Inaugural Class
While most students are returning to campus this week for the start of the semester, 19 graduate students have been in class all summer making ETSU history as the inaugural class of the new Doctor of Occupational (OTD) Therapy Program.
The new cohort of OTD students arrived in May 2022 and recently completed their first round of classes in their journey to become occupational therapists. “Over the summer, we really came together as a group to navigate the program,” said Savannah Yankee, a member of the first OTD class. “The faculty has been amazing, guiding the way for us in this new program. Through it all, our class has grown really close, and we spend a lot of time together inside and outside of class. We try to plan social activities like trivia nights and Fridays after 5.”
Yankee also completed her undergraduate degree at ETSU, where she started the Rehabilitative Health Sciences Student Organization for students interested in rehabilitative science fields.
“The club offers an opportunity for students interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and other rehab science programs to explore opportunities and get to know each other,” Yankee said.
Yankee said the organization was a good way to prepare her for the OTD program.
Located on the completely renovated first floor of Charles Ed Allen Hall (Building 2) on the VA campus, the OTD program is in the same building as ETSU’s Physical Therapy Program and future Orthotics and Prosthetics Program. ETSU’s Interprofessional Education and Research Center in Bishop Hall is located nearby, as are Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine.
Beginning this fall, the OTD students will officially begin ETSU’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) curriculum, where they will engage in interprofessional learning, simulation experiences, and experiential learning with students from other health sciences programs.
“This fall, the students also will be immersed in experiential learning in the community, working with organizations like Little Bucs, Rise Up, and the Jeremiah School,” said Dr. Rachel Ellis, assistant professor and OTD program director.
Ellis is excited about the plans in place for the program, as well as several new faculty members who have come on board over the summer. In July, Dr. Lindsay Williams, assistant professor and doctoral capstone coordinator, began her new role. Dr. Christy Isbell, associate professor, joined the faculty in August.
“We are excited about our strong start and the future of the program,” Ellis said.
The program is currently accepting applications for summer 2023. Learn more at www.etsu.edu/crhs/rehabilitative-sciences/occupational-therapy/.