My OT Experience

Brittney Jensen
Community Engagement Center
Spring 2015

Project Summary
I had the opportunity to shadow a few occupational
therapists over the summer in 3 different settings. I
observed as a student in a preschool, an elementary
school, and a rehabilitation center for geriatric
patients. Within these settings I was able to observe
the daily tasks of an Occupational Therapist and gain
an insight of the roles and responsibilities that they
provide for others. Through my experiences I was
exposed to a number of different treatments. Within
the schools I was able to help conduct activities and
participate in specific treatments with the children we
were working with. In the rehabilitation center I
supervised exercises of patients, assisted with
equipment, and helped motivate individuals through
visiting with them as they completed their tasks. My
experiences working with these occupational
therapists are very important and applicable to my
future. Because I want to eventually become a
certified occupational therapist myself, having the
exposure that these volunteer experiences gave me is
key. What I learned in these situations has set the
foundations I need to learn from and will help me
during my graduate school education.

Project Highlights

I witnessed a woman regain strength in her

entire left arm after suffering from a stroke.

I worked with children suffering from

autism and learned how to help better their
lives as well as their families.

I worked with two twin girls from China

suffering from Muscular Dystrophy who
showed significant improvement in their
upper body strength, allowing them to do
more for themselves.

I was able to observe in three different settings: 3 Peaks

Preschool, Gateway Preparatory Academy, and Kolob
Regional Rehabilitation Center. Kolob Regional was the
most recent place that I was able to observe at.

From My Journal
I was very impressed with the improvement Brenda
had shown. The hand most affected by her stroke
was starting to open up and show slight control. She
was also able to move her forearm up and down more
easily by herself. I was very proud of her
accomplishments.

Occupational Therapy is very specific to each individual.

I loved being able to work with a variety of patients and
find solutions to their different concerns. Every concern
is something that limits an individual from being
completely independent.