Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy

🌟 Orientation Day! 🌟

We welcomed OTD Class of 2029 to campus at orientation on Friday! We couldn't be more excited to for classes to start and for the opportunity to get to know our new students! 💜

✨ New friends, fun games, and lots of popcorn! ✨

Our Incoming OTD Student Social was a fantastic evening of connection and community. Students had the opportunity to meet their classmates, enjoy games, and create their own treats at the popcorn bar. 🍿

We are excited to see these relationships continue to grow throughout the program! 💜

Why spend an extra year in school?

Students in DMU’s OTD Accelerated Pathway can complete both degrees in as little as six years, reducing undergraduate tuition and living expenses.

Explore whether the pathway is right for you at the link in our bio! 💜

Our second-year students showcased their Shark Tank projects to faculty and staff from various departments around DMU. It was amazing to see them share their creativity, collaboration, and commitment to enhancing accessibility! 💜

In our assistive technology (AT) Shark Tank Project, students worked in teams to design, build, and test an affordable AT device that addressed a real client need. Throughout the semester, they collaborated with clinicians from On With Life and Childserve, incorporated feedback, and developed innovative solutions to support meaningful occupational engagement. 🌟

One student described this project in their self-reflection:

"Working alongside my teammates showed me the value of communication, shared responsibilities, and using each person’s strengths to create a client-centered solution. One of my biggest takeaways was learning that developing assistive technology is an ongoing process that requires flexibility, adaptation, and continuous improvement." 💜

On With Life ChildServe

Our OTD students took learning to the pool during this week's aquatic therapy lab! 🌊

Using DMU's therapy pool, students explored aquatic health and wellness interventions for individuals with arthritis, experiencing how the unique properties of water can reduce joint stress, improve mobility, and support participation in meaningful activities. It was a fun, hands-on opportunity to connect classroom concepts with practical intervention strategies. 💜

Our OTD students got hands-on experience in wound care lab, building practical skills they'll use in clinical practice. From suture removal and debridement techniques to selecting and applying appropriate bandages and dressings, students practiced evidence-based wound management while developing their clinical skills! 💜

Our second-year OTD students recently participated in a hands-on Seating and Mobility lab, where they explored power wheelchairs, tilt-in-space systems, and manual wheelchairs. Students practiced advanced wheelchair skills, including wheelies and curb navigation, and explored pressure mapping technology to inform seating recommendations.

A special thank you to Troy Wi******er from Numotion and Dr. Nicci Kuhl for providing equipment and expertise, giving students valuable real-world experience in seating and mobility! 💜