At Concordia University Wisconsin, we are deeply committed to equipping our future healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel and innovate in their respective fields.
This commitment was recently brought to life in a dynamic and engaging lab session for our Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy students, who joined forces for a unique interdisciplinary learning experience.
Imagine a space buzzing with collaborative energy as OT and PT students worked side-by-side, exploring the intricacies of assistive technology and mobility solutions. This wasn’t just another lecture but an immersive opportunity to bridge disciplines and gain a holistic understanding of client care.
A highlight of the session was the invaluable contribution of Vince Caeti from Quantum Rehab, who brought in a state-of-the-art power wheelchair. This remarkable piece of technology offered students a firsthand look at the diverse control options available to individuals with mobility impairments. From the traditional joystick to the more specialized head array and sip and puff controls, students gained critical insights into how these adaptations can significantly enhance a client’s independence and quality of life.
Beyond power mobility, students explored many options on manually operated wheelchairs. They explored various features like tilt and recline, understanding the clinical reasoning behind prescribing these options to address specific postural and functional needs.
OT & PT: Collaboration is key
The collaborative spirit truly shone as the students leveraged their unique disciplinary expertise. Our OT students took the lead in demonstrating a wide array of adaptive equipment designed to promote independence in daily living activities. From specialized eating utensils to dressing aids, they illuminated how these tools can empower clients to participate more fully in their lives.
Meanwhile, our PT students shared their expertise in essential transfer and mobility techniques. They guided their OT peers through safe and effective methods to assist clients with varying levels of mobility, emphasizing biomechanics and patient safety.
The culmination of this interdisciplinary exchange was a practical, real-world simulation. Working in pairs, each comprised of an OT and a PT student, they were tasked with selecting appropriate wheelchairs and prioritizing specific features for hypothetical clients. This exercise mirrored the daily realities of clinical practice in hospital settings, where collaboration between OT and PT professionals is paramount in providing comprehensive and client-centered care.
Cutting-edge learning
This innovative lab session underscores CUW’s dedication to providing our students with cutting-edge learning experiences. By fostering interprofessional collaboration and exposing them to the latest advancements in assistive technology, we are empowering our future OTs and PTs to be resourceful, adaptable, and ultimately, more effective clinicians. Hands-on, collaborative learning is essential in shaping well-rounded professionals ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients
We are incredibly proud of our students and the faculty, Dr. Kate Bennett and Dr. Jessica Schmidt, who create these dynamic learning environments. Thanks for reading about the innovative ways Concordia University Wisconsin is preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders!
Thinking about going into the growing field of healthcare? Read “Eight top careers in healthcare.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
The School of Health Professions (SHP) offers a wide variety of accredited programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Our programs are provided in a variety of teaching formats (face-to-face, online, blended) and our curriculum emphasizes service to the community and inter-professional collaboration. Students are able to work with community members very early in their educational experience. Explore your options!
—Dr. Schmidt shares her love for neurorehabilitation with occupational therapy students in her role as Assistant Professor at Concordia University. Dr. Schmidt completed her post-professional OTD from Rocky Mountain University in 2023.