request more information today and find out how we can help you determine what financial aid you may qualify for to make earning your degree more affordable!