The Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at PLNU prepares graduates to deliver client-centered care across various settings. Emphasizing critical reasoning and ethical standards, the MSOT program empowers students to support clients in their unique health experiences. The program focuses on holistic and evidence-based frameworks, highlighting diversity, equity, and teamwork within interdisciplinary settings.
Roy Butts is currently in his first year of the Occupational Therapy M.S. program at PLNU. Inspired by PLNU's focus on the mind, body, and spirit in its MSOT program, he is excited to pursue a career dedicated to empowering clients toward independence and well-being.
What is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that assists individuals in overcoming barriers that affect their cognitive, physical, or sensory abilities. Occupational therapists use intervention therapy, adaptive equipment, and essential skill support to help their patients become more independent and function well in daily life.
What does a typical day look like in the MSOT Program?
A typical day for Roy, a first-year MSOT student at PLNU, is filled with a balance of in-depth classes, hands-on labs, and collaborative learning with his cohort. He is currently taking 15 credits. Most days, he attends in-person lectures like anatomy, where he gains essential knowledge for healthcare and evidence-based practice which teaches him to use research to inform patient care. Roy finds anatomy particularly engaging, especially when they are working in the lab deepening his understanding of the human body.
"The faculty are incredibly engaging and approachable. They’re always willing to help us apply what we’re learning and build our confidence, and they make sure we know they have our backs."
Roy and his cohort often come together after classes for group study sessions, exchanging notes and supporting each other. With faculty like Professors Robbie Laverty and Heather Distelrath, who provide constructive feedback and foster class engagement, Roy feels both challenged and supported. This blend of rigorous academics, community support, and mentorship has helped him feel welcomed and well-prepared for his future in occupational therapy.
“Everyone in the cohort is so welcoming and supportive — they’re genuine people who care deeply about the profession. We study together and help each other out as much as possible."
A typical day in the MSOT program for Roy includes attending lectures, studying with fellow students in his cohort, and prioritizing his own well-being. Some of his semester courses include the following:
- ANA 6005 – Applied Human Anatomy: Focuses on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems, with applications for clinical practice in OT. Includes brief coverage of other systems (nervous, digestive, urinary) through lectures and small lab groups.
- OCC 6000 – Introduction to Occupational Therapy: Covers the history and development of OT, including philosophical, social, and economic influences, OT roles, standards, processes, theories, and practice models in various settings.
- OCC 6003 – Evidence-based practice: Teaches students to integrate clinical expertise, patient needs, and current research for patient-centered care. Covers forming clinical questions, literature searches, critical appraisal, application, and outcome evaluation, with cross-discipline discussions.
Roy’s Journey to PLNU and Occupational Therapy
Roy’s journey to occupational therapy and PLNU was shaped by a combination of life experiences and a passion for investing in the well-being of others. After serving in the Navy, he saw firsthand how essential physical activity is for mental and physical resilience. He completed his bachelor’s in kinesiology and discovered its role in promoting health. It was during this time that a friend introduced him to an occupational therapy club, which sparked his interest in the field.
He spent his gap year after completing his undergraduate interning in pediatrics, gaining valuable observation hours and firsthand experience in patient care. Drawn to the field’s client-centered and empathetic focus, Roy knew that OT was the career he wanted to pursue. Coming from Illinois, he chose PLNU for its strong reputation and commitment to evidence-based practice, which he noticed immediately during orientation. Now, as a first-year MSOT student, Roy is excited to continue his journey in a program that aligns with his values and career goals, helping others regain independence and thrive.
Roy envisions a career where he can make a meaningful impact on the lives of his clients. He’s particularly interested in working with veterans and amputees in a VA setting, where he hopes to help individuals regain independence and adapt to new physical realities. With his background in the Navy, his experiences can help him relate to and support their unique needs. Additionally, he’s open to working with athletes, potentially in a rehabilitation facility, where he can help them recover from injuries and optimize their performance.
His ultimate goal is to create a care environment that is both relaxed and personable, allowing clients to feel at ease as they work toward their goals. Roy is also committed to maintaining his own physical and mental well-being, knowing that staying healthy will help him be his best for his clients. As he progresses through PLNU’s MSOT program, he’s excited to see where the field will take him and to keep an open heart for new opportunities.
Is Occupational Therapy Right for Me?
If you’re drawn to a career that combines healthcare, empathy, and hands-on problem-solving, occupational therapy could be the perfect fit. This field allows you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve greater independence and quality of life. Whether you’re interested in working with veterans, children, athletes, or other populations, OT offers diverse paths to suit your passions and strengths. Explore PLNU’s MSOT program to see how this fulfilling career could be the next step in your journey.
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