UTHSC Occupational Therapy Program

01/14/2026

Meet our Faculty! April Hilsdon is an Instructor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Department of Occupational Therapy. April was the first in her family to pursue higher education, and she earned her master's degree in occupational therapy from UTHSC in 2008. She brings over seventeen years of diverse clinical experience to her Department of Occupational Therapy roles. Her specialty is in adult rehabilitation with a focus on brain injury and stroke recovery across various settings, from outpatient to home health. She has a strong commitment to occupational therapy that extends to nurturing the development of future professionals by enhancing her students' educational journey. Her approach emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and practical skills essential for success in occupational therapy.

01/12/2026

What makes UTHSC special? Our community. Dedicated professors, driven students, and engaged partners. Our community shows up for each other every day.

If that sounds like a place where you would thrive, apply today. Spots are still available!

01/06/2026

Meet Mary! Let’s hear what inspired her to make a difference in the lives of others.

01/02/2026

Meet Macey! She’s sharing why UTHSC was the right choice for her and her goals for the future.

12/31/2025

Meet Samaria! She’s sharing what makes her unique and what sparked her interest in occupational therapy at UTHSC.

12/28/2025

Here is another student profile of University of Tennessee Health Science Center Occupational Therapy student, Noah Lee!

OT Student Profile 1

12/14/2025

We’re proud to celebrate three of our OT students, Randi Latham, Tierany Powell, & Samaria Sims, who were nominated for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center UTHSC College of Health Professions Student Impact and Advocacy Leadership Award. Congratulations to Randi for receiving the award, and to Tierany and Samaria on their well-deserved nominations!!!

12/12/2025

Check out this wonderful student profile of University of Tennessee Health Science Center Occupational Therapy student, Samaria Sims and get a glimpse into her journey and what makes our OT program so special!!!

OT Student Profile 4

11/20/2025

Occupational therapy and nursing students collaborated to mobilize simulated patients who were connected to multiple lines and tubes!

11/16/2025

Dr. Lewis-Kipkulei presented her research at the American Occupational Therapy Association - AOTA Educational Summit in Salt Lake City this past week.

11/11/2025

Check out the UTHSC Student Occupational Therapy Association's Christmas tree that our students set up at the Pink Palace for the Enchanted Forest! Great job promoting OT and helping raise funds to benefit LeBonheur!

11/07/2025

OT students enjoyed learning from Superior Van and Mobility, and our very own alum, Nikki Simmons with Driving Independence, about the process of "Making Mobility Possible."