"OT is the best-kept secret in the rehab world," says Assistant Teaching Professor Becky Smith. "Of course, we’d like that not to be the case." Occupational therapists can have a significant impact on healthcare, and Becky sees the profession’s vast potential. It all starts with each student—a fact she experiences firsthand every day as the advisor and fieldwork coordinator for the Master of Occupational Therapy program.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Becky began exploring career options. OT wasn’t initially on her radar, but then she thought about the people who had made a difference in her family’s life. Her sister, who has a developmental disability, had worked with many professionals, but it was the OT who had the greatest impact. That therapist not only helped her sister but also provided Becky’s family with strategies to adapt to her sister’s needs. With that realization, Becky knew OT was the right path for her.
She was drawn to the University of Washington’s OT program because of its strong scientific foundation—important to her after studying biology, chemistry, and psychology in her undergraduate degree. Becky returned to UW in 2018 as an instructor after 13 years of clinical practice. Now, she leads the cadaver lab, where OT students, along with physical therapy and prosthetics and orthotics students, study human anatomy firsthand.
Unlike many OT programs, which rely on textbooks, UW gives students the chance to work in a cadaver lab. “It really gives students a chance to see the body in a different way and appreciate the variations in everyone’s anatomy,” Becky says, her excitement palpable. “When you look at muscles, nerve endings, and bones, they’re different for everybody. Anatomy isn’t as standard as it seems—yes, we all have biceps, but they’re not the same for everyone.” This focus on individual uniqueness, down to the muscles and nerves, is at the heart of OT practice. Becky teaches her students to appreciate these differences, which mirror the personalized care they will provide as OTs.
“No one wants to be stagnant. We’re adapting as quickly as possible to meet the needs of our students as the world changes.”
In addition to teaching anatomy, Becky coordinates OT students' fieldwork assignments. It’s a significant role, managing up to 72 active placements at a time. Every student completes two types of fieldwork: one week per quarter in their second year, rotating through settings related to their academic studies; and two 12-week placements at the end of their program to gain real-world experience. Students can choose to focus on areas like physical disabilities, pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, or other specialties. Their placements might be in clinics, clients' homes, or community organizations—anywhere OTs practice.
As the Division of Occupational Therapy celebrates 65 years, Becky is excited about its progress and future. She explains that the division has been evolving to better meet student needs. “No one wants to be stagnant. We’re adapting as quickly as possible to meet the needs of our students as the world changes.”
Becky also notes the growing diversity among students. Many are working professionals, parents, first-generation students, or individuals with disabilities. "OTs need a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to be good clinicians," she says. In addition to welcoming diverse students, and the diversity of experience and viewpoints they bring, the division’s emphasis on leadership and advocacy prepares students to advocate for their patients, for the profession, and for the future of healthcare.
If Becky’s students carry even a small spark of her energy and passion, one thing is certain: in the coming decades, OT will no longer be healthcare’s best-kept secret.