Occupational Therapy Spotlight

Meet Maranda Metz. Maranda is a third-year student in Drake's Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. In the spring 2021 semester, Maranda is completing her Doctoral Capstone at Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, before she graduates.

Name: Maranda Metz

Hometown: Pleasant Hill, IA

Degree Program: OTD, May 2021

Capstone Organization: Stead Family Children's Hospital

Location: Iowa City, IA

Type of Experience: Pediatric Occupational Therapy

What are your responsibilities at this site location? What does a typical day look like for you?

My responsibilities are completing patient care and completing my capstone of creating social and play experiences/opportunities for children with chronic illnesses that are in the hospital for an extended time!

How did Drake prepare you for this experience? What has been your biggest lesson?

Drake’s coursework really set me up with confidence and knowledge of different diagnoses, interventions, and client-centered care. My biggest lesson throughout my time here is to always be adaptable and flexible!

What is your favorite thing about the capstone experience?

My favorite thing about the capstone experience is that it is something new every single day. I meet new kiddos, with new diagnoses and it just feels like I am constantly learning something new! I also love that the staff here is amazing! The people in the therapy department have taken me in as one of their own and have created such a positive experience for this entire duration!

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

My piece of advice is to take every chance you have for a learning opportunity. You learn so much during coursework, but you continue to learn even more when you are hands on during Level II’s and your capstone! Be flexible, be adaptable and you will set yourself up for success right from the get-go!