2,721
Total student enrollment

1,623
Undergraduate student enrollment

387
Master’s student enrollment

711
Doctorate student enrollment

25
Academic programs of study

188
Faculty

97.8%
Undergraduate 4-year graduation rate

3
Student run equal access clinics providing free occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychology services to the community

Occupational therapy students impact the community

Doctor of Occupational Therapy students prepare for a project at Transitions Life Center in Ocala.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork during all three years of the program. Another great benefit: their fieldwork projects contribute meaningful service to the community.

“The UF occupational therapy program is unique in that it provides so many different places for fieldwork in Gainesville and surrounding communities,” said Heidi Horwitz, O.T.D, OTR/L, a clinical assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator in the department of occupational therapy.

Many other O.T. schools struggle to find enough community partners and may have to teach using simulated online environments for psychosocial training, Horowitz said.

“Working in a psychosocial setting helped me to understand occupational therapy’s role where the focus was not physical rehabilitation,” said O.T.D. student Sophia Miller. “I learned how to help clients progress towards their personal goals. I’m grateful for this experience as it helped me understand the ‘soft skills’ needed as an occupational therapy practitioner that will help me to be a more well-rounded clinician in the future.”

UF O.T.D. students have made a lasting impact at several local organizations, from retirement communities to residential addiction facilities and outpatient care programs.

In one recent example, O.T.D. students conducted a needs assessment at Transitions Life Center, or TLC, in Ocala, which provides continuing education in life skills and training designed to help adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible. The students learned that staff and families hoped to increase physical activity among clients. They established a program that engages clients’ senses through physical activity while remaining mindful that clients have different preferences regarding activity level.

“I love the relationship TLC has with the UF occupational therapy students. The connection is invaluable to us,” said Sabrina Hughes, executive director of TLC. “The students are so open and receptive to feedback. They are instrumental to the growth of many of our members. Not only are they learning, but we are learning as well. If we can help each other learn, there is no better connection.”

— Anne Riker Garlington