New space, new program for DPT, OT students

MUSC’s incoming hybrid occupational therapy and physical therapy students will be the inaugural class in more ways than one. In addition to a newly created program, they’ll learn and practice their skills in a new space designed specifically to enhance their learning experience. 

The College of Health Professions recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new 25,000-square-foot space in the WestEdge building, overlooking the Ashley River.

“We’re delighted to have completed this space in time for our first class,” said Megan Donaldson, PT, Ph.D., chair of the College of Health Professions Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, who also serves as the hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program director. “The design of the space was intentional and student-centered to allow us flexibility, technology and innovation for our clinical lab immersives.”

She said it would allow the college to provide an exceptional space to educate the hybrid DPT and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students from South Carolina and beyond.

Donaldson, who was recruited by MUSC to design the new programs after those she designed at Tufts University in Boston, said the program has advantages for students and potential patients. “The occupational and physical therapy fields are growing, based on national statistics, and the demand outweighs the supply. These programs and our new space are designed to meet that need by increasing accessibility and preparing highly trained physical and occupational therapists dedicated to patient care.”

The hybrid and residential programs have been trimmed to 2.8 years compared with the traditional three, which creates cost savings for the students. The hybrid program allows students to accomplish most of their learning at home, increasing access to these programs for working students and those who don’t live near academic institutions. 

 

Unlike residential students, hybrid-program students will spend over half of their semesters in online or virtual learning. The two new programs include 70 DPT students and 73 OTD students. Their programs begin on Aug. 25. 

DPT and OTD students will come to campus twice a semester for the first six semesters of the program, starting in September, and every month thereafter, for an intensive training that ranges between six and 10 days. In the meantime, they will have access to virtual instruction and meet weekly with instructors for personalized learning.

Donaldson said expanding access to high-quality education and training at MUSC was imperative to meet the state’s growing demand for therapists.

MUSC WestEdge space includes a renovated first floor, which features administrative offices and private testing suites for clinical examination and simulation activities. The sixth floor is a new 21,000-square-foot buildout that includes classrooms, spaces for clinical lab learning, simulation areas for activities of daily living  and an exercise room, all of which also provide a space for the MUSC rehabilitation residential programs. 

“The clinical lab space features equipment and specially designed treatment tables for OT and PT by Cardon Rehab as well as a simulated kitchen for all the training required for home care and a simulated acute care hospital bed or bedroom for practicing acute or home-based care patient management,” Donaldson explained. “We intend to meet the entire needs of the occupational and physical therapy curricula within this space.” 

The space also includes a student lounge area, study areas and a kitchen where students can prepare meals and snacks. 

“We wanted to design this space thoughtfully to be student-centered,” said Donaldson. “We wanted it to be a place that encompasses a complete learning experience and to be a place of wellness for our students. They’ll be putting in long days when they’re on campus, and they must learn not only how to care for patients but also how to take care of themselves by taking breaks, getting nourishment and recharging mentally.” 

“In the hybrid program, we’re welcoming students from over 18 states, including South Carolina. One-third of the hybrid students come from rural settings. It’s a nice diversification for future patients and for our students who may not live near an educational institution or who have full-time jobs. This provides geographical access to a high level of education, and it’s much more accessible to all.”