Latest news with #WestCoastUniversity
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
West Coast University's Occupational Therapy Programs
Supplied by an entity that has paid the news provider for its placement; not impartial journalism. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. West Coast University's (WCU) occupational therapy programs provide students with a hands-on, immersive approach to learning occupational therapy. With two unique programs, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs, WCU helps equip students with comprehensive education that prioritizes both clinical skills and professional development. WCU's dynamic curriculum emphasizes client-centered care, problem-solving skills and current best practices essential for adapting to the complex needs of today's patients. This commitment to developing both the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for successful patient outcomes sets WCU apart, helping graduates enter the workforce as skilled therapists and advocates for their clients' well-being. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at WCU offers a focused, flexible and supportive learning environment designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in occupational therapy. The program's accelerated 24-month format allows graduates to enter the occupational therapy field sooner. West Coast University also offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant-to-MSOT Pathway, providing a direct route to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. With no bachelor's degree required, this pathway enables students to complete their master's in as little as two years. It allows them to build on their existing experience as an OTA, while gaining the advanced skills needed to practice autonomously. In contrast to the master's program, the 32-month Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at WCU goes beyond foundational skills to offer doctoral-level coursework focused on advanced practice skills, innovation and leadership. The OTD program culminates in a Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE), completed in the final two trimesters. The DCE allows students to dive deep into a specialized area of practice, such as clinical skills, administration, program development, research, or advocacy. Both the MSOT and OTD programs include one to two days per week of online synchronous learning for direct engagement with faculty and classmates. OT students learn in technologically advanced facilities designed for experiential learning where they can master their skills in a controlled environment–building confidence in the process. This hands-on training is a cornerstone of WCU's approach, preparing students with real-world skills before they even begin their fieldwork placements. Faculty at WCU bring a wide range of expertise in occupational therapy, creating a rich learning environment that both challenges and supports students. Their approach is centered on a partnership that prioritizes each student's strengths, helping them thrive. This supportive atmosphere was exactly what drew WCU MSOT alumna Briana L. to WCU's occupational therapy program. As a naturally creative person, Briana was captivated by WCU's curriculum, which blends creativity with evidence-based science. Her journey into occupational therapy was inspired by her son's autism diagnosis, sparking a desire to gain the skills to help him and others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Reflecting on her time in the program, Briana shared, "Going through a full-time master's program with two little kids was a challenge, to say the least, but one I would do over again a million times to be here today." Read Briana's full story. In addition to being fully supported academically, the Career Services Department at WCU helps support students in their careers by providing job placement assistance, one-on-one career counseling, support in developing resumes, interview skills, and job search strategies. WCU's occupational therapy graduates enter the workforce ready to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and to advance the field with innovative, compassionate care. Ready to take the next step? Learn how WCU's programs can help you build a thriving career in occupational therapy. Schedule an information session today! WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee opinion is the individual's sole opinion and not necessarily representative of that of the school, any instructor or any other student. This article has been paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed are not those of Newsweek and are not an endorsement of the products, services or persons mentioned.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
West Coast University's Hybrid PharmD Program
Supplied by an entity that has paid the news provider for its placement; not impartial journalism. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. West Coast University's hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is designed to meet the needs of modern students while addressing the demands of the rapidly changing pharmacy profession. What sets WCU apart? It starts with an accelerated hybrid curriculum—one of the first of its kind in the nation. Unlike traditional programs that can take up to four years, WCU's PharmD program condenses the journey into 33 months, allowing students to make an impact on patient care sooner. This streamlined approach blends the flexibility of online learning with essential, hands-on clinical practice. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Center for Graduate Studies offers students access to powerful, science-backed learning tools. The campus is equipped with interactive learning environments and immersive technology designed for experiential learning. Each trimester, students spend one intensive week on the CGS campus, honing their clinical skills in an environment that mirrors real-world settings. Here, students don't just learn pharmacy—they experience it. One of the standout features of WCU's PharmD program is its use of a virtual pharmacy. This immersive tool allows students to practice medication dispensing, patient counseling and even pharmacy operations in a highly realistic setting. By the time they step into a live pharmacy environment, WCU students have learned the skills to be confident, experienced and prepared to excel. To further bolster their preparedness, PharmD students benefit from comprehensive study resources and one-on-one exam preparation throughout their program, helping them feel confident as they sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). But the WCU PharmD experience is much deeper than just academics. Students are actively involved in community outreach, participating in wellness fairs, immunization clinics and other patient-centered health care events. These real-world opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge while making an impact on the community. The sense of fulfillment students gain from these experiences is invaluable as they build a connection with the community they serve. From easily accessible faculty to dedicated support services, WCU provides students with access to everything they need to succeed, both academically and professionally. Whether it's one-on-one mentoring or career guidance, WCU supports students at every step of their journey. Take it from Janna M., a current PharmD student: "The combination of an accelerated timeline and the flexibility of hybrid learning has been a game-changer for me. I get the support I need, and I'm on track to achieve my dream of becoming a pharmacist faster than I ever thought possible." Read all about Janna's inspiring story here. Graduates of WCU's hybrid PharmD program are not just prepared to enter the workforce—they're poised to lead it. Choosing to enroll in this accelerated doctoral program, which can be completed nearly a year sooner than traditional programs, reflects the seriousness with which WCU pharmacy students approach their careers and their readiness to take on leadership roles. Whether working in a hospital, a community pharmacy or a research facility, WCU's hybrid PharmD program helps empower students to make a difference. Join a community of passionate learners and dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of pharmacy. Ready to take the next step? Learn how joining an accelerated program can help you achieve your career goals sooner. Schedule an information session today! WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The opinion is the individual's sole opinion and not necessarily representative of that of the school, any instructor or any other student. This article has been paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed are not those of Newsweek and are not an endorsement of the products, services or persons mentioned.
