Nebraska Methodist College’s PPOTD program graduates first class

Omaha, Nebraska - The first class of students completed the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).

Carrie Griffin, Kourtney Kincaid, Libby Lemburg and Torrie Niewohner received their diplomas at the summer commencement ceremony July 29. 

“We knew there would be students on the fence about the two occupational therapy degree levels or unsure where their career would take them. Maintaining the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) entry-level option and adding PPOTD ensured that the OTD pathway was still open to students who chose Nebraska Methodist College,” said Melissa Kimmerling, occupational therapy program director. 

The first class for NMC’s post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program began in fall 2021.

The program provides advanced-level skills in clinical leadership and education that are not offered at the master’s level, focusing on higher-level problem-based learning, critical reasoning and practical application.

Kincaid graduated from NMC’s MOT program in 2020 then returned to complete her PPOTD. She’s an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist at Revive Integrative Health in Salina, Kan. 

“The MOT program prepared me for day-to-day patient care. The PPOTD prepared me to not only survive, but to thrive in significant leadership opportunities in my facility and community,” she said. “Not only is the company becoming well-known and respected in the community, but I am getting personally recommended by name for services in the community. Part of that has been because of word of mouth from my patients, but a large part has been from my work in the program that led to networking with other professionals in the area.”

A post-professional doctoral degree allows professionals to advance their studies after they earn their master’s degree and have been working in the field.

“I felt like the faculty had a great model for full-time working professionals. They understand the field and know that we work hard and take work home with us, so they are able to work with you and be flexible,” Kincaid said. “Also, they check in on you and are genuinely excited about any accomplishments professionally, academically or personally.”

NMC’s PPOTD program gives students flexibility for their busy schedules with 100% online classes. The courses are 10 weeks long, with scheduled breaks every five weeks. The program can be completed in 24 months.

“The program can be done as a working professional. The curriculum is flexible to meet your needs. You can start any time,” said Kimmerling. “The two tracks in academia and clinical leadership include courses specifically designed to help you move into those areas of OT practice.”

Griffin has worked as an occupational therapist for 20 years and enrolled in NMC’s PPOTD program, completing both program tracks. 

Students can choose from two program tracks - clinical leadership and occupational therapy educator. Both tracks have a core curriculum with courses geared towards becoming a healthcare leader in a multi-disciplinary environment or becoming an academic occupational therapy educator. 

After completing her PPOTD, Griffin was hired as an adjunct faculty member at NMC.

“As for my practicum and being prepared to teach, I believe that although I am extremely nervous about this new role, Melissa has been a great help in building up my confidence and understanding of what the future NMC students are like,” she said.

Griffin also works as an occupational therapist at MaxAbility in Bellevue, Neb.

Learn more about NMC’s occupational therapy school at methodistcollege.edu.