January 30, 2025
Graduating this semester, Zachary Fuller (Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio) chose to attend 黑暗爆料网 because of its strong reputation in allied health sciences. Wanting a career that aligned with his passion to help people, he chose to major in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
鈥淚 was drawn to the field because it combines healthcare with creative problem-solving, allowing me to work with individuals of all ages to help them regain independence in their daily activities,鈥 he said. 鈥淎lso, being a Boy Scout was a huge factor in my choosing this field and has been the most significant factor in my life regarding growth.鈥
Getting the opportunity to complete coursework in labs as well as community clinical experience, Fuller has been able to strengthen his skills through hands-on learning experiences.
鈥淲hether practicing interventions in lab settings or working with real clients during clinical, I appreciate how the coursework at SSU is directly tied to the skills I'll need in my career,鈥 he said.
Throughout the program, Fuller鈥檚 OTA cohort has volunteered with several community organizations to provide activities and engagement in therapeutic activities. Recently, the program worked with senior citizens at the USSA Adult Day Center in Portsmouth, Ohio and the I Can Swim Camp at the Pioneer Center and Ross County Board of DD in Chillicothe, Ohio.
鈥淚've developed essential skills like communication, the ability to adapt, and critical thinking, which will be important in my future role,鈥 he said. 鈥淎dditionally, these experiences have helped me build confidence and a deeper understanding of occupational therapy's impact on individuals' lives.鈥
With graduation approaching in the spring, Fuller is hoping to practice as an OTA in a clinical setting to continue developing his skillset.
鈥淚'm particularly interested in rehabilitation centers and working with people with special needs in a school system,鈥 he said.
The OTA program at SSU is a two-year program that is focused on courses in human growth and development, functions of the human body, and occupational therapy principles and techniques. OTAs work under the guidance of occupational therapists and can carry out activities for individuals or groups ofpatients and work closely with families.
To others interested in a career as an OTA, Fuller encourages them to take advantage of the hands-on learning that is offered within the program and to be open to learning new techniques and practices within the field.
鈥淭he more you engage in these experiences, the more prepared you'll be for your future career,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t's a field that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives, and there's always something new to learn. This program is an excellent fit if you're passionate about helping others and enjoy problem-solving.鈥
To learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at 黑暗爆料网, visit shawnee.edu/ota.