Lawrence L.鈥檚 path in occupational therapy has always been shaped by a blend of academic interests and a desire to make a meaningful impact.  

His journey into OT began in high school, where he was drawn to classes related to health and human sciences. This interest solidified during his undergraduate studies. 

“I took more classes, specifically on kinesiology, and it kind of reignited the fire and the drive in me,” he recalled. The coursework not only piqued his interest but also gave him the confidence to commit to a master’s program. 

Choosing the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at 国产主播 was a deliberate decision for Lawrence. He found that the university offered a robust program that stood out from others he considered. 

“West Coast has a really good program. I heard a lot of good things about 国产主播 compared to other schools,” he explained. The combination of positive reviews and manageable costs made WCU the right fit for him. 

The practical aspects of his education were particularly rewarding for Lawrence. He enjoys the hands-on experiences that prepare him for real-life scenarios in occupational therapy. 

“My favorite part about my education, I would say, probably like the practicals, actually learning how to help people efficiently and effectively,” he says with enthusiasm. These practical sessions have not only been educational but also fun, providing him with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for his future career. 

As he looks ahead to his graduation in December, Lawrence is focused on making a difference in the field of occupational therapy. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and helping people with disabilities participate fully in society. 

“I think, like everyone else, once we graduate, we want to really help people get back to the things that they like to do because we’re all about being inclusive,” he stated. This goal reflects his commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the activities they love. 

In advising future students who are considering the MSOT program at WCU, Lawrence stressed the importance of dedication. 

“It is a huge commitment, and you should think about it before committing to the program,” he advised. However, he is confident that with passion and hard work, anyone can succeed. “If you put in the work, anyone can complete it or finish the program if you really love what you do.” 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can undergraduate studies influence the decision to pursue occupational therapy?

A: Undergraduate courses in health sciences, particularly kinesiology, can spark interest in occupational therapy. For Lawrence, these classes reignited his passion and gave him the confidence to commit to a master’s program in OT.

You do not necessarily need an undergraduate degree in kinesiology in order to begin your occupational therapy education. If your degree is from an accredited institution and you have completed all prerequisite coursework, you can apply for our MSOT program. Check out all of our program requirements and prerequisites.

Q: What factors should students consider when choosing an occupational therapy program?

A: When selecting an OT program, students should consider program reputation, cost, and curriculum. Lawrence chose WCU’s MSOT program based on positive reviews, manageable costs, and the robust nature of the program compared to others he considered.

Q: How does WCU prepare students for inclusivity in occupational therapy practice?

A: WCU’s MSOT program emphasizes inclusivity and helping people with disabilities participate fully in society. Through practical sessions and hands-on experiences, students like Lawrence learn to help clients return to activities they enjoy, regardless of their abilities. For those interested in advanced practice and research in inclusive OT, OTD programs like the one at WCU offer additional opportunities to develop expertise in this area.

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As a mother and a speech-language pathology assistant, Camille knew that pursuing a master鈥檚 degree would be a significant commitment of time and effort. 

But, when she heard about 国产主播鈥檚 online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, she decided it would fit her needs and her schedule perfectly.聽聽

鈥淭he best thing about this program is that it is truly student-centered,鈥� she said. 鈥湵踱�檓 a mom of three, I work, I do lots of things. But I鈥檝e been able to manage my time to be part of the program, interact with my peers, but still do all the work.鈥�  

An Orange County native, Camille was already familiar with 国产主播 thanks to a strong family connection: Her mom works for the school as a simulation lab manager and her brother is a proud WCU nursing alumnus.  

鈥淚 also had several friends that went through different programs,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, I鈥檝e always heard such great things about all of the programs, and I figured speech-language pathology would be great.鈥�  

For Camille, a benefit to the online program was the unique opportunity to receive hands-on training. She participated in a weekend immersive experience where she met her classmates and got to put what she learned to practice.  

鈥淵ou get to see the materials, you get to work in groups, which is so great because that peer insight is so important,鈥� she shared.   

Camille encouraged others who are considering an online SLP program to take the time to find the right school 鈥� and then to take the leap.  

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of it being online,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚mmersive class events really allow you to have that connection with your group and your professors. I think every experience is what you make it and, so far, this program has been great for me.鈥�  

The Master鈥檚 of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) education program in speech-language pathology distance education program at 国产主播 is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a 鈥減reaccreditation鈥� status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. 

The post WCU MSLP Student Gets Hands-On Learning From Online Program appeared first on 国产主播.

As Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) President, Ashley D. helps other 国产主播 students get involved and stay motivated throughout their journey in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Ashley said SOTA has several committees that allow students to volunteer in the community, create connections with other students, advocate for occupational therapy, and bring awareness to wellness resources.

鈥淲e try to foster a community w颅ithin the OT program,鈥� she said.

Finding Her Path & Becoming a Leader

Ashley was introduced to occupational therapy as an elementary school teacher when she observed one of her students in a therapy session.

鈥淚 loved how the session focused on helping the student do daily things that would help her get through life, and I wanted to do the same,鈥� Ashley said.

After completing her prerequisites, Ashley decided to enroll in the MSOT program at WCU鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies. She said having had friends who had graduated from WCU鈥檚 MSOT program and being able to quickly begin her journey helped in the decision process.

鈥淓ven though teaching wasn鈥檛 for me, it helped me grow confident in myself to pursue a different career path,鈥� Ashley said.

As her confidence continued to grow at WCU, Ashley wanted to be more active in the SOTA organization and take on a leadership role.

At the end of the trimester, SOTA holds a showcase so that each committee can share what they have accomplished.

鈥淲hen I first saw the SOTA showcase, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and get more involved,鈥� Ashley said. 鈥淣ow, I hope to inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone and take on a leadership role.鈥�

Sharing the Importance of Student Self-Care

As a student representative, Ashley actively advocates for classmates to first take care of themselves as they progress further into their program.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a struggle of my own not to overwork myself,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to feel eager to get involved and lose track of your own mental well-being.鈥�

Ashley sends weekly messages with motivational quotes to students and encourages them to seek help if needed.

鈥�滨鈥檒濒 say 滨鈥檓 stressed in the email. I want to remind students that 迟丑别测鈥檙别 not alone,鈥� Ashley said. 鈥淭his is a fast-paced program, but an entire cohort is going through the same thing with you.鈥�

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Already a speech assistant, Lahya W. went back to school in hopes of finding her niche as a speech pathologist. 

Now pursuing her master鈥檚 of speech-language pathology degree at 国产主播, Lahya said she鈥檚 looking forward to getting hands-on experience in an area that piques her interest. 

鈥淭his field is so dynamic. You can really do a lot with it,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I want to do my clinical fellowship and tap into a specialized area.鈥� 

Layha鈥檚 experience in the clinical immersive has been her favorite part of the 20-month online program. It allowed her to meet her cohort and professors in person and obtain hands-on practice. 

鈥淲e go to do language and hearing screenings,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was collaborative, and we got to observe the facility. I got to see the mock medical room and home setting room, which prepared us more for the field.鈥� 

With the experience of the clinical immersive, Layha said she is confident that she will become more comfortable working in bariatrics or maybe with adolescents. 

鈥淚 really love to help individuals, and I love the ethics and the curriculum behind speech and language therapy,鈥� she said. 鈥湵踱�檓 excited to get in the field.鈥� 

Layha is part of 国产主播鈥檚 first MSLP cohort. Although initially nervous about starting a graduate program, Layha said the professors have helped her stay encouraged and inspired her. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a walk in the park,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rigorous, but the support from this program has really helped. The professors have opened the field of opportunities in the field. 滨鈥檓 excited to pursue and persist.鈥� 

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As Sanya Bedi鈥檚 undergraduate classwork in biology at the University of California Merced was nearing its end and she was beginning to turn her attention to 鈥渨hat鈥檚 next,鈥� the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

With such a dramatic change happening around her, Bedi鈥檚 immediate focus shifted from her career to 鈥�What can I do right now to help?鈥� After some exploration, she found her way to the Merced County Department of Public Health where she became a case investigator in August 2020. In this role, she reached out to some of the community鈥檚 most in-need residents, including the elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions, public health nurses, and school staff.

鈥淒uring this experience, I realized how little information some of the people who need it the most have,鈥� Bedi said.

One such example was a man she encountered who was in his sixties, illiterate, and living by himself. After conducting the necessary interview for the case report, Bedi began running through the services the county provided, including notably the delivery of food and water right to the homes of those who needed it.

The man was so relieved to learn of this service because he hadn鈥檛 been out of his house for several days in fear of potentially infecting someone else with COVID, and he was in need of basic necessities like food and water. This small action represents the essence of public health: Discover the needs of the community, identify the individuals/groups who need assistance the most, and then reduce barriers and provide access to those needs.

鈥淭hat experience was one of the reasons I knew I wanted to continue doing this (public health), that this is where I need to be, this is what I need to be doing,鈥� Bedi said. 鈥淎 lot of people in this field really, really want to make a difference. I saw how much our county (Merced) really wanted to help the community, and that made me want to pursue this.鈥�

Bedi Cites 鈥楽upport鈥� as a Major Influence for Choosing 国产主播

Bedi looked at several schools before choosing 国产主播. She said she selected WCU in large part because of the supportive admissions team that stayed with her every step of the way as she worked to complete the last and most difficult class of her undergraduate degree at UC Merced鈥擜natomy & Physiology鈥攊n the fall of 2020.

Sanya Bedi also had the support of her cousin, Sagar Bedi, who was researching similar master鈥檚 programs and proceeded to enroll in the WCU Master of Public Health program with Sanya. Sanya jumped right into her MPH classwork with her cousin, and the two graduated together in November 2021.

鈥淓ven though I was taking classes online, it felt like I had someone along with me the entire way,鈥� Sanya said of the experience of completing the online MPH program at the same time as her cousin.

It was right around this time that she connected with Elisia Sanchez from WCU鈥檚 Career Services team. Sanya said Sanchez and the Career Services team were a terrific resource for her, helping with resume and interview tips, access to career fairs and career specialists, and networking. She points to all of the support she received as the catalyst in helping her obtain a job as a data analyst for a hospital system.

Making a Difference in Her Home Community

Sanya is very satisfied with her role, but that desire to do something more, to make a difference in her community, continued to pull at her. She took another big-picture look at her career and as she did this, she decided to pursue her doctoral degree in public health.

鈥淚 want to do my own research with my own community, specifically India,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 not a lot of public health in India, not like we have in California, and I want to be able to make a difference in a community that basically hasn鈥檛 been touched.鈥�

Sanya Bedi, WCU Master of Public Health graduate

Online MPH Program for Students Who Want to Make a Big Impact

This is the story of just one student from WCU鈥檚 online Master of Public Health program. If you鈥檙e interested in making a difference in the health and well-being of entire communities, you may want to consider a career in public health just like Sanya Bedi.

WCU鈥檚 online MPH program at WCU can completed in as little as 16 months at the Accelerated pace. Or,  for those who may have professional or personal commitments they are balancing, the program can be completed in as many as 28 months.

If you make a difference and you think public health is an area of interest, learn more about WCU鈥檚 online MPH program.

The post WCU Public Health Student Sees Impact of Outreach, Inspired to Make a Difference appeared first on 国产主播.

After high school, Blanca V. didn鈥檛 feel ready to enroll in college, so instead she enlisted in the military.

鈥淎t that time, I didn鈥檛 feel mature enough to go to school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have the grades or the money.鈥�

She spent six years in the U.S. Air Force as a public health technician before beginning her nursing journey at 国产主播-Miami.

Her time in the military provided her with the professional and personal skills needed to follow her passion for working in the health field. The discipline and structure of the military also helped ease her transition into nursing student life.  

鈥淚 became used to the structure of being on time and following the uniform requirements that are similar for nurses due to patient care and hygiene,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat made it an easy transition for me.鈥�

As a child, Blanca expressed an interest in healthcare. Once she made the decision to pursue her passion and enroll for her BSN, her family was proud but not surprised.

鈥淭hey are proud of me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey knew that I loved medicine since I was little. I would grab my dolls and do procedures on them.鈥�

After Blanca’s first clinical rotation, she knew she had made the right choice to pursue nursing.

鈥淚 knew it was my passion because I felt connected to my patients. I wasn鈥檛 doing it for the money or the job. I was doing it to help people.鈥�

Blanca Villanueva

Looking back, she now recognizes the importance of using all the academic and mental health resources offered by WCU and recommends that new students take advantage of them as soon as possible.

鈥淚 feel like we wait until we鈥檙e hanging by a string to use the resources,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he teachers are very supportive. Reach out to them.鈥�

The post WCU-Miami Veteran Student Spotlight: Blanca V. appeared first on 国产主播.

What is it really like to study nursing at our 国产主播 Texas campus? Check out this video starring alumna Sarah H., BSN 鈥�21, to get a sneak peek into the student experience.

In the video, you鈥檒l be able to check out the campus in Richardson, TX and see our high-fidelity manikins in action! They can cry, sweat, and react like real patients, giving students the opportunity to practice their nursing skills in a safe environment.

The post A Day in the Life of a WCU-Texas Student appeared first on 国产主播.

Mersedeh Kolyaei and Matthew Nadybal, who began dating just prior to enrolling at WCU in 2020 and who were married in 2021, are halfway through completion of the four-year PharmD program at 国产主播鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies. When the conversation turns to what鈥檚 next, they may not have it 100% nailed down, but they have certainly narrowed it down.

And that鈥檚 a good thing because there are actually a great many career paths for graduating PharmDs.

That may come as a bit of a surprise to those of us who may have only encountered a pharmacist while picking up a prescription, but there are indeed many career paths for PharmD graduates to choose from, from retail to hospital, from corporate to government, from education to law…

One career path that both Kolyaei and Nadybal have expressed an interest in is becoming an where, after completing a 1-to-2-year residency, they would become part of a team tasked with the complete care of patients with cancer.

This type of PharmD job has particular meaning for Kolyaei who lost her grandmother to cancer, as well as her younger brother Jeffrey, who succumbed to Ewing鈥檚 sarcoma at the age of 21. From that experience, Kolyaei said it鈥檚 鈥渟omething I鈥檝e always wanted to do.鈥�

Considering PharmD Career Specialties

The pharmacist鈥檚 role is to select the proper medications and, critically, the dosage amounts. The pharmacist also needs to be able to monitor and track the patient鈥檚 reaction and progress and then to adjust dosages and potentially medications as needed based on their assessments.

The residency option includes multiple potential paths in addition to the oncology track, including areas of pharmacy specialty such as infectious diseases and pediatrics.

Another area of interest for Kolyaei is pharmaceutical law. After completing a two-year program to earn a law degree, she said among her career paths then would be patent or medical malpractice law, or teaching.

For Nadybal, in addition to the residency track, he has an interest in a research-based career and that would include a 1-to-2-year fellowship most likely with a corporate pharmaceutical company working on drug development and/or clinical trials.

So many options and with two years of PharmD program ahead of them. Whatever path they choose, there鈥檚 still time to decide.

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If you鈥檝e had your own 鈥渟liding door鈥� moment, you know what it is. It鈥檚 that event that at the time seemed inconsequential and fleeting but in hindsight forever changed the direction of your life.

For Mersedeh Kolyaei, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student at 国产主播鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, that moment came in the form of what at the time seemed like a very innocent and very out-of-the-blue phone call from an old friend, Matthew Nadybal.

Nadybal and Kolyaei met at Moorpark College 鈥� they were study partners in a general chemistry class 鈥� but after Moorpark, they went their separate ways to complete their undergraduate studies, Nadybal to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Kolyaei to UCLA.

Kolyaei graduated with a degree in anthropology in 2019 and was proceeding down a path toward medical school. At the same time, Nadybal was finishing up the final year of his undergraduate degree and also thinking he would be going to medical school. It was about this time that he picked up the phone.

鈥淗e called and said, 鈥楬ey, do you want to get some coffee?鈥欌�� Kolyaei said. And from that one phone call, the path of their lives was forever changed.

Life Takes a Turn

Prior to the call, Nadybal and Kolyaei were single and proceeding down a path to medical school. Not long after the call, they were in a committed relationship that would lead to marriage, and their academic and professional paths would be altered significantly as well.

Kolyaei was the first to begin thinking about pharmacy school as a next step, and at 国产主播 she met Christina Collard, an admissions advisor at the WCU Center for Graduate Studies. Kolyaei recalls that she “immediately fell in love with the place.”

“I wanted a smaller school where I had a more intimate relationship with faculty, and I have that at 国产主播.”

-Mersedeh Kolyaei, WCU Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student

After graduating from Cal Poly SLO, Nadybal was still thinking medical school, but he was running into roadblocks. When Kolyaei told him she was going to pursue a PharmD degree at WCU, he decided to do the same.

Well, it wasn鈥檛 exactly a snap a decision. Nadybal did his homework first, and around this time, he also received a scholarship offer from the Keck Graduate Institute. However, upon researching the 国产主播 PharmD program, Nadybal connected with several faculty with backgrounds in oncology 鈥� an area of specific interest to Nadybal 鈥� and that, he said, made 鈥渁 big difference鈥� in his ultimate decision.

School-Work-Life Balance

And so both Nadybal and Kolyaei began their journeys in the fall 2020 term, and they are now at the midway point of having successfully navigated the rigorous academics of their Doctor of Pharmacy program. They have also made the best of their social situation (given the remote learning brought on by COVID-19) by joining and becoming presidents of their local chapters of the (Kolyaei) and the (Nadybal). 

In addition to school, Nadybal is an intern pharmacist at the Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, and Kolyaei works at the North Oaks Pharmacy in Thousand Oaks.

When 迟丑别测鈥檙别 not studying or at work or leading their clubs, Kolyaei and Nadybal are, more often than not, still talking shop. 鈥淚t consumes a lot of our mental space, for sure,鈥� Nadybal said.

But it鈥檚 not all about work and studying. Downtime and taking your mind off school and work is important. Kolyaei likes to unplug by reading, and Nadybal likes to work out.

And they both love to spend time with their pets 鈥� two dogs, a Pomeranian named Tala and a Border Collie named Mony; and two cats, Posha and Bonu who are both Persians.

Taking the dogs for a walk, Kolyaei said, gives her a chance to 鈥渞eset鈥� her mind.

It鈥檚 a chance, too, to look forward to what鈥檚 to come after they鈥檝e graduated from the 国产主播 PharmD program, and the truly fascinating career paths that they are considering. Click here to learn more about those career paths.

The post Chemistry Brings PharmD Couple Together, and to 国产主播 appeared first on 国产主播.

As a child, Brittany Garcia always felt she was 鈥渄ifferent.鈥�

鈥淚 was such a tomboy, and I was always questioned why I don鈥檛 wear more 鈥榞irly clothes,鈥欌�� the 国产主播-Ontario student said. 鈥淚 finally figured out who I was in high school, but I was too scared to come out.鈥�

Now openly Lesbian, Brittany says Pride is about being yourself and 鈥渂eing proud of who you are.鈥�

鈥淚 officially came out in 2016 on National Coming Out Day! Ever since then I鈥檝e been living my life the way I want 鈥� out and proud,鈥� she shared. 鈥湵踱�檓 so glad my family and friends support me and love me for who I am.鈥�

Unfortunately, Brittany knows that not everyone has friends or family as supportive as hers. For those, her advice is to find allies and a safe space.

鈥淭alk to an LGBTQ+ support group. They can help you navigate the struggles that you鈥檙e facing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 guarantee that there are many people who are going through the same struggles.鈥�

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