November 17, 2022
Graduating this December with her Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD) from Shawnee State University, Addie Burnham (Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky) chose this program because she wanted to earn her degree 100% online. Finding a program that was completely online was a must for her as she was not able to dedicate evenings or weekends for travel to her courses as she works full-time.
“I love the field of occupational therapy,” she said. “I have been an OT for 11 years and have never regretted that decision or dreamed of being anything else.”
Occupational therapists help people acquire or regain the skills they need to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Burnham’s favorite part of being an occupational therapist is getting to walk with families through heartbreak to hope. Pursuing her doctorate will allow her to expand those opportunities.
“I chose to pursue my doctorate to teach one day,” she said. “There are so many aspects of occupational therapy I am passionate about, and I want to nurture these passions in future clinicians.”
With over a decade of experience in Occupational Therapy, Burnham encourages others to pursue the career.
“Embrace the great diversity the field of occupational therapy offers and strive for excellence,” she said. “There is no greater joy than seeing your patient meet their goals and overcome hurdles that have been placed in front of them.”
The PP-OTD program allows working healthcare professionals to earn their doctorate in a flexible format that is designed for adult learners. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months, with the flexibility to take breaks and complete the program on the student’s own timeline. The program is offered completely online and offers three start dates per year.
To learn more about the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/otd.