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Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Success Stories
Dr. Lori Vaughn, OTD, OTR/L, BU MS & OTD Graduate
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA
After completing her Master's degree at Boston University Sargent College (BU), Dr. Vaughn knew that she wanted to continue her education at BU. She had nothing but positive experiences there and placed tremendous value on receiving a high quality education from the leaders in her profession – the very things BU prides itself on.
Dr. Vaughn is a Boston University distance education post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) graduate. She originally spent a considerable amount of time debating between a PhD program and BU’s OTD, but after speaking with the people at the college as well as her colleagues and friends, it became clear that the OTD was the best program for her. As an assistant professor who loves the atmosphere of the classroom, she realized she would not enjoy the research-based approach of a PhD program as much as the OTD's more student-centered environment. As Dr. Vaughn says, "I went in with no real teaching experience and I lacked the confidence to thrive in that situation. I was hoping to gain self-confidence when I started the program and learn a little bit more about myself and what it means to teach and even be a future Doctor of Occupational Therapy."
Dr. Vaughn particularly liked the small class size of the OTD program. Her small group, or cohort, included less than 15 other students. She feels strongly that the intimate learning environment contributed to the creation of the helpful, collaborative learning community. Dr. Vaughn made some incredible contacts and life-long friends in her online OTD program, not only among her peers, but with her professors and academic mentors. She took advantage of the many networking opportunities available to BU distance education students and says of her peer partner, Scott: "We pushed each other farther along using what we've developed through the program." They have also joined a few academic associations together and serve as a great new support system for one another.
Dr. Vaughn is thrilled that she chose Boston University's OTD. It was just what she needed at that pivotal point in her life and she will always remain connected to Sargent College. "It's been an honor and a privilege."
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