Occupational Therapy Spotlight

Meet Karagan Fisher. Karagan is a third-year student in Drake's Occupational Therpay Doctorate (OTD) program and will graduate in 2022! In her last year of the OTD program, Karagan had the opportunity to complete a doctoral capstone experience at UnityPoint North Crossing Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa.

Name: Karagan Fisher

Tell us about your capstone experience at UnityPoint North Crossing Clinic. What were your responsibilities and what did a typical day/week look like?

What is your favorite thing about this Doctoral Capstone?

I have great coworkers at the clinic which makes it a fun, welcoming, and not intimidating experience. I have enjoyed being able to show my knowledge of OT and passion for neuro throughout this experience.

What attracted you to Drake's OTD program?

I loved that the program was Iowa-based and had such an emphasis on clinical practice skills. 

Have your career goals changed at all since starting Drake's OTD program? How so?

I would say yes, they have. Beginning the program, I had a focus on geriatrics and skilled nursing facilities. I have really grown to love the neuro population as well as outpatient settings.  

How has Drake prepared you for your future career as an occupational therapy professional?

Drake has really taught me so much about being the best occupational therapist I can be. My time at Drake allowed me to grow as an individual in my personal and professional development. I feel that Drake gave me the building blocks I needed to start a professional career as an occupational therapist, and I have been able to grow from those building blocks. 

What is one piece of advice you'd give to future occupational therapy students?

Choose a setting you know you will enjoy. 14 weeks is a long process but if you enjoy the setting and people, it goes by very quickly, and you can form lasting professional relationships with so many people which opens many opportunities for your career development!