Cedar Crest College welcomed its first class of Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students in August 2021. The full-time program can be completed in 33 months and is the first entry-level OTD program in the Lehigh Valley, the third largest region of occupational therapists in Pennsylvania. The College’s introduction of an OTD program supports a growing need, both locally and nationally, for professionals in the field.
The program is housed in the Hamilton Boulevard Building and will utilize several newly renovated spaces including a state-of-the-art technology lab, the Occupational Therapy Life Skills Lab, the Pediatric Lab, an updated lobby area and graduate student lounge.
“The newly renovated spaces at Cedar Crest College add the elements to make the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program top-notch in educational capabilities, technology, community engagement and simulated experiences for experiential learning,” says Aimee Ketchum, OTD, OTR/L, CNMI, assistant professor of occupational therapy and academic fieldwork coordinator.
The new spaces were completed in March 2021 and will benefit both Cedar Crest students and community members. In the labs, students will participate in simulations of real-life clinical experiences and can practice therapeutic interventions, evaluations and assessments with paid patient actors. Students can use the spaces to conduct research as they complete their capstone projects. The program also has plans to offer occupational therapy clinics for the community.
The Life Skills Lab features a fully functioning kitchen, bathroom and living space for simulated therapeutic experiences, as well as a clinical space for orthotic labs, splint fabrication and practice of essential clinical skills.
Designed as both a learning environment for OTD students and a future pediatric clinic for underserved communities in the Lehigh Valley area, the Pediatric Lab is a full sensory gym that mimics an outdoor park. The space boasts an interactive wall mural, swings to facilitate vestibular activities, a ball pit, scooters and a horizontal rock-climbing wall to enhance children’s motor development, plus an audio-visual system to allow students to view treatments from another location.
“Our goal is to develop ethical occupational therapy leaders who are committed to clinical excellence, scientifically-informed practice, positive social change and advocacy for occupational justice, while also serving the health and occupational needs of diverse populations,” says Ketchum.
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Doctorate at cedarcrest.edu/otd.