Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy

09/25/2026

✨ Exciting Milestone Achieved! ✨

Earlier this month, we proudly celebrated our future occupational therapy doctors at the OTD White Coat Ceremony!

It was a day filled with pride, purpose, and the promise of making a difference. These dedicated students donned their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to patient care, compassion, and excellence in the OT field. 💜

09/21/2026

Heading to Kansas City for the 2026 Joint Conference?

Make plans to attend I-INSPIRE: Understanding Sensory Integration Practices in Iowa!

Join fellow occupational therapy professionals and educators for an hour of learning, collaboration, and discussion focused on sensory integration practices and the growing community supporting this area of OT.

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
📍 Kansas City, MO
We hope to see you there!

09/20/2026

🌟Starting with the basics!🌟

Students had their first lab learning gait belts and dressing equipment! 💜

09/17/2026

OT Myth: You Need a Bachelor's Degree First - Not at DMU. 🎓

If you've completed the required undergraduate coursework, you may be eligible to take the next step toward becoming an occupational therapist.
☑️ Save time
☑️ Reduce educational costs
☑️ Start your OT career sooner

Through select 3+3 partnerships, students can complete both their bachelor's degree and OTD in as little as six years. Explore DMU's accelerated pathways and see if your school is a partner institution. 💜

09/15/2026

Our first-year students have been privileged to learn about common pediatric conditions from people with lived experience this term. Thank you to our wonderful speakers for putting a face and story to what we are learning. 💜

09/11/2026

Our second-year OTD students learned about sensory based feeding interventions in lab! They enjoyed breaking the rule - don't play with your food! 💜

09/08/2026

Level II A Fieldwork: COMPLETE! 🎉

Our OT students have officially wrapped up their Level II A fieldwork experiences, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of the amazing feedback they received from their fieldwork educators!

💬 “I am just blown away by how kind, professional, and skilled they are! I'm so excited and hopeful about this generation of OTs being "raised" by DMU!!"

💬 “If this student is an average representative of your program, you have a phenomenal team and curriculum. We have been hosting students consistently for the previous 2 years, and this student exceeds all expectations and will make a fantastic OT!!! 🙂 She's a sponge!!!!”

💬"She is a utility knife of an OT. She has always had the tools, but she now knows how to efficiently use them to accomplish goals. 10/10. Exceptional."

These words are a wonderful reflection of the growth, dedication, and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout their experiences. We are so proud of how they stepped outside their comfort zones, embraced feedback, developed their clinical reasoning, and continued to grow into occupational therapy practitioners.

A HUGE thank-you to our incredible fieldwork educators and clinical partners who invest their time, knowledge, and mentorship into our students. Your guidance plays such an important role in preparing the next generation of OTs!

And to our students, you did it! Take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come and all that you’ve learned. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next! 💜

09/05/2026

✨ NICU Simulation Day ✨

Our OTD students put their knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences focused on:
💜 Feeding support
💜 Developmental and sensory assessment & intervention
💜 Hydrotherapy

09/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Summerfield on this incredible presentation!

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) began this academic year's Grand Round Series with "Return to Purpose: Neuroplasticity and Person-Centered Care in Neurorehabilitation."

The session featured Matt Reiff, a person with lived experience in Neurorehabilitation; Leng Reiff, Mr. Reiff's spouse and care partner; Jillian Jones, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Department of Physical Therapy Program; and Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

Drawing from their unique perspectives, the presenters explored Mr. Reiff's rehabilitation journey through the lenses of lived experience, care partnership, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Their insights highlighted the importance of neuroplasticity, interprofessional collaboration, and person-centered care in supporting meaningful recovery and a return to purpose following neurologic injury.

We are grateful for their willingness to share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives as we begin another year of learning through the DMU Grand Rounds Series.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Summerfield, Dr. Jones, Ms. Reiff, and Mr. Reiff.

09/04/2026

Thank you to Devina King- Queen Diva's Playhouse for sharing with our students!