Occupational Therapy ‘Boot Camp’ Prepares Students for Success

Hands-on program gives incoming students confidence and practical skills before classes begin

Sacred Heart University’s incoming occupational therapy (OT) graduate students got a head start on one of their most challenging courses this August with Muscle Anatomy & Practice, popularly called OT Boot Camp.

The program received funding from SHU's Academics for Creative Teaching Grant, which provided all the materials and allowed it to be free for students.

Organized by College of Health Professions faculty Jaimee Hegge and Stephanie Doyle, the hands-on program was designed to support students coming from varied undergraduate anatomy backgrounds.

“Anatomy is one of the first courses our OT students take, and it often causes a lot of stress for those entering the program,” Doyle said. “We wanted to create a program so our students can feel confident and prepared going into OT school.”

All incoming students were invited to participate in and engage in interactive activities focused on muscle anatomy, practical skills and collaborative learning. Students had the opportunity to apply concepts in a supportive environment before the semester officially began.

“Coming to school early and getting acquainted with my classmates and professors was extremely helpful,” said Grace Monahan, an OT student.

Pre- and post-program testing showed measurable improvement in student learning, indicating the boot camp successfully prepared participants for the rigors of their first OT courses.

“Being able to talk about and see the muscles we needed to know for our exam helped me prepare far better than if I had continued to study on my own,” said Helina Macchia, an OT student.

“There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the program and students,” Hegge said.

The Muscle Anatomy & Practice will return next year and continue to provide valuable preparation for incoming students.

Pictured: Instructor Stephanie Doyle teaches students about muscle anatomy on an anatomage table at the Center for Healthcare Education.