Courtney S. Jarrard, OTR/L, CIMT, embodies the full-circle journey possible through the Division of Occupational Therapy at MUSC. Since earning her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from MUSC, Courtney has built a career specializing in pediatric OT, with a focus on motor development and care for preterm infants. Today, as Fieldwork Coordinator at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH), she plays a pivotal role in mentoring and training the next generation of occupational therapists.
You’ve truly come full circle—from MUSC student to clinician and now Fieldwork Coordinator. Can you share more about your journey and what drew you back to MUSC in this role?
I began working at MUSC in 2003 after graduating from MUSC’s master’s program. Initially, I split my time between pediatric outpatient and inpatient therapy while also working with the Association for the Blind, providing in-home modifications for visually impaired adults. After a few years, I realized that to truly excel, I needed to focus on one patient population. I found my passion in pediatrics. I became dedicated to studying motor development and preterm infant behaviors, particularly in the areas of self-regulation and feeding.
During this time, I had the opportunity to speak at several conferences, which sparked my interest in teaching. While I enjoyed presenting, I discovered that one-on-one teaching was a better fit for my strengths. I especially love working with students and witnessing the “lightbulb moment” when classroom learning clicks in a real-world setting. It just seemed natural to take the position as fieldwork coordinator when it was offered to me over 10 years ago.
Looking back on your time as an OT student at MUSC, what shaped your professional path?
I’ve been fortunate to gain a wide range of experiences both prior to and during my time as an OT student at MUSC. My passion for the field was first sparked while working as a therapy tech at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where I saw firsthand the profound impact a multidisciplinary team can have on patients. It was during that time I knew occupational therapy was the right path for me.
At MUSC, I had the privilege of working under Dr. Maralynne Mitcham, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, as a student assistant. Her mentorship provided invaluable insight into all aspects of OT while also reminding me to find joy in the work. Exceptional faculty guided me, shaping my development as a student and continuing to influence my professional journey more than 20 years later.
What qualities set MUSC students apart in fieldwork rotations?
MUSC students consistently demonstrate professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. I have been continually impressed by the caliber of students at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Their drive to excel and commitment to becoming outstanding OTs speak volumes about the strength of MUSC’s OTD program and faculty.
How does MUSC’s collaboration with Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH) enhance learning?
The MUSC OTD program and SJCH have a strong partnership focused on creating real-world learning opportunities. Together, we go beyond traditional fieldwork with Capstone experiences, shadowing, and guided facility tours. We are also working toward more structured collaboration that integrates classroom learning with hospital-based experiences, further enhancing the educational journey for future occupational therapists.
What advice would you give to prospective OTD students?
A key component of the MUSC OTD program is its affiliation with an on-site teaching hospital. It is essential for students to take full advantage of experiences beyond the classroom. This includes joining student organizations—not only related to OT but also interprofessional groups and opportunities like CARES Clinic. Engaging with peers across disciplines fosters valuable connections for future professional collaboration.
The location of MUSC in historic Charleston adds to the richness of the student experience. Taking time to enjoy the city’s cultural heritage, beautiful waterfront, and local beaches is an important part of maintaining balance and wellness during the demands of the graduate program.
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