Kettering College Celebrates World Occupational Therapy Day
October 27, 2024 —World Occupational Therapy Day is held annually on October 27 to promote the work, mission, and goals of occupational therapists (OTs) worldwide, but an OT’s work and advocacy for patients is apparent and appreciated every day of the year.
OTs aim to empower patients to enjoy more autonomy in their lives, whether at work, play, or taking care of themselves. The term “occupation” does not refer strictly to work—it encompasses any activity a person deems important in their individual lives.
Kettering College’s OT doctoral (OTD) program emphasizes the necessity of viewing each patient as a unique individual, understanding health is holistic and is comprised of various components in a person’s life. Students are often drawn to this field because they desire to help others. Sometimes their decision comes after seeing firsthand their loved ones regain independence as a result of working with an OT.
We asked three seniors in Kettering College’s OTD program why they chose this career path and what they are looking forward to with graduation being on the horizon. They took a break from their busy clinical experiences to give us insight.
Justin Dove said, “What I love most about occupational therapy is the profound impact we can have on people’s lives. The most rewarding aspect is helping people regain their independence and rediscover joy in the everyday activities that matter most to them.
“When I graduate, I want to continue empowering individuals to overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. I also aspire to be a role model and inspiration for others who share my background, demonstrating that they, too, can create meaningful change in healthcare.”
Savannah Thomas answered, “I chose OT because I wanted to make an impact on the lives of my patients. While many medical professionals help keep patients alive, OTs make your life worth living. I chose Kettering College because of the small class sizes and the close-knit community that is created by the students and faculty.
“While being on fieldwork, I have come to love many different avenues of OT. I hope to either work in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital and work with stroke and other neurological conditions or in a hand clinic and become a Certified Hand Therapist. The hands are so intricate and an integral part of the human body that often is overlooked.”
Finally, senior OT Kettering College student Ivy Wong said, “OT is a great representation of being able to help people but with a creative component. I love how OTs encourage problem-solving because not every patient is the same. We are able to be patient-centered while also assisting in their activities of daily living. I also value being a part of their recovery process and their journey to achieving independence.
“I chose Kettering College because I value the intimate interactions with my peers and faculty. By having a smaller cohort, I am able to achieve these relationships. In addition, I value my professors’ guidance and knowledge and I appreciate how they are always willing to help. One of the best things that blossomed from attending Kettering College are the friendships and the relationships with my peers and professors.
I hope to work in an inpatient rehabilitation setting that centers around patients with neurological diagnoses. In addition, I hope to be an advocate for mental health within this population as well as their activities of daily living. If I am able to, I hope to bring more Asian-American representation to the OT field and healthcare in general.”
During this week of World Occupational Therapy Day, we recognize and thank OT faculty, staff, and students around the world—especially those in our program at Kettering College. We look forward to the ways our OTD students will work alongside patients to help them find their way back to health and enjoy life again.
Are you interested in learning more about earning an Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Kettering College? Learn more here, or email admissions@kc.edu.
About Kettering College
Kettering College is a fully accredited, faith-based healthcare college in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, offering career-focused medical degrees through traditional and accelerated programs. A division of Kettering Health, Kettering College is located on the Kettering Health Main Campus and is chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.