Methodist University Occupational Therapy

Attention MU OTD researchers, alumni, and faculty! 🔬 If you're an early-career OT researcher looking to grow your research program, don't miss this opportunity from AOTF. Four grant programs, up to $100k in funding, applications opening soon. Take a look below and start planning your application!

📢Calling all early-career OT researchers!

In just two weeks, applications will open for our four research grant programs offering $50-$100k per award. These opportunities will help you build the essential evidence needed to advance your research project.

Explore upcoming funding opportunities: https://www.aotf.org/funding/funding-overview/

🗓️LOIs for the Community-Engaged, Intervention, and Implementation Research Grants will be due Sept. 19.
🗓️ Hand in Hand Research Grant skips the LOI step, and full applications are due Nov. 3.

Is your child in need of occupational therapy?

Is your child between the ages of 4 and 18 and currently receiving services or awaiting a diagnosis? Methodist University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is offering a free Pediatrics Camp experience on June 22 and June 24 -- and we'd love for your family to be part of it.

During Pediatrics Camp, your child will receive a free occupational therapy evaluation conducted by doctoral OT students under the direct supervision of licensed OTs. Sessions are approximately two hours and include an occupational profile, caregiver interview, and standardized assessments.

This is a great opportunity for families who are seeking OT services or want a clearer picture of their child's needs.

Spots are limited. To register, complete our intake form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/eNUxRnX9yz, or for more information, email [email protected].

📍 Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC
📅 Monday, June 22 & Wednesday, June 24 (must be able to participate on both days for two-hour sessions)
💰 Free to all participants

🚗💨 Buckle Up — OT Meets Driver Rehabilitation!

Our OTD second-year students got an incredible hands-on learning experience through their Assistive Technology course, teaming up with OT/OTA specialists from __Driver Rehabilitation Services!

Students dove deep into the world of driver rehabilitation and vehicle adaptations — exploring how assistive technology empowers clients to maintain independence behind the wheel. And yes, they even got to drive adaptive vehicles themselves! 🙌

There is no better way to understand the impact of a skill than to experience it firsthand. Our students are learning that occupational therapy truly meets people where they are — even on the open road. 🛣️✨

Experiential learning at its finest. 💡🧠👏

OTD and OTA students came together this week for a lunch-and-learn hosted by the MU HOSA Club, featuring Dr. Gibson on residual limb wrapping and amputee care. When our students ask for deeper learning, we respond. Watching two programs come together around a shared commitment to excellent, compassionate practice is exactly what our OT community is about!

🎓✨ Inspiring the Next Generation!

The Methodist University BS-OTA Program loves bringing occupational therapy to the community — and what better place to start than with middle schoolers exploring their futures?

Our OTA Program Director, Dr. Melissa Gibson, recently visited a local Career Day to share about the OT profession and the exciting career pathways available through the BS-OTA degree. Students got hands-on experience exploring a variety of OT practice settings and jumped in on activities highlighting ADLs and IADLs — making OT come to life in a whole new way.

Occupational therapy isn't just a career — it's a calling. And we're always excited to plant that seed early. 🌱

Interested in learning more about the BS-OTA program at Methodist University? Drop a comment, send us a message, or visit our website to explore what OT could look like for you! 👇

🎉✨ Big congratulations to Hannah Wheeless — one of our amazing third-year OTD students — for being crowned Miss Smithfield 2026! 👑🎓

Hannah will represent her community, our program, and the OT profession as she competes in the Miss North Carolina pageant this summer in High Point.

We’re so proud of her hard work, dedication, and the meaningful impact she’ll make throughout her year of service and representation. 💖👏

Join us in cheering Hannah on as she embarks on this exciting journey! 🌟💐

Learn more about the Miss North Carolina Class of 2026: https://missnc.org/class-of-2026/

🎉 Introducing Methodist University's 2026-2027 SOTA Executive Board!

We are thrilled to announce the incoming Student Occupational Therapy Association leadership for the 2026-2027 academic year!
🏛️ President: Allison P.
📋 Secretary: Emily W.
💰 Treasurer: AnnaKate S.
🎗️ Fundraisers: Sophia B. & Molly R.
📱 Marketing & Social Media: Gracie R.
🗳️ NCOTA & AOTA Class Delegate: Georgia K.
🗳️ NCOTA & AOTA Alternative Delegate: Carlotta H.

Congratulations to each of you — we are so excited to see the energy, passion, and leadership you will bring to SOTA for the 2026-2027 academic year. The future of the profession is in great hands! 🙌✨