Innovating Occupational Therapy Education Through Service Learning

In the course OCTH 57903: Community-Based Practice, third-year doctoral candidates in the joint University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the U of A occupational therapy (OT) program are transforming the future of OT practice. This course, which recently received the Service Learning designation, pushed students beyond traditional clinical settings and immersed them in the real-world challenges faced by underserved communities worldwide. 

Over the span of five weeks, students partnered with the international nonprofit CFC International, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by the rare genetic condition Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome. Using digital platforms, students engaged in a deep analysis of program needs, interviewed families, conducted a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and designed actionable strength-based recommendations for program improvement. The ultimate goal was to create innovative, community-centered services that went beyond the confines of traditional healthcare models. 

The students' efforts culminated in a unique presentation showcase to Year 1 students in their first semester of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. This was an opportunity for the Year 3 students to share the insights and outcomes of their service learning projects, serving as role models and giving the first-year students a "north star" for their own OT journey. The Year 3 students described their work as transformative, highlighting the deep sense of empathy and growth they experienced by listening to the lived experiences of the families they served. 

"I love teaching it, sharing my expertise and watching their transformation," says instructor Dr. Glenda Hux. The students' growth was not just academic but personal as well. They learned how to listen deeply, understand cultural differences and apply their learning in ways that had a positive impact the communities they served. 

In total, 23 doctoral OT students worked on four distinct program improvement projects, impacting over 1,200 families globally. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the power of integrating service learning into OT education. 

This course exemplifies the innovative spirit of UAMS' OTD program. During the showcase, students reported, "By completing this process, we feel better equipped to begin the capstone process, collaborate with the community partners, provide professional consulting services and conduct interviews with stakeholders. We hope that CFC International can use these recommendations and continue their important work in finding a cure and connecting families." 

More photos from these impactful student presentations will be posted on the Service Learning Initiative's social media. 

For faculty interested in integrating service learning into their courses, the Service Learning Initiative offers departmental workshops, providing guidance through the course designation process. Contact the Service Learning Coordinator Noelle Kingsbauer at svclrn01@uark.edu for more information.