LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Home
United States
Knoxville, TN
LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

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

09/08/2025

Last week, our OTD and DPT students practiced donning and doffing personal protective equipment in one of our interprofessional education courses. It is great when the students can learn with each other!

09/02/2025

Our second-year students started the Pediatrics lab by jumping right in! We know one of the most challenging parts of pediatrics is learning how to interact with kids and their caregivers, so we make sure students have plenty of opportunities to interact with kids both in our amazing pediatrics lab and in the community .

08/15/2025

Our OTD students have only been off campus for a week, but we already miss them. Here are some extra pictures from AT Lab this past semester to help us get through the next week without them!

Our OTD students immersed themselves in technologies shaping the future of rehabilitation and accessibility. They explored virtual reality to simulate therapeutic environments, applied augmented reality to enhance assessment and client training, and used 3D printing to design and produce custom adaptive tools.

These hands-on experiences prepare our future occupational therapists to integrate innovation into practice, develop personalized solutions, and empower clients to achieve greater independence.

08/08/2025

This week, we wrapped up the summer semester! We have had many events the last two weeks, including an ice cream social, a pot painting event, and an end-of-semester celebration.

During the end-of-semester event, we were able to provide the first-year students with the kits needed for their interprofessional class in the fall. This includes their blood pressure cuff, sphygmomanometer, pulse ox, and other items required.

We also announced the first-year SOTA and COTAD representatives. We are happy to announce that Ally Newberry will be the SOTA rep and Macey Pickle will be the COTAD rep.

Now they have two weeks to relax and rejuvenate before the fall semester!

08/02/2025

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

Dr. Ruediger has made outstanding contributions across teaching, research, administration, and service. Her leadership as Interim Program Director played a pivotal role in achieving ACOTE initial accreditation, and her ongoing research focuses on innovation and technology in occupational therapy education.

She actively supports community service initiatives and continues her professional development through certifications in Assistive Technology and Physical Agent Modalities, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field and empowering future practitioners.

We are proud of all you’ve accomplished, Dr. Ruediger, and look forward to what’s next!

07/29/2025

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Elizabeth K. Schmidt, who has been promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and awarded a multiyear contract at Lincoln Memorial University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program!

Dr. Schmidt has made outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service. From developing innovative curriculum and supporting student success, to advancing inclusive research focused on disability, sexual health, and community participation. Her work continues to make a meaningful impact on our program, the profession, and the communities we serve.

We are incredibly proud to have Dr. Schmidt as a valued member of our faculty and look forward to her continued leadership and scholarship!

07/26/2025

Future OTs in Action!

Last week, our second-year occupational therapy students dove into hands-on learning during their physical rehabilitation lab - and it was all about mastering the art of independence!

From practicing dressing techniques for clients with hemiparesis, limited range of motion, and spinal cord injuries to exploring strategies for adapting to limited mobility, these students are learning how to make everyday tasks doable for everyone.

And when it came to dysphagia (swallowing challenges), they got a taste of modified diets - literally! Thickened Gatorade and apple juice were the consistent favorites over chocolate milk and Sprite. Who knew rehab could be so flavorful?
Students also observed a simulated treatment session, seeing how therapeutic use of self, adaptive equipment, and client-centered care come together to empower lives.

Thinking about a career where compassion meets creativity? OT might be your calling. 💙

07/23/2025

Our second-year students explored the world of manual and power wheelchairs, dove into cushion seating systems, and practiced wheelie techniques for curb navigation - essential skills for empowering clients with mobility needs.

Students also gained critical insight into documenting medical necessity, which is essential for advocating for appropriate and accessible equipment.

Thank you, Brett Jones at Jones Adaptive Mobility, for opening your doors and sharing your expertise with the next generation of OT professionals!

07/01/2025

In their Foundations of Occupational Therapy course, first-year OTD students practiced activity analysis skills while playing outdoor games. It was hot, but popsicles helped cool them down! Thank you, COTAD, for providing the popsicles😊

06/28/2025

OT in Action!

Our Occupational Therapy students are diving deep into Assistive Technology with a hands-on lab focused on pelvic positioning and obliquities.

Students practiced assessing posture and alignment to ensure optimal support and function, while also learning how to measure clients for customized wheelchair fittings. They explored how assistive technology can enhance mobility, comfort, and independence in wheelchair users.

Real-world skills. Real impact.

06/16/2025

Our OTD students had an incredible hands-on learning experience at Superior Van and Mobility —the nation’s largest family-owned mobility dealer! During their Assistive Technology course with Dr. Ruediger, students explored a wide range of adaptive equipment, including wheelchair-accessible vans, lifts, scooter carriers, and customized driving solutions. This real-world visit deepened their understanding of mobility access and client-centered care, empowering them to better serve individuals with diverse needs.

06/04/2025

The second-year OTD students are diving into the Social Determinants of Health this summer, and we were honored to welcome our first guest lecturer, Rusty from Superior Van and Mobility . Rusty shared a wealth of knowledge and personal insight about his recovery journey and the critical role that accessible transportation plays in promoting independence and community participation.

Address

9731 Cogdill Road
Knoxville, TN
37752

Website

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Knoxville?