LMU-Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

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LMU-Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Welcome to the official page of the LMU-OTD Program!

08/15/2026

This summer, the first-year students developed occupation boxes as part of their exploration of activities, occupations, activity analysis, the OTPF-4, and OT models.

08/14/2026

This summer, the first-year students developed occupation boxes as part of their exploration of activities, occupations, activity analysis, the OTPF-4, and OT models. During finals week in Foundations, they presented their occupation boxes to faculty and staff. It was amazing to see their ideas and what they had learned throughout the summer!

08/07/2026

Learning is even more impactful when students take an active role in the process!
In our Functional Anatomy course, students design educational games that reinforce key anatomical concepts while making learning interactive and enjoyable. Through creativity, collaboration, and friendly competition, these activities strengthen content retention, enhance student engagement, encourage critical thinking, and foster meaningful peer engagement.

08/04/2026

Our OTD students in their Assistive Technology course spent the day developing essential clinical skills in wheelchair seating and mobility! Students learned how to write a Letter of Medical Necessity for wheelchair funding, assess pelvic positioning and identify appropriate positioning and correct obliquities, and accurately measure clients for an individualized wheelchair fit. The students in addition evaluated wheelchair components based on each client's diagnosis, functional abilities, and long-term mobility goals. Through hands-on practice and clinical case discussions, students gained a deeper understanding of how proper wheelchair prescription and positioning can improve posture, skin integrity, comfort, function, and independence. These experiences help prepare our future occupational therapists to provide evidence-based, client-centered seating and mobility recommendations that maximize participation in everyday life.

07/31/2026

Our second-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy students recently stepped out of the classroom and into the community for an incredible learning experience at Black Dog Fitness, participating in one of their Rock Steady Boxing classes!

This hands-on lab allowed students to apply concepts from their physical rehabilitation coursework while working alongside individuals living with Parkinson's disease. They observed how evidence-based, occupation-focused interventions can improve balance, mobility, coordination, endurance, and overall quality of life.

Experiences like this help our students strengthen their clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication, and ability to adapt interventions to meet each individual's unique needs. More importantly, they reinforce that occupational therapy extends far beyond the clinic; it empowers people to continue doing the activities that matter most to them.

A heartfelt thank you to Black Dog Fitness for welcoming our students and providing such a meaningful learning opportunity. We appreciate your partnership in preparing the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners!

07/28/2026

Our OTD Assistive Technology students had an incredible hands-on learning experience exploring wheelchair-accessible vehicles, vehicle modifications, and adapted driving controls designed to promote independence and community mobility for individuals with disabilities. Students learned how specialized equipment—including wheelchair ramps and lifts, securement systems, transfer seating, hand controls, steering adaptations, and other driving modifications—can be customized to meet each client's unique needs and goals. A special thank you to Superior Van and Mobility for graciously hosting our class, sharing your expertise, and demonstrating how assistive technology extends far beyond the clinic to empower participation in everyday life. Experiences like these help prepare our future occupational therapists to make informed, client-centered recommendations that enhance independence and quality of life.

07/03/2026

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Emma Cummings on her well-deserved promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor at Lincoln Memorial University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program!

A dedicated educator and mentor, her scholarly work centers on assessment development in physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy education. Dr. Cummings leads foundational coursework for students in their first year of the program, and she is especially passionate about supporting students during their transition to graduate school through the development of metacognitive skills. Dr. Cummings has served in multiple leadership roles and currently serves as the Director of Clinical and Didactic Education.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Cummings and grateful for her meaningful impact on our students and program. Congratulations, Dr. Cummings!

06/30/2026

Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students recently participated in an exciting Assistive Technology lab focused on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), where they explored a variety of adaptive equipment and assistive technology devices designed to promote independence and participation in everyday life. Students applied their clinical reasoning skills to common client diagnoses by selecting appropriate devices and modifications, completed a Shopping Challenge that required balancing client needs with a limited budget, and even competed in a fun Dressing Relay using adaptive dressing equipment. Through hands-on experiences like these, our students are developing the problem-solving, creativity, and evidence-based decision-making skills needed to help future clients live more independent and meaningful lives.

06/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jillian Pindar on her promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in Lincoln Memorial University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program!

Dr. Pindar has made significant contributions across teaching, scholarship, and community engagement. As Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, she helped develop the doctoral capstone curriculum through accreditation and continues to lead evidence-based enhancements that support student success. Beyond the doctoral capstone program, Dr. Pindar has contributed to the development and refinement of numerous courses across the OTD curriculum, creating engaging, evidence-based learning experiences.

Dr. Pindar’s scholarship and community engagement focus on advancing occupational therapy education, maternal health, and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Through collaborative research, innovative doctoral capstone projects, community partnerships, and leadership of the student-led Pro Bono Clinic, she has expanded opportunities for student learning while increasing access to occupational therapy services throughout the region.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Pindar’s accomplishments and look forward to her continued leadership and impact!

05/05/2026

What a week it is going to be for our Class of 2026! Yesterday we celebrated their accomplishments with a commencement lunch.

We had twelve students receive a GPA of 3.75 while in the program! They will receive a gold cord to wear at Commencement.

We recognized our Student Ambassadors for all of the hard work they do while on campus assisting with tours, helping with interviews, and assisting with on campus events.

Finally, we recognized the executive board of our Student Occupational Therapy Association and LMU Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity Chapter.

Congratulations to everyone in the Class of 2026!

Address

9731 Cogdill Road
Knoxville, TN
37752

Website

https://www.lmunet.edu/debusk-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/otd/index.php

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