How can a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy Degree jumpstart your career?

University of Cincinnati Online Alumna, Kandace Rubin, completed her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy and succeeded in her dream career.

Kandace was working at her local intermediate school district when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Because her school district migrated to a virtual learning platform, she no longer had to commute to and from work, leaving her with some extra time. With this newfound time, Kandace decided to go back to school! While Kandace had many options when choosing schools and programs, she decided that UC Online was the best choice after doing some research.

Why UC and why online?

When choosing a college, something important to Kandace was having an advisor who would help her succeed and stay connected with her throughout the whole experience. “I had looked into a couple of different colleges, but UC’s advisory department seemed like the best fit. Throughout my time in the program, they made me feel comfortable, answered my questions, and stayed connected with me throughout the process.”

When deciding between on-campus or online, the online format worked best for Kandace because it allowed her to keep her full-time job and remain in her home state of Michigan.

How was the online experience?

When asked to describe her online experience, Kandace had positive things to say. “Online has its challenges. For example, you can’t just ask questions during a lecture or go up to the professor after class. Most of my classes consisted of pre-recorded videos and lectures, so if I had a question, I would have to email my professors and wait for a reply. Luckily, I had some great professors who would always get back to me and were extremely helpful.”

Kandace had previously earned her Associate of Applied Sciences, Occupational Therapy Assistant in an on-campus program, so she went into her first online experience with an open mind. Expanding upon her prior knowledge by earning a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy was a natural next step in her educational career.

How has earning your Bachelor’s in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy degree affected your career?

After earning her degree, Kandace continued her career on the Early On team at the intermediate school district, where she worked while earning her degree. “Working with kids with special needs has always been my dream career. It is the reason I pursued occupational therapy in the first place. I also do PRN work at a local rehab center when it fits into my schedule.”

Overall, Kandace is thrilled with her choice to go back and further her education. “Getting my bachelor’s degree was more of a personal choice for me because I needed to prove to myself that I could do it. Now, I am complete. While I’m still working in the same position that I was before finishing my degree, having my bachelor’s helped me secure a salary increase and when I eventually go back into the medical field as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), having my bachelor’s degree will help me stand out against my peers who do not.”

Are you interested in learning more?

UC Online’s BS in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to advance your career both in and out of the occupational therapy field. If you think this could be the right program for you, check out our program page and apply today.