Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Preparing students with the knowledge, skills and experience to provide occupational therapy services

Level II A Fieldwork: COMPLETE! ๐ŸŽ‰Our OT students have officially wrapped up their Level II A fieldwork experiences, and ...
09/08/2026

Level II A Fieldwork: COMPLETE! ๐ŸŽ‰

Our OT students have officially wrapped up their Level II A fieldwork experiences, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of the amazing feedback they received from their fieldwork educators!

๐Ÿ’ฌ โ€œI am just blown away by how kind, professional, and skilled they are! I'm so excited and hopeful about this generation of OTs being "raised" by DMU!!"

๐Ÿ’ฌ โ€œIf this student is an average representative of your program, you have a phenomenal team and curriculum. We have been hosting students consistently for the previous 2 years, and this student exceeds all expectations and will make a fantastic OT!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ She's a sponge!!!!โ€

๐Ÿ’ฌ"She is a utility knife of an OT. She has always had the tools, but she now knows how to efficiently use them to accomplish goals. 10/10. Exceptional."

These words are a wonderful reflection of the growth, dedication, and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout their experiences. We are so proud of how they stepped outside their comfort zones, embraced feedback, developed their clinical reasoning, and continued to grow into occupational therapy practitioners.

A HUGE thank-you to our incredible fieldwork educators and clinical partners who invest their time, knowledge, and mentorship into our students. Your guidance plays such an important role in preparing the next generation of OTs!

And to our students, you did it! Take a moment to celebrate how far youโ€™ve come and all that youโ€™ve learned. We canโ€™t wait to see what you accomplish next! ๐Ÿ’œ

โœจ NICU Simulation Day โœจOur OTD students put their knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences focused on:๐Ÿ’œ Feed...
09/05/2026

โœจ NICU Simulation Day โœจ

Our OTD students put their knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences focused on:
๐Ÿ’œ Feeding support
๐Ÿ’œ Developmental and sensory assessment & intervention
๐Ÿ’œ Hydrotherapy

Congratulations to Dr. Summerfield on this incredible presentation!
09/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Summerfield on this incredible presentation!

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) began this academic year's Grand Round Series with "Return to Purpose: Neuroplasticity and Person-Centered Care in Neurorehabilitation."

The session featured Matt Reiff, a person with lived experience in Neurorehabilitation; Leng Reiff, Mr. Reiff's spouse and care partner; Jillian Jones, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Department of Physical Therapy Program; and Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

Drawing from their unique perspectives, the presenters explored Mr. Reiff's rehabilitation journey through the lenses of lived experience, care partnership, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Their insights highlighted the importance of neuroplasticity, interprofessional collaboration, and person-centered care in supporting meaningful recovery and a return to purpose following neurologic injury.

We are grateful for their willingness to share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives as we begin another year of learning through the DMU Grand Rounds Series.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Summerfield, Dr. Jones, Ms. Reiff, and Mr. Reiff.

09/04/2026

Thank you to Devina King- Queen Diva's Playhouse for sharing with our students!

CENTRAL COLLEGE + DMU OTDStudents at Central College may be eligible for DMU's 3+3 OTD pathway.โ˜‘๏ธBachelorโ€™s degree + doc...
09/03/2026

CENTRAL COLLEGE + DMU OTD

Students at Central College may be eligible for DMU's 3+3 OTD pathway.

โ˜‘๏ธBachelorโ€™s degree + doctorate in OT in as little as 6 years
โ˜‘๏ธ Accelerated route to an OT career
โ˜‘๏ธ Individualized advising and planning

Reach out today to learn how Central College students can accelerate their journey to becoming occupational therapists!

๐ŸŽ‰ Annual DMU OTD Advising Social! ๐ŸŽ‰Students, faculty, and staff came together for an evening of fun, laughter, and conne...
08/30/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Annual DMU OTD Advising Social! ๐ŸŽ‰

Students, faculty, and staff came together for an evening of fun, laughter, and connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this night unforgettable! ๐Ÿ’œ

Celebrating the final day of NAMI Provider Training! ๐ŸŒŸOur students are gaining the knowledge and skills needed to lead t...
08/28/2026

Celebrating the final day of NAMI Provider Training! ๐ŸŒŸ

Our students are gaining the knowledge and skills needed to lead the future of mental health care with confidence and compassion.

โœจ Celebrating Excellence at DMU Day of Celebration! โœจWe are proud to recognize our incredible faculty and staff who were...
08/24/2026

โœจ Celebrating Excellence at DMU Day of Celebration! โœจ
We are proud to recognize our incredible faculty and staff who were honored at this yearโ€™s DMU Day of Celebration:

๐Ÿ† Dr. Nicci Kuhl โ€“ 2026 Steven R. Herwig, D.O. Faculty Service Award
๐Ÿ† Lauren Cunningham โ€“ 2025 Outstanding Staff Award
๐Ÿ† Dr. Emily Summerfield โ€“ 2026 Paul E. Emmans Outstanding Teaching Award

These awards highlight their commitment to service, excellence in teaching, and dedication to supporting our students and community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kuhl, Dr. Summerfield, and Lauren on these well-deserved achievements! ๐Ÿ’œ

Our second-year students had a blast this summer! ๐Ÿ’œ
08/21/2026

Our second-year students had a blast this summer! ๐Ÿ’œ

Second-year OTD students stepped into the role of occupational therapists and worked through realistic neurologic case s...
08/18/2026

Second-year OTD students stepped into the role of occupational therapists and worked through realistic neurologic case scenarios across ICU, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. ๐ŸŒŸ

A huge shout out and thank you to Lindsey La Rue, DMU OTD Class of 2026 Alumni, for helping out in lab! ๐Ÿ’œ

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8025 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA
50266

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