PUBLISHED ON September 25, 2025

Exploring Careers in Occupational Therapy: Guest Speaker Rebecca Ford Inspires Honors Anatomy & Physiology Students

On September 23, students in our Honors Anatomy & Physiology class had the privilege of learning from Rebecca Ford, a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at LSU Health Science Center. With an impressive background in providing occupational therapy services to adults and children with orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses at West Jefferson Hospital, Rebecca brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our students.


What is Occupational Therapy?

Rebecca’s presentation began with an overview of the role of occupational therapists and the variety of settings where they work, from hospitals and schools to outpatient clinics. She walked students through the educational pathway required to become an occupational therapist, offering valuable insights into what it takes to pursue this rewarding career.


Hands-On Learning Activities

The highlight of Rebecca’s visit was the hands-on activities she introduced to the class. Students had the opportunity to try their hand at some of the tools and techniques occupational therapists use to help their patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Here are just a few of the activities students participated in:
- Sock Helper Challenge: Students learned how to put on a sock using an assistive device, showcasing how occupational therapists help patients with limited mobility.
- Adapted Dressing Techniques: Rebecca demonstrated how to put on and take off a shirt with one arm paralyzed, giving students a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by patients.
- Therapeutic Putty Exercises: Students played with putty to understand how fine motor skills are improved through therapy.
- Mini Mental State Exam Practice: Students practiced administering this cognitive test, which is often used to assess memory and mental function.

Rebecca’s passion for her profession was contagious, energizing the classroom and making the session interactive and engaging.


Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals

Many of the students in our Honors Anatomy & Physiology class are exploring careers in healthcare, and Rebecca’s visit provided them with a valuable opportunity to learn about the diverse and impactful field of occupational therapy. Whether or not they pursue this specific path, the experience broadened their understanding of how healthcare professionals make a difference in the lives of their patients.

We are so grateful to Rebecca Ford for taking the time to share her expertise and enthusiasm with our students. Opportunities like this help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and open their eyes to the wide variety of careers available in the medical field.

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