When Natalie A. first set out to explore a career in healthcare, she envisioned herself in speech therapy. However, a twist of fate led her to discover her true passion in occupational therapy.
“I was volunteering at an outpatient rehab hospital in my local area, shadowing a speech therapist,” she recalled. “When my speech therapist was out sick, I was placed with an occupational therapist instead. I honestly didn’t know what OT was at the time, but spending the day with her and witnessing how she treats patients holistically made me fall in love with the profession.”
Choosing West Coast University
Natalie’s journey to OT school was not immediate; after graduating from UC Riverside, she worked in various healthcare-related roles, including as a research assistant in clinical research and later transitioning to Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, where she worked with children on the autism spectrum. These experiences solidified her desire to pursue occupational therapy.
After learning about West Coast University from a friend who was already enrolled in the program, Natalie decided to explore further.
“My friend told me that West Coast had a family-oriented feel, which really resonated with me,” she shared. “I attended an open house, toured the campus, and met the faculty. I was so impressed by the supportive environment that I knew this was the place for me.”
Faculty Support and Mentorship
One of the aspects Natalie values most about her experience at West Coast University is the support from faculty members. “The faculty here are incredibly caring and challenge us in the best ways possible,” she said. “My faculty mentor, Dr. Dor, has been instrumental in helping me prepare for my fieldwork interviews by providing guidance on resume building and interview techniques. Thanks to his support, I secured my fieldwork placement at an outpatient neuro rehab facility.”
Gaining Hands-On Experience
Natalie’s dedication to her studies led her to an exciting opportunity as a research assistant with Dr. Picus and Dr. Kier, faculty members at West Coast University. “They posted an announcement on our Canvas portal, and I decided to apply,” she explained. “Through this experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into the research process, which has been crucial for my OTD Capstone project.” Natalie worked closely with faculty to conduct focus groups and gain a deeper understanding of the research process, an invaluable asset for her doctorate journey.
Fieldwork and Future Aspirations
Natalie is set to begin her fieldwork rotation in Torrance at an outpatient neuro rehab facility specializing in treating clients with neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease. “The clinic’s holistic approach, including collaboration with OTs, PTs, psychologists, and even personal trainers, really resonated with me,” she said. “If all goes well, I hope to return for my Capstone project.”Â
Looking ahead, Natalie envisions incorporating her passion for yoga into her OT practice, seeing great potential in using yoga as an intervention for clients with neurological conditions.
Building Lasting Connections
Beyond academics, Natalie highlighted the strong sense of community within her cohort.
“The small class sizes allow us to form meaningful connections and friendships,” she said. “Having a support system has made all the difference in overcoming the challenges of the program.”
Advice for Future Students
For those considering a career in occupational therapy at West Coast University, Natalie offered valuable advice: “Take a leap of faith and trust the process. The faculty and peers will support you every step of the way, and the experience will help you grow both personally and professionally.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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