Health and Human Services News

Spreading their wings

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is proud to announce that 135 students were hooded, pinned or received a white coat within a department or school ceremony for the fall 2023 semester. 

“These ceremonies are crucial in offering the space to celebrate MSU students who have worked hard to excel,” said MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith. 

Students who were hooded or pinned will be graduating, while those who received a white coat will progress to clinical placements. 

Occupational therapy (OT) 

Twenty-five Master of OT students were hooded. 

Nursing 

Forty-five Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were pinned. 

Communication sciences and disorders 

Thirty-two speech-language pathology students were pinned. 

Physician assistant studies (PAS) 

Thirty-three PAS students received white coats. 

What are five lifestyle tweaks to make for better well-being?

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Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions and setting new standards.

Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness.

Dr. Ashlea Cardin, a pediatric occupational therapist and associate professor of occupational therapy at Missouri State University, shares with Authority Magazine the five lifestyle tweaks that will help support people’s journey toward better well-being.

Preparing occupational therapists for the Ozarks region

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Occupational therapy (OT) is a growing career field with a need for trained professionals. Missouri State University currently has two OT programs: a master’s degree and a post-professional doctorate. The latter welcomed its first cohort in fall 2023.

The entry-level OT doctorate will welcome its first cohort in fall 2024. All three programs are the only ones offered in the region. 

Dr. Ashlea Cardin is an associate professor in the department of occupational therapy at Missouri State. She also works in the neo-natal intensive care unit as a certified neonatal therapist. Cardin discusses these different OT program offerings and the importance of the programs to rural health and to the Ozarks region. 

OT programs bring opportunity to the Ozarks

Read the full transcript

Learn more about OT at Missouri State

Attend TechMOFest 2023

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The MO Better Foundation, Missouri State University’s department of occupational therapy (OT) and Hold Fast Brewing have joined forces to present a “MO Better” Assistive Technology Awareness and Resource Day. 

This informative and fun event will take place from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 9 at Hold Fast Brewing (located downtown at old Fire Station #1). 

TechMOFest hopes to build awareness of the many resources in the Springfield area to help those living with disabilities live life “more better.” 

Show your support for this heartwarming event 

Celebrate, meet local healthcare representatives, vendors and organizations and learn more about advanced technology and recreational equipment in a family-friendly setting. 

The event will showcase many local and regional resource providers of assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication devices, adaptive recreational and entertainment devices, and much more. The event will also feature live music, a food truck, craft beer, raffles and lots of fun activities. 

Dr. Jennifer Yates, OT assistant professor at MSU, will help lead the event. She teaches a master’s level course on assistive technology and environmental adaptations. 

“We’re so excited to be part of this event and provide the opportunity for our students to feature a few projects they’re working on in my class,” Yates said.  

“The MO Better Foundation is wonderful to work with and has partnered with our department on many great causes to help individuals in our local community.” 

Learn more about the department of occupational therapy